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All-girls Catholic school bans same-sex couples from formal

<p dir="ltr">An all-girls Catholic school in the Sydney suburb of Kingsgrove has refused to let same sex couples attend the year 12 formal together, prompting widespread outrage. </p> <p dir="ltr">Students at St Ursula’s College have been vocal in their disapproval of the rule, banding together to form a petition to let same sex dates attend the end of year dance.</p> <p dir="ltr">The petition on <a href="https://www.change.org/p/allow-same-sex-couples-at-st-ursula-s-school-formal?source_location=petitions_browse">Change.org</a> has already racked up thousands of signatures in a matter of weeks, after being created by concerned student Abbie Frankland, who labelled the policy “discriminatory”.</p> <p dir="ltr">In her petition, Ms Frankland expressed the sentiments of the LGBTQ+ community at the school, voicing her concern for the exclusionary rule. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My girlfriend and I, along with many other students at St. Ursula’s in Kingsgrove NSW, Australia, have been eagerly awaiting the school formal for months,” she wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve purchased non-refundable tickets and outfits in anticipation of this event. However, we’ve recently discovered that the school does not allow same-sex couples to attend the formal together.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The policy also ignited a fire within the student body to push for change.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In Australia, 61.6 percent of people voted ‘Yes’ in a national survey on marriage equality, showing widespread support for LGBTQ+ rights across the country,” Ms Frankland added, referencing the Australian Bureau of Statistics. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Yet, despite this clear public sentiment towards inclusivity and acceptance, schools like St Ursula’s continue to uphold discriminatory policies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The petition, which has racked up over 2,000 signatures so far, calls for the school to realign itself with the broader values of inclusivity and equality. </p> <p dir="ltr">It also calls on the college to allow all students, regardless of sexual orientation, to bring their chosen partner to the school formal at the end of the year. </p> <p dir="ltr">“By signing this petition, you’re standing up against discrimination and supporting equal rights for all students at St Ursula’s School in Kingsgrove, NSW, Australia,” Ms Frankland said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some parents have also called for the ban to be lifted, noting that the harsh rule has put unnecessary stress on students as they are dealing with their HSC exams. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s totally taken the kids’ focus off the HSC,” a concerned mother told Ben Fordham Live on 2GB. </p> <p dir="ltr">The mother said her daughter planned to take another girl to the formal, saying that, “She automatically was upset - crying in the car,” when she found out about the ban. </p> <p dir="ltr">Fordham was quick to point out a flaw in the school’s policy, pointing out that the woman’s 18-year-old daughter could legally marry a woman but not take one to her formal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another parent also called into the radio show, saying, “It’s 2023 – what’s going on?”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Google Maps</em></p>

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“I was wrong”: Dominic Perrottet admits Catholic faith played a role in gambling reform


<p>Dominic Perrottet has changed his tune. After reflecting on his decision to implement a new gambling policy, he admits his Catholic faith played a role.</p> <p>Last week ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis made a comment claiming the premier’s “conservative Catholic gut” was linked to his decision to implement cashless poker machines across all venues in NSW. As a result, the ClubsNSW board decided to fire Landis.<br />Perrottet responded to the comment and claimed his views were “not informed by the fact that I’m Catholic.”</p> <p>Since then, Perrottet has changed his mind. He admitted that the decision was influenced by his Catholic faith. “Certainly my upbringing and my faith has had an impact,” the premier said.<br />“I don’t think that is something I should be ashamed of.”</p> <p>When asked why this policy is such a priority for him, he reflected on his time as NSW treasurer, “We were receiving revenue and profit from people’s misery.”</p> <p>Perrottet has been the state’s premier since October 2021, dealing with the state opening up after COVID and the Omnicron wave. “I haven't got everything right in the time I've been in politics, but you learn from it,” he said.</p> <p>“Politics is not easy. It's difficult and there will always be the external events and mistakes get made.”</p> <p>If Perrottet is re-elected this year, the gambling law overhaul will begin early next year with the roll-out of cashless poker machines.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Catholic conflicts on marriage continue, even decades after Vatican II

<p>The past 60 years have been a period of change and reflection for many in the Catholic Church, initiated by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s and continued by the current synod on synodality.</p> <p>In the autumn of 2021, Pope Francis <a href="https://www.usccb.org/synod" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced a new synod</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-synod-of-bishops-a-catholic-priest-and-theologian-explains-168937" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an official meeting of Roman Catholic bishops</a> to determine future directions for the church globally. The <a href="https://www.synod.va/content/dam/synod/common/phases/continental-stage/dcs/Documento-Tappa-Continentale-EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first working document</a> issued by the synod was published on Oct. 27, 2022.</p> <p>This document was made public <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2022/documents/20221011-omelia-60concilio.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soon after the 60th anniversary</a> of Pope John XXIII’s 1962 convocation of the Second Vatican Council. During the three years that followed, Catholic bishops from across the globe met in several sessions, assisted by expert theologians. Many guests were also <a href="https://vaticaniiat50.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/63-non-catholic-observers-attending-second-session/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited as observers</a>, which included prominent Catholic laity and representatives from other Christian churches.</p> <p>The council called for fresh ways to address 20th-century social and cultural issues and initiated official dialogue groups for Catholic theologians with others from different faith traditions.</p> <div data-id="17"> </div> <p>However, Catholics have become increasingly divided over this openness to contemporary cultural changes. As a <a href="https://www.holycross.edu/academics/programs/religious-studies/faculty/joanne-pierce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">specialist in Roman Catholic liturgy and worship</a>, I find that one important flashpoint where these deeper disagreements become more painfully visible is in Catholic worship, particularly in the celebration of its seven major rituals, called the sacraments. This is especially true in the celebration of matrimony.</p> <h2>Vatican II</h2> <p>In the mid-20th century, the church was still shaken by the repercussions of World War II and struggling to contribute to a world connected by the reality of global communication and the threat of nuclear war. Vatican II was called to “update” and “renew” the church – a process Pope John XXIII called “<a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-10/vatican-ii-council-60th-anniversary-video-history-background.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aggiornamento</a>.”</p> <p>One important theme connecting all of the council’s documents was <a href="http://individual.utoronto.ca/hayes/xty_canada/vatican_ii.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inculturation</a>, a more open dialogue with the variety of global human cultures. With the document <a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sacrosanctum Concilium</a>, the bishops addressed the need to revisit the centuries-old worship traditions of Catholicism, reforming the structures of the various rituals and encouraging the use of vernacular languages during prayer, rather than exclusive use of the ancient Latin texts.</p> <p>In the intervening decades, however, sharp contradictions and disagreements have arisen, especially over clashes between flexible cultural adaptation and rigorous moral and doctrinal standards. These have become much more visible during the past two pontificates: the more conservative Pope Benedict XVI – pope from 2005 to 2013 – and the more progressive Pope Francis.</p> <h2>The synod on synodality</h2> <p>For the present synod, Pope Francis began with a process of consultation with <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-catholic-church-is-increasingly-diverse-and-so-are-its-controversies-189038" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local church communities all over the world</a>, stressing the inclusion of many different groups within the church, especially of <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-10/voices-of-excluded-in-synod-document-for-continental-phase.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">those who are often marginalized</a>, including the poor, migrants, LGBTQ people and women.</p> <p>However, there <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/is-the-synod-building-a-big-tent-or-a-house-on-sand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has also been criticism</a>. Some feel that the church should more swiftly adapt its teaching and practice to the needs of a variety of contemporary cultural shifts, while others insist it should hold on to its own traditions even more tightly.</p> <h2>Gay marriage</h2> <p>In North America and Europe, a major <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/11/02/how-catholics-around-the-world-see-same-sex-marriage-homosexuality/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cultural shift</a> has taken place over recent decades concerning gays and lesbians, from marginalized rejection to acceptance and support.</p> <p>Over the years Pope Francis has <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-endorse-same-sex-civil-unions-eb3509b30ebac35e91aa7cbda2013de2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">come under fire</a> for his comments about homosexuality. He has publicly stated that gay Catholics are not to be discriminated against, that they have a right to enter secular civil unions and that they are to be welcomed by the Catholic community. On the other hand, he has also <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/setback-gay-catholics-vatican-says-church-cannot-bless-same-sex-unions-2021-03-15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refused bishops permission</a> to offer gay couples a blessing.</p> <p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/gay-blessings-germany-vatican/2021/05/10/e452cea2-af6a-11eb-82c1-896aca955bb9_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Progressive bishops in Germany</a> and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/flemish-catholic-bishops-defying-vatican-approve-blessing-same-sex-unions-2022-09-20/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belgium</a>, who had been <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250313/synodal-way-meeting-ends-with-call-for-same-sex-blessings-change-to-catechism-on-homosexuality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proponents</a> of this practice, organized an open protest by setting aside a day just for the bestowal of these blessings.</p> <p>In contemporary Catholicism, discrimination or injustice against gay or lesbian individuals is <a href="https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/568/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">condemned</a>, because each human being is <a href="https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/life-and-dignity-of-the-human-person" target="_blank" rel="noopener">considered to be a child of God</a>. However, homosexual orientation is still considered “<a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P85.HTM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intrinsically disordered</a>” and homosexual activity seriously sinful.</p> <p>The Vatican <a href="https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/03/15/210315b.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has warned</a> progressives of the danger that these blessings might be considered, in the eyes of the faithful, the equivalent of a <a href="https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20210222_articolo-responsum-dubium-unioni_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacramental marriage</a>. Some might assume that homosexual activity is no longer considered sinful, a fundamental change that conservative Catholics would find completely unacceptable.</p> <p>This doctrinal perspective has led to other liturgical restrictions. For example, the baptism of children adopted by gay parents is considered a “<a href="https://www.usccb.org/committees/doctrine/pastoral-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">serious pastoral concern</a>.” In order for a child to receive the sacrament of Catholic baptism – the blessing with water that makes the child a Catholic Christian – there must be some hope that the <a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann834-878_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">child will be raised in the Catholic Church</a>, yet the church teaches that homosexual activity is objectively wrong. Despite the current openness <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vatican-synod-gays/gays-and-their-children-should-not-suffer-church-bias-vatican-idUSKBN0F11HV20140626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to gay Catholics</a>, this conflict could lead to the child’s being denied baptism.</p> <p>Following a <a href="https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">document issued in 2005</a> under Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis in 2018 stated that candidates for the sacrament of ordination – the ritual that makes a man a priest – <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-homosexuality/pope-tells-bishops-not-to-accept-gay-seminarians-report-idUSKCN1IP36J" target="_blank" rel="noopener">must be rejected</a> if they demonstrate “homosexual tendencies” or a serious interest in “gay culture.” He also advised gay men who are already ordained to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-homosexuals-book/be-celibate-or-leave-the-priesthood-pope-tells-gay-priests-idUSKBN1O10K7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maintain strict celibacy or leave the priesthood</a>.</p> <h2>Polygamy and colonialism</h2> <p>This recent cultural shift in Western nations has raised difficult questions for Catholics, both clergy and laity. In some non-Western countries, however, it is <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-catholic-church-is-increasingly-diverse-and-so-are-its-controversies-189038" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an older custom</a> that has become an important issue.</p> <p>The culture of many African countries is supportive of polygamy – more specifically, the <a href="https://catholicherald.co.uk/many-african-catholics-have-more-than-one-wife-what-should-the-church-do/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">practice of allowing men to take more than one wife</a>. While the civil law in some countries might not allow for polygamy, the “<a href="http://www.scielo.org.za/pdf/she/v39n1/14.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">customary law</a>” rooted in traditional practice may still remain in force.</p> <p>In some countries, like Kenya in 2014, <a href="https://cruxnow.com/cns/2018/05/11/some-kenyan-christians-support-polygamy-but-catholic-church-says-no" target="_blank" rel="noopener">civil law has been changed</a> to include an <a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2019/01/07/pushed-politicians-polygamy-abounds-among-christians-kenya?destination=/faith/2019/01/07/pushed-politicians-polygamy-abounds-among-christians-kenya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official recognition of polygamous marriage</a>. Some have argued that monogamy is not an organic cultural shift but a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8827617/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">colonial imposition</a> on African cultural traditions. In some areas, Catholic men continue the practice, even those who act on behalf of the church in teaching others about the faith – called catechists.</p> <p>At least one African bishop <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/17354/synod-for-africa-ponders-how-to-tackle-polygamy-meddling-by-foreign-interests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has made an interesting suggestion</a>. The openness to alternative cultural approaches has already resulted in one change. Divorced and remarried Catholics were once forbidden from taking Communion – the bread and wine consecrated at the celebration of the Catholic ritual of the Mass – because the church did not recognize secular divorce.</p> <p>Today, they may <a href="https://www.ncronline.org/vatican-cardinal-amoris-laetitia-allows-some-remarried-take-communion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">receive communion</a> under certain conditions. This flexibility might apply as well to Catholics in non-recognized polygamous unions, who are also <a href="https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/african-bishop-polygamy-homosexuality-divorce-oh-my" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not permitted to receive Communion</a> at present.</p> <p>As Pope Francis wrote in his 2016 document on marriage, <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amoris Laetitia</a>, some matters should be left to local churches to decide based on their own culture and traditions.</p> <p>However, despite the <a href="https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_1988_fede-inculturazione_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need for increased awareness of and openness to diverse human cultures</a> stressed during Vatican II and the current synod, this traditional custom is still considered a violation of Catholic teaching. Based on the words of Jesus in the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019%3A6&amp;version=NRSVACE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gospel of Matthew</a>, Catholic teaching continues to emphasize that marriage can take place only between <a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=6219" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one man and one woman as a lifelong commitment</a>.</p> <p>How the current synod on synodality, in its effort to extend the insights of the Second Vatican Council, will deal with questions like these is still unclear. It is now set to run for an additional year, concluding in 2024 instead of 2023.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/catholic-conflicts-on-marriage-continue-even-decades-after-vatican-ii-192808" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Catholic Church to meet for first plenary council in 84 years

<p>Representatives from the Catholic Church in Australia are soon to assemble at an historic gathering that will chart a future for a "diminished" institution bruised by the damning finds of a sexual abuse royal commission.</p> <p>The last time bishops and representatives from all the nation’s dioceses gathered for an all-in plenary council was in 1937.</p> <p>The issues now confronting the church could not possibly have been foreseen then – royal commission findings that child sexual abuse ran rampant and was covered up.</p> <p>From this Sunday, 280 ordinary lay members and bishops will convene to consider issues that will have a profound effect on the shape of the church in Australia.</p> <p>Among the most pressing agenda items is how the church plans to reform; 45 bishops will vote on binding resolutions that will be sent to the Vatican for approval.</p> <p>Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who is also the president of the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference, pushed for the summit, saying that the royal commission didn’t prompt the event – but that the “great humiliations” it exposed must inform the next steps of a “diminished” church.</p> <p>“We have to ask the questions about what it means to be a poorer church, a humbler church, a simpler church, but a church which is reaching out in all kinds of new and perhaps hitherto unseen ways, into culture and society,”<span> </span>Archbishop Coleridge told the ABC.</p> <p>Former royal commission Robert Fitzgerald says it’s no secret that the church “struggles with transparency” and that some bishops, priests and laity still hold the belief that the church is a private institution.</p> <p>He wants to see the return of pastoral councils to improve transparency and increase the involvement of lay people in decisions taken by priests and bishops.</p> <p>“If the governance of the church is not significantly improved, and the participation of women isn’t considerably enhanced, then .. the reforms we’ve talked about previously in relation to professional standards, the way in which we protect vulnerable people, they will falter over,” he has warned.</p> <p>Archbishop Coleridge says “question of women” will be central to the deliberations of plenary council.</p> <p>Other issues on the agenda include how the church might "open in new ways to Indigenous ways of being Christian" and learn from First Nations peoples.</p> <p>The first Plenary Council assembly begins with a mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth on Sunday. The event runs until October 10, and will be conducted online.</p>

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Catholic priest dies before being sentenced for child sexual abuse

<p>Disgraced former Catholic Priest James Joseph Cunneen, who was <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/offences/sexual-offences/indecent-assault/">found guilty of indecently assaulting </a>six teenage boys in New South Wales in the late 1980s, has died before he could be sentenced.</p> <p>60-year old Mr Cunneen was due to be sentenced in Downing Centre District Court on 14 February 2020. He was arrested, charged and prosecuted last year after information given to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2014.</p> <p>After an extensive investigation, police extradited Mr Cunneen back to Australia in 2017 where he was charged.</p> <p>Molested, even in their sleep</p> <p>Mr Cunneen was originally ordained as a priest in his native country, New Zealand, in 1979 and worked within the Catholic church both New Zealand and Australia before leaving the church in 1997 and returning to New Zealand.</p> <p>After leaving the church, he worked for the Department of Education for three years, and then took a job running betting agencies across New Zealand’s north island.</p> <p>Originally charged with 10 child sex offences against eight teenagers, a jury found Cunneen guilty for acts committed against six of them.</p> <p>During the trial, the court heard that Mr Cunneed had molested the boys in various locations and situations, including while they were sleeping.</p> <p>Mr Cunneen <a href="https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/disgraced-kiwi-priest-dies-suddenly-sydney">had a heart attack on 28 December 2019,</a> and died in the intensive care unit at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney.</p> <p>The Royal Commission’s impact</p> <p>Since the Royal Commission’s final report, several high profile Catholic priests including George Pell have been tried and found guilty of sexually abusing children.</p> <p>Others including <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/convicted-catholic-archbishop-resigns/">Adelaide Archbishop Phillip Wilson</a> have been convicted of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/concealing-serious-indictable-offence/">concealing a serious indictable offence</a> after covering up sexual abuse committed by convicted child sex offender, priest James Fletcher, which had occurred in the New South Wales Hunter region in the 1970s.</p> <p>Pell’s High Court Appeal</p> <p><a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/george-pells-high-court-appeal-last-throw-of-the-dice/">In December 2019, the High Court of Australia decided that it will hear George Pell’s application for ‘special leave’ (permission) to appeal</a>, which if granted will provide him with the last throw of the dice to have his convictions for historical child sexual offences overturned.</p> <p>The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the land. Its primary function is to interpret and apply the law of Australia, including to decide cases of special national significance such as challenges to the constitutional validity of laws, and before cases can be</p> <p>heard, the High Court must decide whether to grant special leave from cases that have come from the Federal, State and Territory courts.</p> <p>George Pell’s lawyers applied for special leave after a two of a three member panel of Supreme Court of Victoria upheld his convictions for child sex offences earlier this year.</p> <p>Mr Pell is currently serving a six year sentence for those offence, becoming eligible for parole after three years and eight months. He has already served just over 5 months behind bars.</p> <p>The High Court has announced it will hear the case in front of a full bench of seven judges. A date has not yet been set, but it is expected to be sometime within the next few months.</p> <p>Pope remains silent</p> <p>Pope Francis has not yet spoken publicly about the case of George Pell, who was once one of the Church’s highest ranking officials, although the Pope has recognised that over the past few years that sexual offending within the church is a systemic problem that has perpetuated through the years because of an internal culture of secrecy and cover ups.</p> <p>It’s expected that the Pope may address the problems in Australia – <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/they-give-god-a-bad-name-says-victim/">the Royal Commission detailed</a> 4,444 allegations of child sexual abuse in its final report in 2017– but right around the country, police investigations are continuing and every day, complainants are continuing to come forward.</p> <p><em>Written by Sonia Hickey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/catholic-priest-dies-before-his-sentencing-for-child-sexual-abuse/">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

