SPIRITED THINKING SINCE 1888
Europe
EU ruling over abortion harms us all
November 25, 2021
The Catholic Herald
The birth of the Christ child is an occasion to reflect on other babies and on life in the womb that precedes birth. The most dispiriting development recently in respect of prenatal human life is the European Parliament’s vote last month, directed mainly at Poland, but having far wider implications. Andrew Tettenborn examines its implications
Catholic priest guillotined by Nazis is beatified in Poland
November 22, 2021
Luke Coppen CNA
A Catholic priest guillotined by the Nazis in 1942 was declared blessed on Saturday.  Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, presided at the beatification of Fr. Jan Macha at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Katowice, southwest Poland, on Nov. 20. Preaching at the live-streamed Mass, the Italian cardinal said: “The witness
Monuments to a shared humanity
October 22, 2021
Robert Gray
Robert Gray reviews Europe’s 100 Best Cathedrals, 
by Simon Jenkins
EU Parliament calls for legal action against Hungary over controversial LGBT law
July 08, 2021
Staff Reporter
The European Parliament on Thursday approved a resolution calling for legal action in response to a new law in Hungry banning the portrayal or promotion of homosexuality to minors under the age of 18. The new Hungarian legislation would affect the teaching of sex education in schools, by forbidding the use of materials seen as
Vatican Intervenes in Proposed ‘Anti-Homophobia’ Law in Italy
June 22, 2021
Hannah Brockhaus/CNA
Local media have called the Vatican’s action “unprecedented” in the history of the relationship between the two states.
Pope in face of demographic winter: without an improved birth rate, Italy has no future
May 14, 2021
Tommaso Pozzi
In his address for the opening of the General States of Birth, Pope Francis confronted the issue head on, noting that the Italy has long had the lowest birth rate in Europe. In 2020, Italy saw the fewest number of births since national unification in the 19th century. Although young people want to have children, the Pope said, “their dreams of life, buds of rebirth for the country, clash with a demographic winter that is still cold and dark: only half of young people believe they will be able to have two children in their lifetime.”
Spanish Bishops admit 220 cases of clerical sexual abuse since 2001
April 26, 2021
Tommaso Pozzi
The Nuncio to Spain says "no one can doubt the credibility of the Church in its statements and activities" with regard to clerical sexual abuse.
German cardinal takes further action in wake of independent abuse report
March 26, 2021
CNA Staff
Asked by reporters if he intended to resign, Woelki said: “To simply accept moral responsibility and go -- to protect the standing of the episcopate and the Church -- would be too easy and is, in my view, wrong.”
Cardinal Schönborn: Same-sex blessings “will not be denied”
March 26, 2021
Staff Reporter
A leading theologian and member of the CDF – not to mention the principal architect of John Paul II’s Catechism of the Catholic Church – Cardinal Schönborn was speaking to Vienna’s archdiocesan newspaper, Der Sonntag.
Pope Francis blesses Carlo Acutis statue for orphanage in Egypt
March 19, 2021
Courtney Mares/CNA
The pope received the family of Carlo Acutis in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace on March 18 after his general audience. Acutis’ parents, Andrea and Antonia, were present for the blessing of the statue of their recently beatified son, as were Carlo’s younger twin siblings, Francesca and Michele.
Catholics in Poland launch week of prayer for protection of life on St. Joseph’s feast day
March 19, 2021
CNA Staff
The week-long pro-life initiative, starting on March 19, is supported by Catholic bishops in dioceses across the country.
German Catholic archbishop offers to resign from office after abuse report findings
March 19, 2021
CNA Staff
Archbishop Stefan Hesse of Hamburg made his brief declaration live on YouTube March 18, saying: “I am of the firm conviction that taking responsibility is part of our duty to actively deal with this dark chapter in the best possible way and to move towards a better future for everyone, first and foremost for the victims themselves.”
Most Popular
Editor's Picks
Donate
Please Donate

Having been unable to sell in churches for well over a year due to the pandemic, we are now inviting readers to support the Herald by investing in our future. We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values.

Please join us on our 130 year mission by supporting us. We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching. For more information from our chairman on contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund, click here

Make a Donation

Donors giving £500 or more will automatically become sponsor patrons of the Herald. This includes two complimentary print/digital gift subscriptions, invitations to Patron events, pilgrimages and dinners, and 6 gift subscriptions sent to priests, seminaries, Catholic schools, religious care homes and prison and university chaplaincies. Click here for more information on becoming a Patron Sponsor. Click here for more information about contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund