Laws compelling clergy to report information on crimes obtained in confession threaten freedom of religion and do not serve any useful purpose.
Catholic Church
The Two Holinesses: The Dalai Lama, Pope Leo, and China
Two different spiritual leaders share a passion for freedom of religion or belief and a common problem: the Chinese persecution of believers.
Who Is Afraid of Catholic Saints? A Strange Campaign Against Carlo Acutis
The Italian teenager is set to be canonized in September. Progressive Catholics and secular journalists are opposing the canonization. Why?
“Otto per Mille”: The Catholic Church vs the Italian Government on Religious Tax
Is the successful Italian system of financial support for religions really under attack?
Washington State vs The Seal of Confession: A Test for Religious Liberty in the US
A new state law assaults the secrecy of confession, which is non-negotiable for the Catholic Church. The Trump administration is expected to react.
Pope Leo XIV, Father Dowling, and China
Like the literary character of a priest-detective from Chicago created by Ralph McInerny, the American Pope may hold a few surprises.
China’s Shadow Over the Conclave: Two Bishops Appointed Without Vatican’s Approval
During the “sede vacante,” no new bishop can be designated in the Catholic Church, as only the Pope can do it. Yet, Beijing “elected” new bishops in Shanghai and Xinxiang.
Pope Francis Dies, Chinese Catholics Mourn—The Red War Dead of Nanjing
Only two lines on the website of the Chinese Catholic Church about the Pope’s death. Instead, they celebrated the 76th anniversary of the Communist victory in Nanjing.
United by Difference: Pope Francis and Dr. Hong Tao-Tze. A Personal Memoir
On May 15, 2024, the Grand Master of Tai Ji Men met the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in St. Peter’s—a last and lasting moment.
Pope Francis and China: A Difficult Legacy
The Pope proclaimed admirable principles that are antithetical to Xi Jinping’s thought. However, his diplomatic efforts with China did not yield the results he had hoped for.