Germany-Catholics: Don’t Surrender Democracy

The AfD’s victory stems from many unresolved issues since unification. The President of the Conference of Bishops calls for addressing the cultural and social roots of the problem. The Alternative für Deutschland’s (AfD) overwhelming electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt casts a long shadow over the stability of German constitutional democracy. The events unfolding in Germany, Europe’s […]

U.S. State Catholics Trumping the Bishops?

Does Florida Attorney General (a Catholic) expect the Church to totally fall in line with the state? America sets a risky precedent that could cripple Christianity. On July 31, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, requesting that they comply with Florida law granting religious exemptions to […]

United States–Catholic Church: Between Liturgical Battle and Politics

Over the centuries, theological debates and conflicts within the Catholic Church have often had political implications of general interest. The pressure being exerted on Pope Leo to reinstate the option of celebrating the Catholic liturgy according to the rite that preceded that of the Second Vatican Council poses a significant challenge to the Catholic Church’s […]

China-Holy See Relations: Sinicization and Long Term Results

On July 22, the Holy See announced the episcopal ordination of Giuseppe Chang Yanfeng as the bishop of Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. Although others were expected, appointments related to the agreement with China continue, albeit at a snail’s pace. Last March, the two delegations met in Beijing in a cordial atmosphere, which contrasted with the […]

Thiel, Pope Benedict, and the Fate of U.S. Catholicism

Thiel misunderstands Ratzinger. The project of “pure Church” failed. A Pope at the service of a US President would harm the US and the Church. But perhaps the Church can help the US and world find a new balance when the old one is gone. In an article published in First Things, Peter Thiel continues […]

Jews and Christians in Times of New Antisemitism

In June, the annual report on cases of antisemitism in Germany in 2025 was published (compiled by the Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism). In addition to an overall increase in cases, politically motivated incidents involving the German far right increased by 60%, rising from 502 in 2025 to 807 in 2026. The […]