Articles by AC Wimmer
German bishops praise constitution on 75th anniversary of post-Nazi era
May 24, 2024 / 15:34 pmGerman bishops have lauded their country’s constitution as a beacon of freedom as the nation commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Grundgesetz, or Basic Law.
Australian Mass attendance dropped during pandemic restrictions, but young adults show up
May 24, 2024 / 13:32 pmA new report by the Church in Australia shows a drop in Mass attendance in 2021 while also highlighting an unexpected increase in young adult participation.
German priests do not support Synodal Way, new study finds
May 21, 2024 / 12:56 pmThe study, officially titled “Who Becomes a Priest?”, found that priests are “alienated from the concerns of Church reform,” lead author Matthias Sellmann said May 17.
Cardinal Hollerich urges caution, dialogue on women’s ordination
May 20, 2024 / 14:44 pmThe cardinal said the prohibition against ordaining women was “not an infallible doctrinal decision” and could be changed over time with arguments.
Vatican overturns own decision on seminary dean
May 17, 2024 / 10:13 amThe Vatican now approved the appointment of Father Martin M. Lintner, OSM, as a new dean at a seminary in Northern Italy almost one year after first blocking it.
Slovak bishops call for peace after assassination attempt on prime minister
May 16, 2024 / 13:24 pmFollowing the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday, Slovakian bishops have called for peace and unity.
Australian archbishop faces criticism over pastoral letter on human dignity
May 14, 2024 / 15:22 pmArchbishop Julian Porteous of Hobart in Australia released the four-page document titled “We are Salt to the Earth” on May 2.
Germany now a ‘mission country,’ Bishop Bätzing says amid declining Catholic numbers
May 14, 2024 / 09:32 amThe president of the German Bishops’ Conference has called Germany — a nation whose history is entangled with the Catholic Church — a “mission country.”
Brussels archbishop apologizes amid priest election scandal
May 10, 2024 / 10:45 amArchbishop Luc Terlinden apologized to abuse survivors for the inclusion of reportedly three perpetrators of abuse on an advisory council.
Pope Benedict’s pectoral cross still missing as thief faces prison sentence
May 8, 2024 / 11:07 amAddressing the court, the defendant said he knew that he did not appear credible but promised that the cross “would come back to Traunstein.”
From Australia to the Vatican: ‘Aboriginal Mass’ seeks official recognition
May 8, 2024 / 10:22 amThe liturgy has been celebrated for over 50 years in the Diocese of Broome, where some 13,000 Catholics live in nine parishes across an area about the size of Texas.
Game, set, God: French athlete trades championship title for abbey life
Apr 30, 2024 / 11:45 amLudovic Duée, captain of the Saint-Nazaire volleyball team and recently crowned French champion, shared a deeply personal decision with local media.
Four German bishops resist push to install permanent ‘Synodal Council’
Apr 26, 2024 / 13:57 pmThe four bishops, including Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, instead appealed for unity with the universal Church.
Australian archbishop, religious leaders urge calm after violent attack on Sydney bishop
Apr 16, 2024 / 11:30 am“I urge the faithful to not respond to these events with fear, avoiding places of worship because they are worried about further attacks,” Archbishop Anthony Fisher said.
Australian police arrest male suspect following stabbing attack at Sydney church
Apr 15, 2024 / 07:30 amIn a first statement, New South Wales police urged the community to avoid the area, saying several people were stabbed, suffering “non-life threatening injuries.”
Pope Francis expresses sorrow as Sydney knife attack shocks Australia
Apr 13, 2024 / 12:14 pm“Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the violent attack in Sydney, and he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected,” the message said.
Germany thwarts terror plot: Teenage suspects reportedly planned attacks on churches
Apr 12, 2024 / 14:00 pmThe Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office revealed that the suspects, between 15 and 16 years old, were apprehended over the Easter weekend.
From papal secretary to nuncio? Report of a diplomatic role for Gänswein unconfirmed
Apr 12, 2024 / 10:25 amWhile speculation is again running rife on social media about Archbishop Georg Gänswein’s next role, neither he nor the Vatican have confirmed a nuncio posting.
Report: Society of St. Pius X priest admits to years of sexual misconduct with minors
Apr 11, 2024 / 06:45 am“I ask for forgiveness from the victims and deeply regret everything I have done,” the priest said.
Catholic Church highlights concerns regarding Germany’s cannabis legalization
Apr 2, 2024 / 11:15 amGermany legalized the recreational use of cannabis on Monday, April 1, but the debate over the contentious legislation is far from over.