News, analysis, and documents on the Catholic Church, by Sandro Magister, Rome
A selection of articles from www.chiesa on Charismatics, Communion and Liberation, Community of Saint Egidio, Focolare, Legionaries of Christ, Neocatechumenal Way, Heralds of the Gospel, Opus Dei, Vallechiara...
Charismatics
25.1.2012
> Brazil. The Pentecost of Father Marcelo
The face of Catholicism is changing in the most populous country of Latin America. The Charismatics are flourishing by the millions. And they have a star in a priest who fills stadiums by preaching the love of God
9.5.2007
> Benedict XVI Is in Brazil. But Meanwhile, the "Latinos" Are Invading the North
The United States is now fifth among the nations with the highest Latin American population. A survey by the Pew Forum on an emigration movement that is changing the face of Catholicism in the leading country in the West
3.11.2006
> With Hummes, There Arrives at the Curia a World Champion Brazil
It had the primacy as the most populous Catholic nation. But today Brazil faces the challenge of the formidable growth of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. How will the Church of Rome respond? A survey by the Pew Forum
Communion and Liberation
9.2.2012
> China. Cardinal Zen Against Saint Egidio
And also against a magazine of Communion and Liberation. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions," he writes. And he explains why the parallel diplomacy of the two movements brings more harm than help to Chinese Catholics
11.8.2011
> Vatican Diary / Focolare beats Communion and Liberation
New appointments in diplomacy and in the curia. At the secretariat of state, the followers of Fr. Giussani increase to three. But the spiritual sons of Chiara Lubich are getting the more influential posts
24.2.2005
> The "Right Way" of Fr. Luigi Giussani
The memorable interview in which the founder of Communion and Liberation recounted how popes Montini and John Paul II saved the Church from disaster
Community of Saint Egidio
24.2.2015
> Vatican Diary / Kangaroo hunt and other stories
Australian cardinal Pell encircled by adversaries. Sant’Egidio eclipsing the secretariat of state. A new Argentine vicar for Opus Dei
5.2.2013
> Between Rome and Dakar, the Machiavellianisms of Sant'Egidio
The electoral maneuvers of Andrea Riccardi in Italy. The diplomatic incident in Senegal, to the detriment of the Vatican. The awards bestowed in the curia for the sake of advancement
10.1.2013
> Between "Gay" Marriage and Elections. Can the Pope Trust Andrea Riccardi?
The founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio busies himself at the center of the Italian political scene, with the apparent blessing of Benedict XVI. But the performance has its disturbances offstage. The curtain is raised on them here
7.6.2012
> Vatican Diary / Double slap, for Saint Egidio and for the Jesuits
Among the documents that have gotten out of the Vatican are two that are an embarrassment to the "UN of Trastevere" and the superior general of the Society of Jesus. To the advantage of two cardinals: the American George and the Dutch Eijk
20.2.2012
> Reward or Punishment. How Beijing Sanctions the Bishops
Reward for those who obey the regime, punishment for those who are faithful to the pope. The bishop invited to Munich by the Community of Saint Egidio belongs to the first category. Here is a profile of him, set alongside that of a bishop who instead has been punished
9.2.2012
> China. Cardinal Zen Against Saint Egidio
And also against a magazine of Communion and Liberation. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions," he writes. And he explains why the parallel diplomacy of the two movements brings more harm than help to Chinese Catholics
29.12.2011
> Vatican Diary / Sant'Egidio in supervised freedom
The secretariat of state authorizes "La Civiltà Cattolica" to publish a glowing article on the Community. But with numerous excisions of the original text, on points of disagreement. Here they are one by one. As for the founder, Riccardi...
