Pope Francis has taken off for a visit to Canada to apologise to indigenous survivors of abuse at residential schools run mostly by the catholic church. He will address a crowd of 15,000 people there.

Pope takes off for visit to Canada to address a crowd of 15,000 people

According to reports, Pope Francis denied resignation rumours and said that resigning does not cross his mind. Francis will continue as head of Catholic church.

Pope Francis to continue as head of Catholic church

In Nigeria, a catholic church in the state of Ondo came under an attack by gunmen. At least 50 worshipers including women and children have been killed in the gruesome attack during Mass on Sunday.

Nigeria Catholic Church: 50 worshipers including women and children killed in gruesome attack during Mass

Pope Francis announced that he will elevate 21 Church officials to the rank of cardinal in a ceremony at the Vatican on August 27. The appointment aims to reflect a wide variety of cultures within the Catholic church. Two of the new appointments are from India.

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals including two from India

Thousands of Catholics in America might have to be rebaptised after the church discovered that a priest had used the wrong word in the baptismal blessing for more than two decades. This invalidates all the baptisms he performed.

In place of the Vatican-approved "I baptize you," Father Andres Arango performed the first sacrament of Catholic life with the words, "We baptise you."

"It is not the community that baptizes a person and incorporates them into the Church of Christ; rather, it is Christ, and Christ alone, who presides at all sacraments; therefore, it is Christ who baptises," Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix, said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-unmarked-indigenous-graves-found-at-yet-another-canadian-school-more-that-1300-graves-since-may-2021-453607" hreflang="en">More unmarked indigenous graves found at yet another Canadian school; 1300 graves since May 2021</a>

On Tuesday, diocese spokeswoman Katie Burke told AFP that Arango's error was identified in mid-2021, almost 25 years after he began working as a priest.

"Father Arango was using the incorrect words from the beginning of his priesthood until it was brought to the attention of the diocese last summer," she said.

"I do not have an exact number of people baptised between 1995 and 2021, but I believe they number in the thousands."

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Burke said Arango quit his job after the mistake came to light so he could dedicate his full-time ministry to helping and healing the persons affected by the mistake.

"The diocese is working closely with Father Arango and the parishes at which he was previously assigned to notify and make arrangements to baptise anyone who may have been baptised invalidly."

A website has been created to answer questions from concerned parishioners, such as, "Does this affect my marriage?" and "Do I need to go to confession?"

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesian-court-jails-islamic-school-teacher-for-raping-13-students-453608/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Catholic church views baptism as a rite of initiation that is necessary for believers to receive other blessings.&nbsp;Like other Christian denominations, it involves sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or immersing the supplicant.

Catholics believe that only those who have been baptised will be able to enter heaven after death.

Arango's mistake isn't the first; a priest in Michigan had to be re-baptised in 2020 after watching a family video, during which an officiant used "we" instead of "I."

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Catholics in America might have to be rebaptised after the church discovered that a priest had used the wrong word in the baptismal blessing for more than two decades.

Thousands of Catholics in America might have to be rebaptised after the church discovered that a priest had used the wrong word in the baptismal blessing for more than two decades. This invalidates all the baptisms he performed. In place of the Vatican-approved "I baptize you," Father Andres Arango performed the first sacrament of Catholic life with the words, "We baptise you." "It is not the community that baptizes a person and incorporates them into the Church of Christ; rather, it is Christ, and Christ alone, who presides at all sacraments; therefore, it is Christ who baptises," Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix, said. Also read | More unmarked indigenous graves found at yet another Canadian school; 1300 graves since May 2021 On Tuesday, diocese spokeswoman Katie Burke told AFP that Arango's error was identified in mid-2021, almost 25 years after he began working as a priest. "Father Arango was using the incorrect words from the beginning of his priesthood until it was brought to the attention of the diocese last summer," she said. "I do not have an exact number of people baptised between 1995 and 2021, but I believe they number in the thousands." Also read | Ukraine hit by cyberattack after some Russian troops pull back Burke said Arango quit his job after the mistake came to light so he could dedicate his full-time ministry to helping and healing the persons affected by the mistake. "The diocese is working closely with Father Arango and the parishes at which he was previously assigned to notify and make arrangements to baptise anyone who may have been baptised invalidly." A website has been created to answer questions from concerned parishioners, such as, "Does this affect my marriage?" and "Do I need to go to confession?" Watch | Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students The Catholic church views baptism as a rite of initiation that is necessary for believers to receive other blessings. Like other Christian denominations, it involves sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or immersing the supplicant. Catholics believe that only those who have been baptised will be able to enter heaven after death. Arango's mistake isn't the first; a priest in Michigan had to be re-baptised in 2020 after watching a family video, during which an officiant used "we" instead of "I." (With inputs from agencies)

No entry in heaven?: Thousands in US need to be re-baptised as priest used the wrong words for baptism

The catholic church in New Zealand has admitted allegations of sexual abuse against the clergy.

A scathing report by a group formed on the request of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, found 14 per cent of diocesan clergy has been accused of abusing children and adults since 1950.

The research was undertaken by Te Rōpū Tautoko, the group that coordinates Church engagement with the Royal Commission. It includes records of 428 Catholic parishes, 370 Catholic schools and 67 other care institutions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-report-216000-minors-abused-by-french-catholic-clergy-418486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''Church leaders are committed to ensuring transparency. Consistent with this principle, we have published this information now, as soon as the work on it has been completed,'' said Catherine Fyfe, Chair of Te Rōpū Tautoko.

''It is important to note that the extent of reports of abuse in the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has not been collated before now. The Information Gathering Project was a major exercise involving dozens of people over two years, including searching paper files dating back 70 years in hundreds of places.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-after-facing-intense-pressure-catholic-church-raises-over-22-million-for-sex-abuse-victims-447866">Also read |&nbsp;France: After facing intense pressure, Catholic Church raises over $22 million for sex abuse victims</a>

The publication of the research comes shortly before the Royal Commission is scheduled to start hearings that will investigate events at Marylands School in Christchurch.&nbsp;

Earlier, a major investigation had revealed that French clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children over the past 70 years.

“These statistics on abuse in the Catholic Church going back to 1950 are horrifying and something we are deeply ashamed of. I am grateful that so much work has been done in researching the details and making them public,'' said Cardinal John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

''As we continue to respond to the Royal Commission into Abuse and we build a safer Church for everyone, I firmly hope that facts like these will help us to face the sad reality. The Church will learn from this and affirm its commitment to the work of safeguarding.''

The commission is also looking into any abuse by the brothers at Hebron Trust, a Christchurch facility for at-risk youth operated by one of the brothers, and abuse by the brothers at Marylands against residents of the neighbouring St Joseph’s orphanage run by the Sisters of Nazareth.

(With inputs from agencies)

The catholic church in New Zealand has admitted allegations of sexual abuse against the clergy. A scathing report by a group formed on the request of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, found 14 per cent of diocesan clergy has been accused of abusing children and adults since 1950.

The catholic church in New Zealand has admitted allegations of sexual abuse against the clergy. A scathing report by a group formed on the request of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, found 14 per cent of diocesan clergy has been accused of abusing children and adults since 1950. The research was undertaken by Te Rōpū Tautoko, the group that coordinates Church engagement with the Royal Commission. It includes records of 428 Catholic parishes, 370 Catholic schools and 67 other care institutions. ''Church leaders are committed to ensuring transparency. Consistent with this principle, we have published this information now, as soon as the work on it has been completed,'' said Catherine Fyfe, Chair of Te Rōpū Tautoko. ''It is important to note that the extent of reports of abuse in the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has not been collated before now. The Information Gathering Project was a major exercise involving dozens of people over two years, including searching paper files dating back 70 years in hundreds of places.” Also read | France: After facing intense pressure, Catholic Church raises over $22 million for sex abuse victims The publication of the research comes shortly before the Royal Commission is scheduled to start hearings that will investigate events at Marylands School in Christchurch. Earlier, a major investigation had revealed that French clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children over the past 70 years. “These statistics on abuse in the Catholic Church going back to 1950 are horrifying and something we are deeply ashamed of. I am grateful that so much work has been done in researching the details and making them public,'' said Cardinal John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. ''As we continue to respond to the Royal Commission into Abuse and we build a safer Church for everyone, I firmly hope that facts like these will help us to face the sad reality. The Church will learn from this and affirm its commitment to the work of safeguarding.'' The commission is also looking into any abuse by the brothers at Hebron Trust, a Christchurch facility for at-risk youth operated by one of the brothers, and abuse by the brothers at Marylands against residents of the neighbouring St Joseph’s orphanage run by the Sisters of Nazareth. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand: Catholic church admits allegations of sexual abuse

Issuing a stark warning the head of the catholic church and sovereign of the Vatican city state has said that the earth will become un-inhabitable if there is no concrete action taken on climate change. He further asserted the complexity of the ecological crisis. Listen in to what Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis emphasises on need to act on climate change

216,000 minors were abused by the French catholic clergy in the last 70 years. The church failed to report these cases and take action against them.

French catholic clergy abused 216,000 minors, reveals new report

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. &nbsp;

The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report. &nbsp;

Due to be released on Tuesday, the report has been made after two-and-a-half years of research, which was based on court, police and church archives, and interviews with witnesses. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-social-democrats-show-signs-of-life-but-france-poses-a-roadblock-417473" hreflang="en">Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock</a>

Commission's chairman Jean-Marc Sauve, said, the research found between 2,900 and 3,200 paedophile priests or other church members. Sauve added that it was "a minimum estimate". &nbsp;

Sauve, who is also a senior French civil servant, said, the report runs into 2,500 pages. It looks to quantify both the number of offenders and victims. &nbsp;

The report looked into "the mechanisms, notably institutional and cultural ones" within the Church, which allowed paedophiles to function. It will also offer 45 proposals. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-rape-accusations-fraternities-face-protests-and-growing-anger-417471" hreflang="en">After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger</a>

In 2018, the independent commission was set up by the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF). It was formed after a number of scandals shook the Church in France and worldwide. &nbsp;

The commission constitutes 22 legal professionals, doctors, historians, sociologists and theologians. Its objective was to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by clerics since 1950s. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report.

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report. Due to be released on Tuesday, the report has been made after two-and-a-half years of research, which was based on court, police and church archives, and interviews with witnesses. Also Read: Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock Commission's chairman Jean-Marc Sauve, said, the research found between 2,900 and 3,200 paedophile priests or other church members. Sauve added that it was "a minimum estimate". Sauve, who is also a senior French civil servant, said, the report runs into 2,500 pages. It looks to quantify both the number of offenders and victims. The report looked into "the mechanisms, notably institutional and cultural ones" within the Church, which allowed paedophiles to function. It will also offer 45 proposals. Also Read: After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger In 2018, the independent commission was set up by the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF). It was formed after a number of scandals shook the Church in France and worldwide. The commission constitutes 22 legal professionals, doctors, historians, sociologists and theologians. Its objective was to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by clerics since 1950s. (With inputs from agencies)

Since 1950, 3,000 paedophiles operated in French Catholic Church, says report  

Catholic Church on Friday "unequivocally" aplogised to Canada's indigenous people for about a century of abuse at church-run residential schools which were set up by government to assimilate indigenous children into mainstream. However, indigenous leaders are still waiting for mea culpa from the pope himself.

"We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, express our profound remorse and apologize unequivocally," read a statement, in which they said they were "fully committed" to reconciliation.

The issue of abuses in church-run schools in Canada hit international headlines after discoveries of about 1200 unmarked graves at three sites where indigenous children were forced to attend the schools

In total, some 150,000 Indian, Metis and Inuit children were enrolled from the late 1800s to the 1990s in 139 of the residential schools across Canada, spending months or years isolated from the families.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-200-indigenous-children-went-missing-or-died-after-entering-a-hospital-in-quebec-411863">At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died after entering a hospital in Quebec</a>

It also comes less than a week before Canadians mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

The solemn commemoration for the thousands of indigenous children who died or went missing from the schools was set by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said in June that Canadians were "horrified and ashamed of how our country behaved."

In the statement, the bishops said they "acknowledge the suffering experienced" by indigenous students and the "grave abuses" inflicted upon them, including "physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual" mistreatment at the hands of headmasters and teachers.

"Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples," they said.

"We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day," it was said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Catholic Church on Friday "unequivocally" aplogised to Canada's indigenous people for about a century of abuse at church-run residential schools which were set up by government to assimilate indigenous children into mainstream.

Catholic Church on Friday "unequivocally" aplogised to Canada's indigenous people for about a century of abuse at church-run residential schools which were set up by government to assimilate indigenous children into mainstream. However, indigenous leaders are still waiting for mea culpa from the pope himself. "We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, express our profound remorse and apologize unequivocally," read a statement, in which they said they were "fully committed" to reconciliation. The issue of abuses in church-run schools in Canada hit international headlines after discoveries of about 1200 unmarked graves at three sites where indigenous children were forced to attend the schools In total, some 150,000 Indian, Metis and Inuit children were enrolled from the late 1800s to the 1990s in 139 of the residential schools across Canada, spending months or years isolated from the families. Also Read | At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died after entering a hospital in Quebec It also comes less than a week before Canadians mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. The solemn commemoration for the thousands of indigenous children who died or went missing from the schools was set by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said in June that Canadians were "horrified and ashamed of how our country behaved." In the statement, the bishops said they "acknowledge the suffering experienced" by indigenous students and the "grave abuses" inflicted upon them, including "physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual" mistreatment at the hands of headmasters and teachers. "Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples," they said. "We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day," it was said. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Catholic Church apologises 'unequivocally' for indigenous people abuse in schools

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, he has asked the pope to come to Canada to apologise for the Catholic Church's role in running residential schools for indigenous children.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants pope to apologise

Pope Francis has issued the most sweeping revision to Catholic church law in decades. Toughening regulations for clerics who abuse minors and vulnerable adults. The Pope has revised church law to explicitly criminalise the sexual abuse of adults by priests who abuse their authority.

Pope Francis revises Catholic church law, expands rules on sexual abuse

The Catholic Church has faced sharp criticism over the years for not doing enough to protect kids under its purview from abuse.&nbsp;But on Tuesday, Pope Francis changed the tone of action by updating the Catholic Church’s criminal code. Now, priests who sexually abuse minors will face penalties.

This move marked the most heavy revision to the Code of Canon Law in almost 40 years, following a long process. Activists had been pressing for an urgent need to change abuse laws within the Church to protect kids. Recent complaints by victims of sexual abuse have also pushed the church to take stern measures.&nbsp;

In the opening written remarks announcing the change, the Pope highlighted the&nbsp;"restoration of justice, the reform of the offender, and the repair of scandal”.

In a press conference, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts’s President said that the chances are intended to “reaffirm the seriousness of this crime and the attention to be paid to the victims”, AFP reported.

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Instead of referring to sexual abuse against minors as pedophilia, the revision refers to the offences as dismissive of the sixth commandment, wherein adultery is prohibited.

Now, the offences will be grouped under a new heading "Offenses against human life, dignity and liberty”. Earlier, sexual crimes against minors were flagged under “delicts against special obligations."&nbsp; A priest engaging in pedophilia will be stripped of his office and potentially face “other just penalties” if he "commits an offence against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue with a minor”.

The changes will take effect in December. Pope Francis said that the revision intends to rewrite the ideals of justice and mercy, which have been "misinterpreted". In addition, he said&nbsp;that the revision would limit the dependence on discretion of judges while dealing with such crimes.

Pope Francis took charge in 2013 and has undertaken several measures to counter the sexual abuse which was plagued the church for decades.&nbsp;In 2019, Pope Francis called a summit on clerical sex abuse while lifting rules of secrecy which critics thought used to hinder investigations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-facilitates-vatican-prosecutions-for-cardinals-bishops-381714" hreflang="en">Pope facilitates Vatican prosecutions for cardinals, bishops</a>

The Catholic Church has faced sharp criticism over the years for not doing enough to protect kids under its purview from abuse. But on Tuesday, Pope Francis changed the tone of action by updating the Catholic Church’s criminal code.

The Catholic Church has faced sharp criticism over the years for not doing enough to protect kids under its purview from abuse. But on Tuesday, Pope Francis changed the tone of action by updating the Catholic Church’s criminal code. Now, priests who sexually abuse minors will face penalties. This move marked the most heavy revision to the Code of Canon Law in almost 40 years, following a long process. Activists had been pressing for an urgent need to change abuse laws within the Church to protect kids. Recent complaints by victims of sexual abuse have also pushed the church to take stern measures. In the opening written remarks announcing the change, the Pope highlighted the "restoration of justice, the reform of the offender, and the repair of scandal”. In a press conference, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts’s President said that the chances are intended to “reaffirm the seriousness of this crime and the attention to be paid to the victims”, AFP reported. Also read: Pope Francis backs waivers on intellectual property rights for vaccines Instead of referring to sexual abuse against minors as pedophilia, the revision refers to the offences as dismissive of the sixth commandment, wherein adultery is prohibited. Now, the offences will be grouped under a new heading "Offenses against human life, dignity and liberty”. Earlier, sexual crimes against minors were flagged under “delicts against special obligations." A priest engaging in pedophilia will be stripped of his office and potentially face “other just penalties” if he "commits an offence against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue with a minor”. The changes will take effect in December. Pope Francis said that the revision intends to rewrite the ideals of justice and mercy, which have been "misinterpreted". In addition, he said that the revision would limit the dependence on discretion of judges while dealing with such crimes. Pope Francis took charge in 2013 and has undertaken several measures to counter the sexual abuse which was plagued the church for decades. In 2019, Pope Francis called a summit on clerical sex abuse while lifting rules of secrecy which critics thought used to hinder investigations. Also read: Pope facilitates Vatican prosecutions for cardinals, bishops

Pope Francis updates Catholic Church's criminal code to fight pedophilia

Sri Lanka's Catholic church will observe a two-minute silence on Wednesday morning to mark the second anniversary of the deadly Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians.&nbsp;

Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, has requested people to observe a two-minute silence at 8.45 am on Wednesday in memory of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.&nbsp;

Nine suicide bombers belonging to local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing 258 people, including 11 Indians.&nbsp;

Cardinal Ranjith said that two main memorial services would be held at the St Anthony's Church in Colombo and the St Sebastian's Church in Negombo, the two of the three churches devastated by the suicide attacks two years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinal Ranjith, who will be presiding the memorial service at the St Anthony's Church, said that it was at 8.45 am on April 21, 2019 when the first suicide bomber targeted a church.&nbsp;

The police said there will be a special security cover to all churches throughout the island nation.&nbsp;

"All provincial police stations have been directed to provide appropriate security tomorrow during the memorial events," police spokesman senior deputy inspector general Ajith Rohana said.&nbsp;

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) has also called upon all Sri Lankans to support and join the call of the Archbishop of Colombo in observing the two-minute silence.&nbsp;

"We also call upon Muslims to make supplications for these victims in this holy month of Ramadan," said the MCSL statement issued by Vice President Hilmy Ahamed.&nbsp;

It also urged the Government to hasten a thorough investigation on the Easter Sunday attacks and bring the real perpetrators to justice without relying on anecdotal evidence.&nbsp;

"The Muslim community condemns the suicide bombers as Islam totally forbids killing of innocents even during a war; hence the Muslim community denied an Islamic funeral for the suicide bombers,” the statement added.&nbsp;

The MCSL said the Muslim community has been targeted by some in a hate campaign for the carnage of a few, who called themselves Muslims.&nbsp;

Cardinal Ranjith has vowed to take drastic action if the real culprits were not dealt with by the second anniversary of the attacks on April 21.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Catholic church will observe a two-minute silence on Wednesday morning to mark the second anniversary of the deadly Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians.

Sri Lanka's Catholic church will observe a two-minute silence on Wednesday morning to mark the second anniversary of the deadly Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, has requested people to observe a two-minute silence at 8.45 am on Wednesday in memory of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. Nine suicide bombers belonging to local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing 258 people, including 11 Indians. Cardinal Ranjith said that two main memorial services would be held at the St Anthony's Church in Colombo and the St Sebastian's Church in Negombo, the two of the three churches devastated by the suicide attacks two years ago. Cardinal Ranjith, who will be presiding the memorial service at the St Anthony's Church, said that it was at 8.45 am on April 21, 2019 when the first suicide bomber targeted a church. The police said there will be a special security cover to all churches throughout the island nation. "All provincial police stations have been directed to provide appropriate security tomorrow during the memorial events," police spokesman senior deputy inspector general Ajith Rohana said. The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) has also called upon all Sri Lankans to support and join the call of the Archbishop of Colombo in observing the two-minute silence. "We also call upon Muslims to make supplications for these victims in this holy month of Ramadan," said the MCSL statement issued by Vice President Hilmy Ahamed. It also urged the Government to hasten a thorough investigation on the Easter Sunday attacks and bring the real perpetrators to justice without relying on anecdotal evidence. "The Muslim community condemns the suicide bombers as Islam totally forbids killing of innocents even during a war; hence the Muslim community denied an Islamic funeral for the suicide bombers,” the statement added. The MCSL said the Muslim community has been targeted by some in a hate campaign for the carnage of a few, who called themselves Muslims. Cardinal Ranjith has vowed to take drastic action if the real culprits were not dealt with by the second anniversary of the attacks on April 21.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church to observe two-minute silence on Easter attacks’ second anniversary  

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country.

“Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said.

The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-setback-for-gay-catholics-vatican-says-church-cannot-bless-same-sex-unions-370686" hreflang="en">In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions</a>

“Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said.

It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/in-another-archaeological-discovery-ancient-churches-rooms-found-in-egypt-370443" hreflang="en">In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt</a>

The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions.

The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country. “Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said. The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims. Also read: In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions “Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said. It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history. Also read: In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions. The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse

A German law firm has published an independent report on the handling of sex abuse cases by the Catholic Chruch. The report covers Germany's most powerful Catholic diocese of Cologne.

Law firm publishes independent report on Germany's most powerful diocese

Despite being hailed as a reformist Pope, Pope Francis signed off on a Vatican decree that bars priests from blessing same-sex unions. The decree described homosexuality as a sin that cannot be blessed by God. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the Vatican's aversion to reform.

Gravitas: The Vatican shuts the door on same-sex unions

The Vatican decree, issued by Pope Francis, says that the Catholic church 'cannot bless same-sex unions.' The Vatican statement also calls homosexuality a 'sin' & a 'choice.' Molly Gambhir gets you the details.

Vatican forbids blessings to same-sex marriages

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are "not licit" if carried out.

The ruling was a response to practices in some countries, such as the United States and Germany, where parishes and ministers have begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and calls for bishops to defacto institutionalise these.

In response to formal questions from a number of dioceses on whether this practice was allowed, the&nbsp;Vatican's doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued the ruling: "Negative".

Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was "not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite".

It said such blessings were not permissible even though they were "motivated by a sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons" and help them grow in the faith. The Roman Catholic Church has 1.3 billion members.

The CDF note said that since marriage between a man and a woman was a sacrament and blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage, they could not be extended to same-sex couples.

"For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex," it said.

At least two German bishops, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, who is one of the pope's top advisors, have expressed support for some kind of "pastoral" blessing for same-sex unions.

But the CDF note approved by the pope ruled this out.

"The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which are in themselves to be valued and appreciated, cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing, since the positive elements exist within the context of a union not ordered to the Creator’s plan," the note said.

The Church teaches that gay tendencies are not sinful but gay acts are and that gay people must be treated with respect.

Last year, the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;had to move to clarify comment attributed to Pope Francis on civil union laws in a documentary, saying they were taken out of context and did not signal a change in Church doctrine on gay people or support for same-sex marriage.

The comments attributed to the pope in the film alarmed conservatives.

Reporters later discovered that two separate quotes in response to separate questions were spliced to appear as one, deleting the intervening context and questions.

The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are "not licit" if carried out.

The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are "not licit" if carried out. The ruling was a response to practices in some countries, such as the United States and Germany, where parishes and ministers have begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and calls for bishops to defacto institutionalise these. In response to formal questions from a number of dioceses on whether this practice was allowed, the Vatican's doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued the ruling: "Negative". Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was "not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite". It said such blessings were not permissible even though they were "motivated by a sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons" and help them grow in the faith. The Roman Catholic Church has 1.3 billion members. The CDF note said that since marriage between a man and a woman was a sacrament and blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage, they could not be extended to same-sex couples. "For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex," it said. At least two German bishops, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, who is one of the pope's top advisors, have expressed support for some kind of "pastoral" blessing for same-sex unions. But the CDF note approved by the pope ruled this out. "The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which are in themselves to be valued and appreciated, cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing, since the positive elements exist within the context of a union not ordered to the Creator’s plan," the note said. The Church teaches that gay tendencies are not sinful but gay acts are and that gay people must be treated with respect. Last year, the Vatican had to move to clarify comment attributed to Pope Francis on civil union laws in a documentary, saying they were taken out of context and did not signal a change in Church doctrine on gay people or support for same-sex marriage. The comments attributed to the pope in the film alarmed conservatives. Reporters later discovered that two separate quotes in response to separate questions were spliced to appear as one, deleting the intervening context and questions.

In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions

Pope Francis is on a four-day visit to Iraq and during this historic visit the head of the Catholic church will be paying a visit to cities of Islamic State. People in Qaraqosh city is eagerly waiting for Pop's visit. They have also made some rare and special gifts for the Head Priest.

Pope Francis is on historic trip to Iraq

Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Church officials have declared a “Black Sunday” on March 7 to demand justice for the victims of 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

The bombings had killed more than 260 people.

Church leaders have asked their congregations to attend Mass on Sunday dressed in black. Church bells will toll at 8: 45 a.m., the time of the near-simultaneous attacks, and special prayers will be offered for justice for the victims.

Two local Muslim groups that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been blamed for the attacks at six locations — two Roman Catholic churches, one Protestant church and three top hotels.

Of those killed, 171 were attending Easter services at Catholic churches. More than 500 people were wounded in the attacks.

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said Tuesday that the church has been given part of a presidential commission's report into the coordinated suicide bomb attacks on April 21, 2019, but many questions remain.

A power struggle between the then president and prime minister which led to a communications breakdown and a resulting lapse in security coordination is said to have enabled the attacks, which occurred despite prior foreign intelligence warnings.

Ranjith said the mandate of the commission was to find the people, sources of funding and supporters behind the attacks, but such details were not in the report. He said the church expects the government to carry out a further investigation with vigour.

Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Church officials have declared a “Black Sunday” on March 7 to demand justice for the victims of 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks. The bombings had killed more than 260 people.

Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Church officials have declared a “Black Sunday” on March 7 to demand justice for the victims of 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks. The bombings had killed more than 260 people. Church leaders have asked their congregations to attend Mass on Sunday dressed in black. Church bells will toll at 8: 45 a.m., the time of the near-simultaneous attacks, and special prayers will be offered for justice for the victims. Two local Muslim groups that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been blamed for the attacks at six locations — two Roman Catholic churches, one Protestant church and three top hotels. Of those killed, 171 were attending Easter services at Catholic churches. More than 500 people were wounded in the attacks. Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said Tuesday that the church has been given part of a presidential commission's report into the coordinated suicide bomb attacks on April 21, 2019, but many questions remain. A power struggle between the then president and prime minister which led to a communications breakdown and a resulting lapse in security coordination is said to have enabled the attacks, which occurred despite prior foreign intelligence warnings. Ranjith said the mandate of the commission was to find the people, sources of funding and supporters behind the attacks, but such details were not in the report. He said the church expects the government to carry out a further investigation with vigour.

Sri Lankan Catholic Church declares Black Sunday on March 7

Pope Francic changed the Catholic Church Law. According to the new law, women will now be allowed to perform certain tasks during mass.

Pope Francis allows women to serve at mass, but cannot be Priests

Right from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, religious gatherings have led to a massive rise in coronavirus infections, due to a violation of social distancing, avoidance of masks, among other reasons.&nbsp;

However, a top Mexican cleric has learnt the pandemic's lesson and decided to close a centuries-old annual pilgrimage for the first time this year.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-installs-new-cardinals-including-first-african-american-346172">Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American</a>

Millions of devotees visit the shrine of Mexico's Virgin of Guadalupe every year for the annual pilgrimage, which is considered one of the world's biggest religious gatherings.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-pope-francis-remarks-on-persecuted-uighurs-groundless-345117">China calls Pope Francis' remarks on 'persecuted' Uighurs 'groundless'</a>

In 2019, about 11 million pilgrims arrived in Mexican capital's basilica and its neighbouring plaza for feast day on December 12, according to the official figures, which is more than Mecca's hajj.&nbsp;

Cardinal Carlos Aguiar, head of Mexico City's Catholic faithful, said the decision to close the pilgrimage was painful but unavoidable since the Covid-19 cases have intensified in Mexico City.

He said church leaders and civic officials agreed to close the pilgrimage this year.&nbsp;

"We all shared the same worry and agreed," Aguiar told news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

However, several groups are still carrying on the journey on foot holding the images of Virgin of Guadalupe. &nbsp;

These devotees are either unaware of the announcement or may have vowed to pay homage to the shrine.&nbsp;

Aguiar highlighted that the pilgrimage was never closed and is done or the "first time in five centuries".&nbsp;

With the latest announcement, 1,200 security personnel will be deployed around the recently installed perimeter fence and all the concerts and festivities will be shown online.&nbsp;

Right from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, religious gatherings have led to a massive rise in coronavirus infections, due to a violation of social distancing, avoidance of masks, among other reasons.

Right from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, religious gatherings have led to a massive rise in coronavirus infections, due to a violation of social distancing, avoidance of masks, among other reasons. However, a top Mexican cleric has learnt the pandemic's lesson and decided to close a centuries-old annual pilgrimage for the first time this year. Also read | Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American Millions of devotees visit the shrine of Mexico's Virgin of Guadalupe every year for the annual pilgrimage, which is considered one of the world's biggest religious gatherings. Also read | China calls Pope Francis' remarks on 'persecuted' Uighurs 'groundless' In 2019, about 11 million pilgrims arrived in Mexican capital's basilica and its neighbouring plaza for feast day on December 12, according to the official figures, which is more than Mecca's hajj. Cardinal Carlos Aguiar, head of Mexico City's Catholic faithful, said the decision to close the pilgrimage was painful but unavoidable since the Covid-19 cases have intensified in Mexico City. He said church leaders and civic officials agreed to close the pilgrimage this year. "We all shared the same worry and agreed," Aguiar told news agency Reuters. However, several groups are still carrying on the journey on foot holding the images of Virgin of Guadalupe. These devotees are either unaware of the announcement or may have vowed to pay homage to the shrine. Aguiar highlighted that the pilgrimage was never closed and is done or the "first time in five centuries". With the latest announcement, 1,200 security personnel will be deployed around the recently installed perimeter fence and all the concerts and festivities will be shown online.

Top Mexican cleric suspends one of world's biggest religious gatherings

Luigi Ventura, Vatican's former ambassador to France is set to go on trial for alleged sexual misconduct.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-china-renew-bishop-appointment-deal-for-two-years-337095">Also Read:&nbsp;Vatican, China renew bishop appointment deal for two years</a>

The former ambassador to France who goes on trial in Paris is accused of inappropriately touching five men.

Ventura had resigned last year after reaching 75 years of age and the Vatican moved swiftly to diplomatic immunity.

Ventura's lawyer had said that Bishop Ventura had asked for the lifting of diplomatic immunity in order to explain himself better.

According to reports, Ventura has been living in Rome since September last year.

Ventura was reported for the first time last year and four other men later came forward with the similar accusation.

In France, sexual assault carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros.

The Catholic Church has been rocked by a series of sexual assault allegation over the last decade.

Luigi Ventura, Vatican's former ambassador to France is set to go on trial for alleged sexual misconduct. Also Read: Vatican, China renew bishop appointment deal for two years The former ambassador to France who goes on trial in Paris is accused of inappropriately touching five men.

Luigi Ventura, Vatican's former ambassador to France is set to go on trial for alleged sexual misconduct. Also Read: Vatican, China renew bishop appointment deal for two years The former ambassador to France who goes on trial in Paris is accused of inappropriately touching five men. Ventura had resigned last year after reaching 75 years of age and the Vatican moved swiftly to diplomatic immunity. Ventura's lawyer had said that Bishop Ventura had asked for the lifting of diplomatic immunity in order to explain himself better. According to reports, Ventura has been living in Rome since September last year. Ventura was reported for the first time last year and four other men later came forward with the similar accusation. In France, sexual assault carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros. The Catholic Church has been rocked by a series of sexual assault allegation over the last decade.

Vatican's former France envoy Luigi Ventura on trial for sexual assault

Wilton Gregory became the first African-American cardinal which is Catholic churches highest governing body.

Pope Francis names Wilton Gregory 1st African-American cardinal

Pope Francis has publicly endorsed same-sex civil unions for the very first time. In a documentary, the head of the catholic church urged for a civil union law that would allow LGBTQ+ people to be in a family.

Pope Francis calls for civil union laws for same-sex couples

A British-born Italian teenager who dedicated his short life to spreading the faith online and helping the poor will be beatified by the Catholic Church Saturday.

That leaves him just one miracle away from becoming the world's first millennial saint.

Internet and computer-mad youngster Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, was placed on the path to sainthood after the Vatican ruled he had miraculously saved another boy's life.

The Vatican claims he interceded from heaven in 2013 to cure a Brazilian boy suffering from a rare pancreatic disease.

He will be beatified in Assisi, the home of his idol Saint Francis, who dedicated his life to the poor. Some 3,000 people are expected to follow the ceremony on giant screens set up in five squares in the central Italian city.

- 'Computer genius' -

Acutis, dubbed "the cyberapostle of the Eucharist", was born in London to Italian parents, and moved to Milan with them as a young boy.

"He was considered a computer genius... But what did he do? He didn't use these media to chat, have fun," his mother Antonia Salzano said in an interview with Vatican News.

Instead, "his zeal for the Lord" drove him to make a website on miracles, she said.

The millennial, whose body lies in state in Assisi, dressed in a tracksuit and trainers, also warned his contemporaries that the internet could be a curse as well as a blessing.

Pope Francis referred to him last year, in a warning to youngsters that social networks could foment hate.

"(Acutis) saw that many young people, wanting to be different, really end up being like everyone else, running after whatever the powerful set before them with the mechanisms of consumerism and distraction," Francis said.

"As a result, Carlo said, 'everyone is born as an original, but many people end up dying as photocopies'. Don't let that happen to you!" he said.

- Kind to the poor -

Acutis was religious from a young age, despite his mother saying his family had rarely attended church.

When he wasn't writing computer programmes or playing football, Acutis was known in his neighbourhood for his kindness to those living on society's margins.

"With his savings, he bought sleeping bags for homeless people and in the evening he brought them hot drinks," his mother said this week, according to the Catholic News Agency.

"He said it was better to have one less pair of shoes if it meant being able to do one more good work," she said.

He also volunteered at a soup kitchen in Milan. Assisi bishop Domenico Sorrentino said this month that a soup kitchen for the poor would&nbsp;be opened in Acutis's honour.

"When he died, at the funeral, the church was full of poor people. Everyone else wondered what they were doing there. Well, Carlo used to help them in secret," said Nicola Gori, who represented Acutis's beatification case.

"The family knew about it, because his mum would go with him, since he was only 15 years old. He would give them sleeping bags and food, which is why they wanted to attend the funeral", he added.

Should Acutis later be credited with the second miracle necessary for sainthood, supporters have suggested he could become the Patron Saint of the internet -- though there already is one, 7th-century scholar Isidore de Seville.

A British-born Italian teenager who dedicated his short life to spreading the faith online and helping the poor will be beatified by the Catholic Church Saturday.

A British-born Italian teenager who dedicated his short life to spreading the faith online and helping the poor will be beatified by the Catholic Church Saturday. That leaves him just one miracle away from becoming the world's first millennial saint. Internet and computer-mad youngster Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, was placed on the path to sainthood after the Vatican ruled he had miraculously saved another boy's life. The Vatican claims he interceded from heaven in 2013 to cure a Brazilian boy suffering from a rare pancreatic disease. He will be beatified in Assisi, the home of his idol Saint Francis, who dedicated his life to the poor. Some 3,000 people are expected to follow the ceremony on giant screens set up in five squares in the central Italian city. - 'Computer genius' - Acutis, dubbed "the cyberapostle of the Eucharist", was born in London to Italian parents, and moved to Milan with them as a young boy. "He was considered a computer genius... But what did he do? He didn't use these media to chat, have fun," his mother Antonia Salzano said in an interview with Vatican News. Instead, "his zeal for the Lord" drove him to make a website on miracles, she said. The millennial, whose body lies in state in Assisi, dressed in a tracksuit and trainers, also warned his contemporaries that the internet could be a curse as well as a blessing. Pope Francis referred to him last year, in a warning to youngsters that social networks could foment hate. "(Acutis) saw that many young people, wanting to be different, really end up being like everyone else, running after whatever the powerful set before them with the mechanisms of consumerism and distraction," Francis said. "As a result, Carlo said, 'everyone is born as an original, but many people end up dying as photocopies'. Don't let that happen to you!" he said. - Kind to the poor - Acutis was religious from a young age, despite his mother saying his family had rarely attended church. When he wasn't writing computer programmes or playing football, Acutis was known in his neighbourhood for his kindness to those living on society's margins. "With his savings, he bought sleeping bags for homeless people and in the evening he brought them hot drinks," his mother said this week, according to the Catholic News Agency. "He said it was better to have one less pair of shoes if it meant being able to do one more good work," she said. He also volunteered at a soup kitchen in Milan. Assisi bishop Domenico Sorrentino said this month that a soup kitchen for the poor would be opened in Acutis's honour. "When he died, at the funeral, the church was full of poor people. Everyone else wondered what they were doing there. Well, Carlo used to help them in secret," said Nicola Gori, who represented Acutis's beatification case. "The family knew about it, because his mum would go with him, since he was only 15 years old. He would give them sleeping bags and food, which is why they wanted to attend the funeral", he added. Should Acutis later be credited with the second miracle necessary for sainthood, supporters have suggested he could become the Patron Saint of the internet -- though there already is one, 7th-century scholar Isidore de Seville.

