Catholic Research Articles

Papa Francesco e il cattolicesimo in Germania Da ultimo una grande delusione?

The article provides an overview of the reception of Pope Francis in Germany following his election in 2013. The initial euphoric reactions are understandable, as Francis raised high expectations, particularly with Evangelii gaudium, regarding the resolution of the enormous backlog of reforms in the Catholic Church in Germany, whose religious situation differs significantly from that of other countries. However, since the post-synodal letter Querida Amazonía, disappointment with Francis has predominated. In particular, the Vatican’s reactions to the ‘Synodal Path’ have caused irritation.

Fringe discourse networks 1932–2022: a media archaeological approach to (Ex)communication and (De)platforming

ABSTRACT In 1932, the Dutch writer Ernest Michel was banned from publishing with a Catholic publisher for critiquing the Catholic church and Dutch democracy. After his ban, Michel joined Verdinaso, a political organization with strong ties to upcoming National Socialist movements in the Netherlands, where he continued to write, frequently advocating for free speech, and against censorship. In this paper, we will compare the case of Michel with the case of Laurens Buijs, as well as contemporary processes of deplatformization and replatforming. We will discuss the removal of right-wing political actors from mainstream platforms, and analyze their narratives of victimhood and cultural decline, as well as the ‘network of technologies and institutions’, i.e. the ‘discourse networks’ that make far-right and populist political communication possible. We follow a media archaeological approach allowing us to show the continuities in seemingly distant times and seemingly different material and institutional networks, as well as the discontinuities in the development of contemporary media. With this analysis, we aim to contribute to current debates concerning the governance of anti-democratic and right-wing media, and their material and institutional networks.

Show and slow codes: A historical analysis of clinicians' adaptations to ethical overreach.

After briefly reviewing the historical development and ethical regulation of resuscitative technologies, this study probes why clinicians engage in the morally problematic practice of show and slow coding and why hospitals tolerate it? Studies conducted in 1995 and 2020 indicate that conscientious clinicians engage in these practices to protect their patients from abusive or futile resuscitation. And hospitals' clinical cultures tolerate these practices to protect conscientious clinicians from censure, dismissal, delicensing, or legal prosecution for withholding or withdrawing abusive or futile resuscitative technologies without prior patient or surrogate consent. Show and slow coding evolved in American clinical cultures in the second half of the 20th century when closed-chest cardiac massage, defibrillators, ventilators, and other resuscitative technologies raised seemingly novel ethical questions. To address these questions, bioethics commissions, healthcare societies, lawmakers, and a Roman Catholic Pope developed ethics standards requiring clinicians to obtain patient or surrogate consent before withholding or withdrawing resuscitative technologies. They thus conferred on patients an implicit right of resuscitation even if it was abusive and/or futile. Conscientious clinicians circumvented this implicit right by show and slow coding to protect patients from abusive resuscitation. Recognizing clinicians' benign intent, hospitals' clinical cultures tolerate show and slow coding as acts of conscience, akin to civil disobedience. Thus, rescinding ethics standards and laws requiring prior patient/surrogate consent for non-resuscitation or for cessation of resuscitative technologies decisions should end show/slow coding. Such a reform should also recognize clinicians' right of conscientious refusal to perform CPR.

Positive Influence: Negotiating a Church Historiographical Canon with the West

The present article discusses the way in which the historiographical canon on the history of the Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches in Transylvania during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was reconceptualized during and in the aftermath of the academic visit of Western specialists in Romania. Keith Hitchins’s visit to Romania in the early 1970s to undertake research in the church archives for his work on the history of the Romanian intelligentsia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire made an impact on how the history of the Greek Catholic Church was portrayed in the religious journals of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The subtle shifts in the canon included distinguishing the Greek Catholics from the Orthodox in Transylvania and reintroducing the Greek Catholic interwar historiography into the interpretation.

Metanoia and Ahimsa: Inputs in Inter-Religious Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and Jainism

The study aims to unlock metanoia and Ahimsa as fundamental doctrines of Christianity and Jainism, respectively, that can bring harmony and peace through their character of inclusivity and listening. These are also important traits to achieve the goals of UNSDG that facilitated total human development in various spheres of life. Metanoia is an all-embracing Christian concept about change of heart, while Ahimsa is a Jainist doctrine on non-violence and causing no harm to any life form. In interreligious dialogue, their inputs open doors for transforming potentials that can address issues in achieving sustainable development. Husserl’s phenomenological framework aids in finding meeting points that can bridge different religious strands. His phenomenological approach provides listening and suspension of judgments to bridge and deepen meaningful encounters. The research contends that both Catholicism and Jainism quest for spiritual liberation as a goal. Christianity adheres that metanoia is a way to achieve that where, through change of heart, it brings individuals to nothingness, shown in the unconditional love exemplified by Jesus on the cross. Jainism meets this view where ahimsa is the foundational principle in achieving spiritual liberation. Ahimsa goes with the other two pillars, namely, anekanta (multiplicity of viewpoints) and aparigraha (non-possession as lifestyle). Christianity and Jainism intersected in their aspirations for well-being and total liberation. Both agreed that human beings need to purify through righteous actions or positive karma. Aside from the e-library method, the research engaged in actual research collaboration with Jainist scholars that deepened the study. Through inclusivity and integration of common areas for social welfare achieved in inter-religious dialogue, the church’s agenda of synodality is facilitated.

Renaissance humanism and Martin Luther: The birth of nation‐states

AbstractThis article explores the interaction between Renaissance humanism and Martin Luther's Reformation in fostering the emergence of nation‐states in Europe. It argues that the emphasis on individualism, critical thinking, and a return to classical ideals during the Renaissance provided a fertile ground for Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church's authority. Luther's Reformation, with its focus on Scripture and a direct relationship between believer and God, further eroded the Church's control and transnational influence. This convergence of intellectual and religious transformations created a space for the development of distinct national identities and the consolidation of power by European monarchs. The article will examine how these movements challenged the existing political and religious order, ultimately contributing to the rise of nation‐states as the dominant political entity in Europe.

Jewish Responses to Copernican Thought: A Conceptual Replication of John Hedley Brooke’s Chapter on Scientific and Religious Reform

This article explores how replication might work in the study of history through the presentation of a test case. Specifically, chapter 3 of historian John Hedley Brooke’s seminal book Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives (1991) was chosen for this experiment by an interdisciplinary team, as it is a cornerstone study in the history of science and religion. This article details the “conceptual replication” undertaken, that is, a study in which the research protocol of the original study was modified while the main research question stayed the same. Brooke studied the responses of Protestants and Roman Catholics to Copernican thought to examine the widely held belief that those who had recently gone through the Protestant Reformation would be more open to the new astronomy than Catholics. Our conceptual replication investigates what historians have written about Jewish responses to Copernican thought and how these findings impact the question of the relationship between religious and scientific reform. The preliminary conclusion of this replication study is that historians of the Jewish responses to the new astronomy seem to support Brooke’s view that such responses were determined by more than just theological or denominational considerations, since other factors (e.g., social ones) played a more constitutive role.

Approaches of the Greek Catholic Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky to the National and Confessional Issues at the Beginning of the 20th Century

The article examines the approaches of the Greek Catholic Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky to the national and confessional issues at the beginning of the 20th century. Sheptytsky’s views are placed in the context of the views of his contemporaries, both collaborators and figures who had a different national and/or confessional option. Identified through the analysis of the texts of Metropolitan Andrey set of his views on the Christian world and its constituent confessions (Catholics of various rites, Orthodox, especially Russian Orthodox and Old Believers, Protestants) is presented. Certain features of Christian universalism in Sheptytsky’s interpretation are revealed, including the concept of «Christian people» as one of the occurrences of the Christian world at the national level. A conclusion about the most important priority in the activities of Metropolitan Andrey is drawn. It is concluded that the most important priority in the activities of Metropolitan Andrey was the desire to unite all Christians. He had an idea of how this process might develop. The main role was assigned to the Russian Orthodox Church, which, in his opinion, should have realized its unity with the Catholic Church.

Solomon Dodashvili and the Catholic Church in Georgia

Solomon Dodashvili and the Catholic Church in Georgia

Modern Trends in Catholic Church Architecture in Georgia

Modern Trends in Catholic Church Architecture in Georgia

Un enseignement biblique avec les arts plastiques en milieu catholique

This research in practical theology examines the impact of biblical teaching offered since 1998 to youth aged 5 to 14 using artwork to create a personal Bible. Volunteers initiated this activity in a Catholic church in Quebec City in response to the deconfessionalization of schools, hoping to offer a biblical culture to young people. The research method includes a detailed description of this “religious practice” with data collection, a critical correlation with the Bible and Church Tradition, and a reinvestment of the practice. During the period 2005-2022, the practice called “Bible illustrée” (Illustrated Bible) reached 144 youth, mostly from Quebec but also from African and Latin American immigrant communities. In 2022, 26 people completed a questionnaire on their motivation to participate, artistic creativity, and contemporary Christian witness. A critical correlation showed that Illustrated Bible is an activity that allows participants to reflect on relationships with others, God and existence, a reflection often taboo in a secular society. The all-volunteer support has contributed to the sustainability of a joyful, reflective, and creative community. The concept of Illustrated Bible could be integrated into other places (parishes, camps, etc.) and would benefit from a future guidebook for its dissemination.

Նիկիայի Բ Տիեզերաժողովի (787 թ․) կանոնները. Միջնադարյան հայերեն թարգմանությունը՝ հունարեն բնագրի հետ զուգորդմամբ

The Second Council of Nicaea, which was held in 787 and recognized by the Orthodox Churches that followed the Byzantine tradition and the Western Church (the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches separated from it) as the Seventh "Ecumenical Council", is of great significance to the history of the church, not only in terms of the study of the dispute over the treatment of images but also from the point of view of the study of issues of canon law and church administration. The 22 canons promulgated by the Council were strictly administrative and prescriptive in nature compared to the canons of previously held Councils. Most likely, this was connected with the desire to restore the ecclesiastical order shaken by the disputes over the images and after them. Therefore, the respective study of the canons of the Second Council of Nicaea seems important, first of all, from the point of view of canon law. This study aims to publish an Armenian translation of the canons of the Council of Nicaea of 787, most probably made in the 13th–14th centuries, along with the Greek original. Such research is relevant not only as a disclosure of the previously unpublished original Armenian text of the canons, but also in the context of clarifying various canonical-legal and administrative concepts of the church and the study of church Councils.

Illegal Marriages

Pope Innocent III has drawn constant scholarly attention in the realm of medieval history. Not only was his papacy fundamental in the shaping of the modern-day Roman Catholic Church, but his time as Roman Pontiff is also considered the apogee of the medieval papacy. He expanded papal influence into realms previously dreamt of by Church reformers and exerted it over secular rulers. An often-contested topic of Innocent’s historiography is the motivations and justifications for his actions. Are we to view them through the lens of reform or the mind of a pragmatist? This paper contributes to this debate by analyzing Innocent’s letters and actions pertaining to the consanguineous marriages of Alfonso IX with Berenguela in the Iberian Peninsula and Otto IV with Beatrix in the German lands. By comparing the actions and justifications of Pope Innocent III in the Iberian Peninsula and the German lands—an area on the periphery of Europe and one central in it—this paper seeks to uncover, firstly, whether Innocent acted similarly in comparable situations from both areas and, secondly, whether Church reform or pragmatism influenced his arguments and measures. This paper finds that Innocent acted in a reformist manner (disregarding temporal outcomes in favor of spiritual strictness) in the Iberian Peninsula while he focused on temporal matters through a pragmatic approach in the German lands due to the severe threat the German Empire posed to Church independence and the ongoing Reconquista in Iberia. Utilizing a comparatist approach to this topic allows for conclusions to be made from his actions in different regions rather than a case study in a singular region.

Implementasi Pemahaman Orang Muda Katolik Tentang Kitab Suci Deuteurokanonika Bagi Kerukunan Di Naibonat, Kuasi Paroki Raknamo, Kupang

Young Catholics (OMK) are the next generation of sources of the Catholic faith. One of them is the holy book. In the Naibonat quasi-parish, OMK is very active in church activities. However, in reality, there are still many OMK who do not have adequate knowledge and understanding of the holy books, both deuteurocanonical. So, when a new translation of the deuteurocanonical holy book was published, OMK became confused about which holy book to have. This research aims to determine the extent of understanding of OMK in Naibonat regarding the deuterocanonical holy book, efforts that need to be made to increase OMK's understanding so that harmony is maintained through the teachings of the deuterurocanonical holy book. The method used is a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection techniques are interviews, observation and documentation combined with literary studies. The data obtained was reduced and analyzed so that it answered the research objectives. As a result, OMK in Naibonat do not understand the differences between Catholic and Protestant holy books. However, OMK knows that the contents of the holy book teach about helping each other and loving each other. This is also what is taught in deuteurocanonical books, such as in the book of Tobit which contains life advice for his son Tobiah to continue doing good, abstain from sin, and continue to help others by giving alms. Advice for OMKs like this is what encourages the creation of a harmonious life where by helping and loving each other, differences and diversity will not become obstacles but become tools that maintain harmony in life for the common good. The results of this research will be a starting point for community service activities in the form of socializing the deuteurocanonical holy book for OMK in Naibonat in particular and in the Archdiocese of Kupang in general.

A French Jesuit in China: The Case of André Yverneau 1948–1951

During the many centuries of interaction and exchange between China and Europe, one of the most complex and ambiguous relationships was that of the Catholic Church and its missionaries in China. On one hand, they contributed to and can be seen as a part of the European imperial project of world colonisation, but on the other hand, they were instrumental in sharing and exchanging knowledge, as well as creating schools and other institutions in the places they created missions. At the same time, attempts were being made within the Catholic Church to promote the development of a Chinese clergy, although this issue remained divisive. This article examines these complex relationships through the eyes of a French Jesuit, André Yverneau, who was in China between 1948 and 1951 and who left a collection of letters back to his family describing these years. His experiences, observations, reactions and attitudes towards China and the mission are presented and analysed in order to re-evaluate some of the main debates surrounding the mission in China in the mid-twentieth century: education, language, indigenisation, and politics, both internal to the Catholic Church and with its relations in China.

The Catholic Church and Its Approach towards Refugees and Migrants: An Analysis of the Presence of Migration Issues in the Synod’s Syntheses on Synodality

The issues of migration and refugees are currently major global challenges. They are also important aspects of the teachings of the Catholic Church, as evidenced by the many recent Church documents. These issues also came up in discussions at the Synod on Synodality convened by Pope Francis. This article attempts to analyze 24 synodal syntheses, created by European episcopates, in terms of their approach to contemporary migration phenomena and further consequences, which allows for the identification of the main themes and indications of both the religious and social aspects of the encounter with newcomers. A common theme of the syntheses analyzed was the conviction of the need to sensitize societies to the specific plight of newcomers, threatening to marginalize them. Accompanying newcomers and caring for their integration with local communities resounded in the syntheses both as a task and also as opportunities for host communities to actualize solidarity, fraternity, and cultural exchange.

The Sacramentality of the Word of God by Jack D. Kilcrease in an Ecumenical Discussion with Roman Catholic Theology

The Sacramentality of the Word of God by Jack D. Kilcrease in an Ecumenical Discussion with Roman Catholic Theology

Examining Filipino Popular Piety in the light of Vatican II’s <i>Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy</i>: Principles and Guidelines

Celebrating popular piety in different regions reflects the vibrant, diverse, and festive culture of the Philippines. The innumerable religious practices through rites and ceremonies show the intensity and vibrance of Filipino Catholic spirituality. It is part of theheritage and unique identity of the Filipino Catholic Church to the extent that it also impacts the local liturgical calendar. Given this distinctive characteristic of popular piety, finding its harmony with the liturgy is challenging. The focus on the ritual aspect of popular piety diverges from orthodoxy, raising conflict between its praxis and Church teachings, which allows for misinterpretation and syncretism. This paper will employ a descriptive research design to assess the reception of Vatican II’s Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines (DPPL), using the method of critical reflection. It comprehensively analyzes the reception of DPPL and its profound impact on Catholicism in the Philippines. This study aims to establish an understanding of popular piety as a valid form of worship through analysis and evaluation of the process of inculturation to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of these practices. It enriches theological discourse on the realm of inculturation, which leads to the preservation of cultural heritage and the understanding that popular piety is an encounter of evangelization and culture that should be treated with profound respect and mutual understanding.

Missionary Writings During the Canton Exile (1666–1671): Controversies on the Inculturation of the Catholic Church

Abstract In the aftermath of the Calendar Case, 25 missionaries arrived in Canton in March 1666. Over the course of their five-year exile, they generated numerous reports and letters which, until now, have not been subject to systematic study. This paper delves into their writings concerning the establishment of three practical norms for the China mission: permitting Chinese Catholics to observe traditional rites honoring their ancestors and Confucius, allowing them to continue fasting under certain conditions, and instructing them to wear a Chinese hat during the liturgy. Though these norms were ratified by majority vote, they were immediately met with opposition. Although the controversy on the Chinese rites is well-documented, it is pertinent to examine these three controversies together, as they pertain to the issue of inculturation within the Catholic Church.

Portrait of Mary and Manggarai Women in “Dere Serani”: The Encounter of Religion and Culture

Catholics hold Mary, the mother of Jesus, in high esteem. The widespread presence of Marian devotions, teachings, dogmas, symbols, titles, art, and places of pilgrimage in various church regions across the globe demonstrates this phenomenon. This study investigates the portrayal of Mary at the Manggarai Catholic Church, which is situated in the Diocese of Ruteng, Flores. This study aimed to analyze the songs performed by Maria that are featured in the book “Dere Serani.” The central investigation focused on whether the depiction of Mary in songs is impacted by the representation of women in the local culture or not. This study utilized two main approaches, namely text content analysis and cultural studies. This study discovered that the depiction of Mary that is adopted by the local community extends beyond local perspectives and incorporates global viewpoints.