31.10.2011
> Vatican Diary / The "spirit of Assisi" that the pope doesn't trust
The formula has great success in the media and is the mantra of the Franciscans and of the Community of Saint Egidio. While the Vatican authorities no longer repeat it. And Benedict XVI even less so
21.10.2011
> Vatican Diary / Four tickets for Venice, but only one is valid
Who will be the new patriarch in the place of Cardinal Scola? Name by name, the candidates and their supporters. The ambitions of the Community of Saint Egidio. The favorite of secretary of state Bertone
29.12.2003
> St. Egidio and Algeria. An Ambassador's Disturbing Revelations
Franco de Courten, Italy's ambassador in Algiers from 1996 to 1998, published his memoirs in a highly critical account of the religious community's work
15.5.2003
> Twenty-Five Years in the Community of Sant'Egidio: A Memoir
For the first time, an important former member of the community speaks out, describing its lesser-known aspects - and asking the diocesan tribunal of Rome for judgment
9.4.1998
> Sant'Egidio "Ad Extra": Disaster in Algeria
In Mozambique, they succeeded in bringing peace. They´re trying now in Kosovo. They´re bogged down In Sudan and Burundi. But Algeria is a disaster. The highs and lows of their diplomacy
9.4.1998
> The Story of Sant'Egidio. The Great Bluff
They are candidates for the Nobel peace prize. They are in the Pope's good graces. They are the most famous Italian Catholics in the world - but they are structured as an absolute monarchy. The unauthorized history of a very special community
Focolare
8.11.2013
> Vatican Diary / A ticket to Argentina for the pope, but no hurry
Plus more news and leaks on the Chaouqui case, on the Mass in the ancient rite, and on the growing number of focolarini among the diplomats and in the secretariat of state
6.4.2012
> Vatican Diary / More and more focolarini in the curia
They're everywhere. They have two cardinals and a good number of archbishops in influential roles, especially in diplomacy. The secretary of state is their patron
11.8.2011
> Vatican Diary / Focolare beats Communion and Liberation
New appointments in diplomacy and in the curia. At the secretariat of state, the followers of Fr. Giussani increase to three. But the spiritual sons of Chiara Lubich are getting the more influential posts
Legionaries of Christ
23.2.2012
> Legionaries. The Young Vicar and the Restless Virgins
A new man at the top of the congregation: the German Heereman. Meanwhile, however, many consecrated women are leaving. The torment of their leader, Malén Oriol. The silent revolution of Cardinal De Paolis
27.7.2011
> Marcial Maciel? "I Don't Know Him"
Exiled to the United States, the former first in command of the Legionaries of Christ, Luís Garza, says that he never knew anything about the private life of the founder. The surprise moves of the pontifical commissioner, Cardinal De Paolis. The names of the "dissidents"
9.2.2011
> Legionaries. The Ten Questions of Fr. Richard Gill
They concern the still obscure points of the "mystery" of Marcial Maciel. But there are other obstacles to the rescue of the Legion of Christ. The report of one of its former leaders, now a priest of the archdiocese of New York
16.12.2010
> With Maciel Buried, His Centurions' Fires Are Burning Out
The leaders who covered up the misdeeds of the "false prophet" continue to occupy their positions of command. But their end is in sight. Among the Legionaries of Christ, revolt is stirring. The slow but inexorable pace of the papal delegate
25.10.2010
> Legionaries. The Past That Doesn't Want to Go Away
The heirs and trustees of the disgraced founder Maciel are not agreeing to leave their positions of command. But papal delegate De Paolis is issuing an ultimatum: either they change, or it will be "disaster" for all. The complete text of his letter
30.8.2010
> Maciel's Ghost Still Haunts the Castle
In many of the houses of the Legionaries of Christ, the portrait of their disgraced founder is still on display. And his system of power continues to function. The letter of accusation by a priest of the Legion to its leaders. But at the Vatican, they don't have any protectors anymore
30.7.2010
> Goodbye, Old Legion. All the Powers of the New General
As the pope's delegate, Archbishop De Paolis has full authority over everything and everyone. For Corcuera, Garza, and the other heads of the congregation founded by Marcial Maciel, the end is in sight. But they're still resisting
17.5.2010
> Legion Leaders Absolve Themselves Before They Sink
In an internal memo, published here, they say they never knew anything about the double life of their founder, Maciel. But the judgment of the Vatican authorities says otherwise. The imminent appointment of the papal delegate
3.5.2010
> The Big "Wager." How to Remake the Legion from Scratch
Maciel's offenses. The system of power that covered up his disgraceful life. The Vatican authorities are making accusations. And dictating the agenda for reconstruction. With full powers entrusted to a cardinal delegated by the pope
29.3.2010
> Legionaries. The "Nomenklatura" That Must Disappear
Name by name, all the top leaders of the congregation. Their extremely close connection with the founder and with his scandal. The impossibility of any real renewal, as long as they remain in power
16.3.2010
> The Legion Awaits a New General. And Trembles