Teen one step from becoming first millennial saint

Roman Catholics in a town in eastern France were able to attend mass in their cars on Sunday (May 17), in the country's first drive-in religious service since the start of a lockdown eight weeks ago aimed at halting the spread of the Coronavirus.

French Catholics celebrate mass in parking lot

Australia's High Court on Thursday delayed judgement in Cardinal George Pell's appeal against child sex abuse convictions, with a decision now not expected for months.

The court adjourned after two days of dense legal argument over the case of the 78-year-old former Vatican treasurer, who is trying to overturn a six-year sentence for sexually assaulting two 13-year-old choirboys in the 1990s.

Pell, who once helped elect popes, is the highest-ranking Catholic Church official ever convicted of child sex crimes.

He was not present for the two-day hearing and will remain behind bars while seven of Australia’s top judges consider his fate.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-sex-conviction-wrong-says-lawyers-of-ex-vatican-treasurer-pell-285592"> Child sex conviction 'wrong', says lawyers of ex- Vatican treasurer Pell</a>

A court official told the source it typically took between three to six months for a decision in cases where judgement had been reserved.

Pell's lawyer, Bret Walker, on Thursday urged them to quash the conviction rather than order a retrial, saying it was "the power and duty of this court".

He also accused the prosecution of an "inappropriate and over-engineered attempt at improvisation to make matters fit that won't fit".

The defence has argued Pell would not have had the time or opportunity to molest the boys in the sacristy, which would have been a "hive of activity" after Mass.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-cardinal-george-pell-remanded-into-custody-for-child-sex-offences-199969">Australia's Cardinal George Pell remanded into custody for child sex offences</a>

Judges pressed prosecutor Kerri Judd on many of her arguments, including when she suggested the time it would have taken Pell to abuse the boys was "not precise" or "clockwork", despite lower courts previously hearing the offending took place in a five-to-six minute period.

In stark contrast to Wednesday's hearing, when Walker was largely able to speak uninterrupted, the judges grilled the prosecutor at length.

University of Melbourne law professor Jeremy Gans said the questioning was notable for being "mostly directed at arguments that support Pell's argument for acquittal and were not particularly sympathetic to the prosecution".

"It's always difficult to know why they ask those questions but, to the extent that you can read anything into those questions, every single judge at some point was asking questions that seemed to be indicating a possible view of acquittal," he told reporters outside the courtroom.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-cardinal-barbarin-over-sex-abuse-case-284809">Pope Francis accepts resignation of cardinal Barbarin over sex abuse case</a>

The case relied solely on the testimony of Pell's surviving victim, as the other -- who is not known to have ever spoken of the abuse -- died of a drug overdose in 2014. Neither man can be identified for legal reasons.

It has proved highly divisive in Australia, attracting protesters and supporters on Thursday to the High Court in Canberra, where they carried rival signs that read “Criminal Pell: paedophile icon" and "We love you, Cardinal George Pell and genuine victims."

Local media reported a Melbourne man was charged Wednesday with threatening to kill Pell and making a bomb threat.

Pell has been removed from top Church bodies by the Vatican but remains in the priesthood.

The Vatican previously said it would avoid launching an investigation into his conduct until after all legal avenues are exhausted.

Australia's High Court on Thursday delayed judgement in Cardinal George Pell's appeal against child sex abuse convictions, with a decision now not expected for months.

Australia's High Court on Thursday delayed judgement in Cardinal George Pell's appeal against child sex abuse convictions, with a decision now not expected for months. The court adjourned after two days of dense legal argument over the case of the 78-year-old former Vatican treasurer, who is trying to overturn a six-year sentence for sexually assaulting two 13-year-old choirboys in the 1990s. Pell, who once helped elect popes, is the highest-ranking Catholic Church official ever convicted of child sex crimes. He was not present for the two-day hearing and will remain behind bars while seven of Australia’s top judges consider his fate. Also read: Child sex conviction 'wrong', says lawyers of ex- Vatican treasurer Pell A court official told the source it typically took between three to six months for a decision in cases where judgement had been reserved. Pell's lawyer, Bret Walker, on Thursday urged them to quash the conviction rather than order a retrial, saying it was "the power and duty of this court". He also accused the prosecution of an "inappropriate and over-engineered attempt at improvisation to make matters fit that won't fit". The defence has argued Pell would not have had the time or opportunity to molest the boys in the sacristy, which would have been a "hive of activity" after Mass. Also see: Australia's Cardinal George Pell remanded into custody for child sex offences Judges pressed prosecutor Kerri Judd on many of her arguments, including when she suggested the time it would have taken Pell to abuse the boys was "not precise" or "clockwork", despite lower courts previously hearing the offending took place in a five-to-six minute period. In stark contrast to Wednesday's hearing, when Walker was largely able to speak uninterrupted, the judges grilled the prosecutor at length. University of Melbourne law professor Jeremy Gans said the questioning was notable for being "mostly directed at arguments that support Pell's argument for acquittal and were not particularly sympathetic to the prosecution". "It's always difficult to know why they ask those questions but, to the extent that you can read anything into those questions, every single judge at some point was asking questions that seemed to be indicating a possible view of acquittal," he told reporters outside the courtroom. Also read: Pope Francis accepts resignation of cardinal Barbarin over sex abuse case The case relied solely on the testimony of Pell's surviving victim, as the other -- who is not known to have ever spoken of the abuse -- died of a drug overdose in 2014. Neither man can be identified for legal reasons. It has proved highly divisive in Australia, attracting protesters and supporters on Thursday to the High Court in Canberra, where they carried rival signs that read “Criminal Pell: paedophile icon" and "We love you, Cardinal George Pell and genuine victims." Local media reported a Melbourne man was charged Wednesday with threatening to kill Pell and making a bomb threat. Pell has been removed from top Church bodies by the Vatican but remains in the priesthood. The Vatican previously said it would avoid launching an investigation into his conduct until after all legal avenues are exhausted.

