The German Pope recognized that there were two different notions of freedom of religion, and only the “American” one was compatible with Catholicism.
Catholic Church
Benedict XVI and Religious Liberty. 2. “Reform in the Continuity”
The German Pope never claimed that between the old and the new Catholic teachings on religious liberty there was perfect continuity. But he said the reform was not a “rupture.”
Benedict XVI’s “Non-Negotiable Principles” for a Dialogue with China
Did Pope Francis radically change his predecessor’s position on how to deal with the Chinese Communist Party?
Benedict XVI and Religious Liberty. 1. Ratzinger and Lefebvre
It was in dealing with Archbishop Lefebvre’s refusal of the Second Vatican Council that Cardinal Ratzinger started reflecting in depth on the foundation of religious liberty.
California and Confession. 2. A Landmark Case, Reutkemeier v. Nolte
In 1917, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a confession can be rendered to a committee of four and still be protected by the confessional privilege.
Vatican: China Breached the Agreement—But We Will Continue with It
The Pope’s silence on the case of Cardinal Zen did not persuade Beijing to accept the Vatican’s request not to proceed with a ceremony that violated the 2018 deal.
Our Lady of Naju: Catholic New Religious Movement Followers Harassed in Hong Kong
In South Korea, the leader of the movement has been excommunicated by the Catholic Church. In Hong Kong, it becomes a problem of police.
Libya: Christian Sentenced to Death for Apostasy
It is unclear whether the anti-apostasy statute is still in force. To be on the safer side, judges enforce it anyway.
Godparents: Catholic Church Free to Decide Who Cannot Be One, Chilean Court Said
The Court of Appeal of San Miguel stated judges cannot interfere with Church decisions on these matters.
Nicaragua: Catholic Bishop “Kidnapped,” USCIRF Denounces Widespread “Persecution”
The crackdown particularly continues to target the Catholic Church, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom says in a comprehensive report.