A commissioner appointed by the Vatican will take command of the Legionaries of Christ, orphans of their founder Marcial Maciel, disgraced by scandals. This is the likely outcome of eight months of investigation. Many things should be changed, including the current leaders
13.7.2009
> The Legionaries' Last Stand. An Exclusive Interview with Fr. Thomas Berg
The Vatican is investigating the Legionaries of Christ, which is reeling from the transgressions of its founder. And for the first time, one of their authoritative members breaks the silence on the crucial problems that have exploded in the congregation
16.2.2009
> The Legion Is in Disarray. Betrayed by its Founder
New revelations about the second life of Fr. Marcial Maciel. He was not only guilty of sexual abuse, but also had a lover and a daughter. The Legionaries of Christ are in danger of collapse. Some are calling for an apostolic visitor. Or for direct intervention by the pope
19.5.2006
> End of the Story for the Founder of the Legionaries of Christ
“A reserved life of prayer and penance:” this is the penalty inflicted by Benedict XVI on Marcial Maciel, after “attentive study and investigation.” He and the Legion are obeying
28.7.2005
> The First Sentence from Prefect Levada Makes the Legion Tremble
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has handed down a stiff sentence against Fr. Gino Burresi. The transgressions? The same ones charged against Fr. Marcial Maciel, founder of the powerful Legionaries of Christ
20.5.2005
> The Legionaries of Christ: Fr. Maciel's Trial Draws Nearer
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has begun a preliminary investigation and has interviewed dozens of new witnesses – who have filled pages with new accusations
4.4.2003
> The Legionaries of Christ: "They're Accusing Us In Order to Attack the Pope"
An exclusive interview with a leader of the organization, who rejects as "unworthy of credibility" the accusations against their founder. But the accusers are fighting back - and they're taking their case to the United Nations
31.1.2003
> The Confessions of an ex-Legionary: "Why I Broke the Silence"
The author of the text is one of the eight accusers of Fr. Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ. But on this and on other similar cases, the Vatican isn't shedding any light
Neocatechumenal Way
13.11.2014
> The Big Omission at the Synod, Neocatechumenal Families
None of them was brought in to speak. And yet they are the most engaged in putting the model of Catholic marriage into practice. A confidential document from the leadership of the Way, in commentary on the synod
11.10.2013
> Alms and Liturgy. How Francis Wants Them
He has sent his almoner to Lampedusa, among the refugees. He has plunged into dismay the lovers of tradition. The call of alarm of a "Ratzingerian" liturgist
20.6.2013
> Kiko Argüello, Painter, Musician, Architect
While at the Biannual of Venice the Vatican is in dialogue with contemporary art, in thousands of parishes all over the world a very particular aesthetic model has already been installed, conceived by the founder of the Neocatechumenal Way
11.4.2012
> That Strange Mass the Pope Doesn't Like
It is the Mass according to the rite of the Neocatechumenal Way. Benedict XVI has ordered the congregation for the doctrine of the faith to examine it thoroughly
> Vatican Diary / The Neocatechumenals get their diploma. But not the one they were expecting
The Holy See has approved the rites that mark the stages of their catechism. But the particularities with which they celebrate their Masses still remain under observation. Some of them are permitted. Others not
13.1.2012
> "Placet" or "Non placet"? The wager of Carmen and Kiko
The founders of the Neocatechumenal Way aim to obtain definitive Vatican approval for their "convivial" way of celebrating the Mass. The document is ready. But it could be modified or blocked in extremis. The verdict on January 20
21.9.2011
> The Pope in Germany. In the Desert of Faith
In Berlin and Erfurt, Benedict XVI enters into the area of Europe farthest from God. He wants to make it a new mission territory. A report from Chemnitz, where atheists are in the majority and almost no one is baptized anymore
26.8.2011
> Professor Ratzinger? Too Easy
He tends to pass everyone at the first exam, even those groups and movements that afterward bring him great disappointment. Three case studies: the Neocatechumenals, the monks of Vallechiara, the Heralds of the Gospel
19.1.2011
> In Japan, Kiko's Way Doesn't Fly
The Bishops of the Land of the Rising Sun don't want "division and chaos." The Vatican is trying to mediate and correct and approve the Neocatechumenal catechisms. Which, however, remain secret. And the Masses also continue to be celebrated separately, and with unusual methods
23.6.2008
> The Old Form of the Neocatechumenal Mass Is Illicit
This is established by the new statutes for the community founded by Kiko, imposed by the Vatican authorities. It is prohibited to take communion seated around a table. Homilies in dialogue form are also forbidden
14.6.2007
> The Way of the Neocatechumenals Is Still Rocky
Vatican approval for its new statutes is on the way – but not for the catechisms of the founders. And differences over the liturgical rites persist. Relations are also mixed with the Greek Melkite Church, and with the patriarchate of Moscow
5.3.2007
> The Lenten Season of the ‘Way’: Double Penance, in Rome and Jerusalem