Australian court delays final verdict on Cardinal Pell appeal

Pope Francis, in one of the most significant decisions of his papacy, on February 12 dismissed a proposal to allow some married men to be ordained in the Amazon region to ease an acute scarcity of priests. The recommendation, put forward by Latin American bishops last year, had alarmed conservatives in the deeply polarised 1.3 billion-member Roman Catholic Church, who feared it could lead to a change in the centuries-old commitment to celibacy among priests.

Fineprint: Pope dismisses proposal to ordain married men as priests in Amazon

Catholic cardinal George Pell will have one last chance to overturn his conviction for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-vatican-cleric-cardinal-pell-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-199719">sexually assaulting two teenaged choirboys</a> after the Australian High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the former Vatican treasurer's appeal.

Pell, 78, the most senior Catholic official worldwide to be jailed for child sex offences, is currently serving a six-year sentence handed down in March. He is not eligible for parole until 2022, when he will be 81.

The High Court hearing, to be presided over by a full bench of five or seven judges, will be held in March 2020 at the earliest, a court spokesman said. Pell will remain in prison until the appeal is heard.

Lawyers for Pell declined to comment on Wednesday's decision, which is the cardinal's final avenue to clear his name after an earlier appeal upheld his conviction by a lower court.

Prosecutors also declined to comment.

The lawyer for Pell's accuser, whose identity has been protected, said her client respected the appeals process despite the ups and downs he had been through.

"So we will be respectfully waiting for the outcome, but we do understand the anguish a lot of people in the community are feeling," lawyer Vivian Waller told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The cardinal was found guilty in the Victorian County Court in December of abusing two 13-year-old boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in the late 1990s when he was archbishop of Melbourne. A first appeal was heard by the Victoria Court of Appeal, where judges upheld his conviction in a 2-1 majority in August.

The Australian Catholic church lamented the case dragging on due to the High Court ruling.

"This will prolong what has been a lengthy and difficult process, but we can only hope that the appeal will be heard as soon as reasonably possible and that the High Court's judgement will bring clarity and a resolution for all," Archbishop Mark Coleridge, head of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said in a statement.

The High Court on Wednesday ordered Pell's lawyers to file their arguments for appeal by January&nbsp;8, with the crown prosecutors' response due on February&nbsp;5.

Pell's lawyers took the case to the High Court on the basis the Court of Appeal was wrong to have found that the jury's verdict was not unreasonable. Lawyers also argued the majority judges had erred in shifting the burden of proof to the defense to show that it would have been impossible for Pell to have committed the offenses.

Prosecutors said in their filing to the High Court last month there were no grounds for the appeal. They argued that the majority of the Court of Appeal made no error in their approach to evaluating the facts of the case and that the proposed appeal raised "no question of law of public importance".

High Court cases are decided by a majority.

Legal experts said the move by two judges of the High Court to refer Pell's bid to appeal to the full bench was unusual. Effectively the bid to appeal and the actual appeal will be heard together.

The outcome is very hard to predict, said Ben Mathews, a law professor at Queensland University of Technology, who had expected the court to refuse to hear the appeal.

"It's a really tricky one. The fundamental question is really whether the court decides it was open to the jury to reach the guilty verdict," Mathews said.

Pell was relieved of his position as Vatican treasurer after he was convicted, but remains a cardinal. The Pope has declined to comment on the case until the appeals process is exhausted.

For Pell to be dismissed from the priesthood, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would have to find him guilty following a separate canonical trial or a shorter process.

Catholic cardinal George Pell will have one last chance to overturn his conviction for sexually assaulting two teenaged choirboys after the Australian High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the former Vatican treasurer's appeal.

Catholic cardinal George Pell will have one last chance to overturn his conviction for sexually assaulting two teenaged choirboys after the Australian High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the former Vatican treasurer's appeal. Pell, 78, the most senior Catholic official worldwide to be jailed for child sex offences, is currently serving a six-year sentence handed down in March. He is not eligible for parole until 2022, when he will be 81. The High Court hearing, to be presided over by a full bench of five or seven judges, will be held in March 2020 at the earliest, a court spokesman said. Pell will remain in prison until the appeal is heard. Lawyers for Pell declined to comment on Wednesday's decision, which is the cardinal's final avenue to clear his name after an earlier appeal upheld his conviction by a lower court. Prosecutors also declined to comment. The lawyer for Pell's accuser, whose identity has been protected, said her client respected the appeals process despite the ups and downs he had been through. "So we will be respectfully waiting for the outcome, but we do understand the anguish a lot of people in the community are feeling," lawyer Vivian Waller told Australian Broadcasting Corp. The cardinal was found guilty in the Victorian County Court in December of abusing two 13-year-old boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in the late 1990s when he was archbishop of Melbourne. A first appeal was heard by the Victoria Court of Appeal, where judges upheld his conviction in a 2-1 majority in August. The Australian Catholic church lamented the case dragging on due to the High Court ruling. "This will prolong what has been a lengthy and difficult process, but we can only hope that the appeal will be heard as soon as reasonably possible and that the High Court's judgement will bring clarity and a resolution for all," Archbishop Mark Coleridge, head of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said in a statement. The High Court on Wednesday ordered Pell's lawyers to file their arguments for appeal by January 8, with the crown prosecutors' response due on February 5. Pell's lawyers took the case to the High Court on the basis the Court of Appeal was wrong to have found that the jury's verdict was not unreasonable. Lawyers also argued the majority judges had erred in shifting the burden of proof to the defense to show that it would have been impossible for Pell to have committed the offenses. Prosecutors said in their filing to the High Court last month there were no grounds for the appeal. They argued that the majority of the Court of Appeal made no error in their approach to evaluating the facts of the case and that the proposed appeal raised "no question of law of public importance". High Court cases are decided by a majority. Legal experts said the move by two judges of the High Court to refer Pell's bid to appeal to the full bench was unusual. Effectively the bid to appeal and the actual appeal will be heard together. The outcome is very hard to predict, said Ben Mathews, a law professor at Queensland University of Technology, who had expected the court to refuse to hear the appeal. "It's a really tricky one. The fundamental question is really whether the court decides it was open to the jury to reach the guilty verdict," Mathews said. Pell was relieved of his position as Vatican treasurer after he was convicted, but remains a cardinal. The Pope has declined to comment on the case until the appeals process is exhausted. For Pell to be dismissed from the priesthood, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would have to find him guilty following a separate canonical trial or a shorter process.

Catholic cardinal Pell gets last chance to overturn Australia's sex offences conviction

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