The Vatican released a document today calling on bishops’ conferences around the world to implement “clear and coordinated procedures” for dealing with clergy sex abuse. Catholic News Service’s Rome correspondent Carol Glatz reports the bishops have one year to adopt the measures. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

New norms were issued today by the Holy See for Catholics who want Mass celebrated in the Tridentine rite, while Amnesty International is criticizing the Vatican on human rights. Catholic News Service’s Rome Bureau Chief John Thavis has the details.   To download Flash Player please click here   ...read more

2010 was a monumental year for the Catholic Church and for its Shepherd. We saw Pope Benedict’s five International voyages, one “insider” exclusive papal Q & A released in book form, painful abuse scandal exposés, the first Canadian male saint, an Irish apostolic visitation and martyrdoms in the Middle East. All of these are just ...read more

Fifteen thousand priests, 350 bishops and 80 cardinals joined Pope Benedict today in celebrating the closing Mass of the Year for Priests. It’s the largest concelebration ever held at the Vatican. The Holy Father did not shy away from addressing the clerical sexual abuse scandal in his homily.  He brought it up early explaining that ...read more

Toronto’s Archbishop Thomas Collins released a pastoral message regarding the issue of sexual abuse and the Church. The message was read as the homily at every Mass in all 225 Toronto parishes this weekend. The message was also recorded by Toronto’s prelate: In addition to the video, the Archdiocese of Toronto website includes a written ...read more

Given the shortage of priests in many dioceses, few Catholics would be surprised by the results of an American survey reporting that 42% of priests feel overwhelmed by their workload. “Why would someone be happy with a celibate life, little pay, long hours and a regular drubbing in the press?”, asks Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, a ...read more