First the pope, and then the bishops of the Holy Land level two stern warnings at the Neocatechumenal Way. Here’s how, and why
6.3.2006
> The Neocatechumenals Obey the Pope – But in Their Own Way
Communion continues to be given seated, as at a banquet. This is the upshot of a letter that the heads of the Way have written to Benedict XVI
19.1.2006
> Vatican Storylines: Those Who Are Resisting Benedict XVI
The disobedience of the Neocatechumenals. The black legends of the conclave. The translation boycott. Three different ways of opposing the new pope
27.12.2005
> Liturgy: Benedict XVI Brings the Neocatechumenals Back to the Right Way
The confidential document in which the pope cracks down on abuses in how the Neocatechumenal Way celebrates the Mass
16.2.2005
> Messianic Parallels: The Lubavitcher Jews and the Neocatechumenals
Friendships are intensifying between Orthodox Jews and "born again" Catholics, in the name of faith in the Messiah. But some in the Jewish camp are warning of danger. An interview with the Custodian of the Holy Land
24.1.2005
> Bad History, Bad Guide. The Strange Liturgy of the Neocatechumenals
A book authorized by founders Kiko and Carmen presents a doctrinal and liturgical defense of the Neocatechumenal Way. But the criticisms about how they celebrate the mass remain intact
5.12.2002
> Saturday Night Masses for Everyone! Carmen and Kiko's Church of Many Rooms
This is what happens in a Roman Parish with 1,200 neocatechumenals and 26 different Masses to fit each subgroup, while Church hierarchy contradicts itself by turning a blind eye
Heralds of the Gospel
26.8.2011
> Professor Ratzinger? Too Easy
He tends to pass everyone at the first exam, even those groups and movements that afterward bring him great disappointment. Three case studies: the Neocatechumenals, the monks of Vallechiara, the Heralds of the Gospel
Opus Dei
24.2.2015
> Vatican Diary / Kangaroo hunt and other stories
Australian cardinal Pell encircled by adversaries. Sant’Egidio eclipsing the secretariat of state. A new Argentine vicar for Opus Dei
28.6.2012
> Vatican Diary / Opus Dei and the gendarmes win the first round
The leaking of documents has reinforced their positions in the curia. But the American party is also advancing. While for the secretariat of state, the candidacy of a non-Italian is gaining strength
21.6.2012
> Vatican Diary / Herranz, an inquisitor of proven experience
The cardinal who heads the commission of investigation into the leaking of documents was also robbed of confidential papers himself once. They concerned Opus Dei, and were given to the media in order to damage the organization. As for the resignation of the pope, he has revealed...
11.7.2005
> The Holy See to the Rhythm of the Tango: The Pope's Spokesman in His Own Words
An exclusive interview with Joaquín Navarro-Valls. From doctor to journalist. Love. Chastity. A passion for dance. Opus Dei. And twenty-one years spent beside two popes
30.7.2004
> Watergate in Lima: Opus Dei Cardinal Accuses Bishops and the Vatican Curia
Falsified letters, plots, and lies. The Church in Peru is at war. The target is the archbishop of the capital, the first Opus cardinal. And he's fighting back
6.2.2004
> Vatican Intrigues: "The Passion," the Pope, and the Phantom Review
The preview of Mel Gibson's film sends the curia into confusion. Dziwisz and Navarro speak, and then recant. Opus Dei plays a role as well. And two thunderbolts fall from the heavens
1.12.2003
> The Council "Turned Upside-Down" and Opus Dei. Startling Revelations from Giuseppe Dossetti
A conversation with Dossetti from 1984 is being published today for the first time. In it, he claims to have reversed the fortunes of Vatican II. And he has scathing words for Opus Dei and pope Wojtyla
29.7.2003
> With the Pope or with Bush? "Studi Cattolici" Stands with Both
A special issue of the Opus Dei-inspired magazine offers an in-depth critique of the anti-Americanism of a large part of the Church and of the Vatican itself
Vallechiara
26.8.2011
> Professor Ratzinger? Too Easy
He tends to pass everyone at the first exam, even those groups and movements that afterward bring him great disappointment. Three case studies: the Neocatechumenals, the monks of Vallechiara, the Heralds of the Gospel
3.9.2004
> Turnover at St. Paul's Outside the Walls: Here Come the Monks from the Countryside
They are from the Fraternity of Jesus, and are replacing the Benedictines. They support themselves through farming. They have Ratzinger's full support. And in another parish in Rome, they are replacing the Jesuits
And more...
16.7.2004
> The Seven Capital Vices of the Movements, According to "La Civiltà Cattolica"
Three "dangers" and four "challenges": through the magazine of the Rome Jesuits, the Vatican makes a critical appraisal of the movements. A warning for the Neocatechumenal Way, Focolare, Sant'Egidio, and Bose
23.1.2004
> A Parish of the People, Not of the Elite. Italy Renews its Model of Church
The bishops launch a new deal, beginning from the parish. But the project confronts John Paul II's predilection for the movements. An analysis by professor Luca Diotallevi
13.6.2003
> Church or Little Churches? The Sectarian Threat of Catholic Movements
In the journal "Concilium," Luca Diotallevi addresses the problem created by the new Church movements. And he bets on Catholic Action and the "religious choice"
