Pope appears in video encouraging vaccination (The New York Times) Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is “an act of love,” Pope Francis says in a public service ad that will start circulating online and on television…
Czech bishop dies in California (CNS) A native of Czechoslovakia who fled persecution by that country’s communist regime and served in Minnesota for nearly 30 years before being appointed a bishop in the Czech Republic died Aug. 10 in California. Retired Bishop Peter Esterka was 85…
Report: Cardinal Burke’s condition has “deteriorated” (CNA) The condition of Raymond Cardinal Burke, who was recently hospitalized with Covid-19, has reportedly deteriorated. A source who has spoken to someone close to the cardinal told CNA his condition has deteriorated, and the next 48 hours are crucial…
German health minister criticizes Vatican stance on gay couples (AP) Germany’s health minister has criticized the Roman Catholic Church for its refusal to bless same-sex unions but says his religious faith remains strong. Health Minister Jens Spahn, 40, married his husband, Daniel Funke, also 40, in 2017. Spahn described his relationship with the church as difficult at times, German news agency dpa reported Wednesday…
40,000 in Poland make pilgrimage to Częstochowa (CNA) Nearly 40,000 Catholic pilgrims journeyed on foot, by bicycle, and on horseback to arrive at the Marian shrine of Jasna Góra in Częstochowa, Poland this summer. The traditional walking pilgrimage to venerate an icon of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa housed in the shrine dates back to the 17th century…