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Calls for radio host Kyle Sandilands to be sacked after saying Virgin Mary was a “liar”

<p>People of faith are protesting outside KIIS FM’s headquarters in Ryde, Sydney after Kyle Sandilands joked that the Virgin Mary was a “liar” who got “knocked up behind a camel shed”.</p> <p>“I thought Mary was his (Jesus’) girlfriend but apparently it was the mother,” he said.</p> <p>“And the mother lied obviously and told everyone, ‘Nah I got pregnant by a magical ghost’. Bulls**t.”</p> <p>He then called anyone who believed in the Bible story “dumb”.</p> <p>“You might believe everything that was written down 2000 years ago to be absolutely accurate. Good on you, you’re dumb. Dumb as dog s**t,” he said.</p> <p>Sandilands has apologised for the video and did so last week. He told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/kyle-sandilands-slammed-over-disgusting-video-on-virgin-mary/news-story/143daedd71a1651a7d4a3912a496de0a" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a></em><span> </span>that everyone is “entitled to their own religious beliefs” and that he’s “sorry if I offended anyone with my comments”.</p> <p>However, this isn’t enough for protesters.</p> <p>Protest leader Georgie Clark told<em> <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/protestors-want-kyle-sandilands-sacked-for-virgin-mary-blunder-002654337.html" target="_blank">Yahoo News Australia</a> </em>about their thoughts on the incident.</p> <p>“We live in a country that has double standards because in the commercial code of conduct clause 214 states that a radio station cannot offend, discriminate against religion, sex, gender,” protest leader Georgie Clark said.</p> <p>“Rugby Australia have the same code of conduct and he [Israel Folau] got sacked for quoting something he didn’t even write.</p> <p>“Kyle from 106.5 KIIS FM went and discriminated against not only one religion but two. He discriminated and said things from his own heart. He called us dumb, he called us stupid, he called Muslims and Christians who believe in the Virgin Mary liars,” Clark said.</p> <p>“What is the difference between offending a homosexual or a thief or a liar or an adulterer or a fornicator like Israel Folau did? But when it comes to religion they just want to sweep us under the carpet.”</p> <p>Folau was sacked in April this year for sharing an image on his Instagram account which said ‘hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters’.</p>

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Where did he go? Pope Francis rescued after 25-minute scare

<p>While thousands of eager churchgoers gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the usual traditional Sunday service, the main attraction was nowhere to be found. </p> <p>Usually, the service starts specifically at the dot-of-noon, and involved the Catholic leader sharing a few words and giving his blessing, but after seven minutes of waiting the same question began to buzz around the square: where is the pope? </p> <p>After 25 minutes, he appeared and said: "First of all I must excuse myself for being late. I was blocked in an elevator for 25 minutes."</p> <p>Francis explained the electric power had a “drop in tension,” which caused the elevator to become stuck. </p> <p>"Thank God the firefighters intervened," he said in reference to the on hand Vatican City State’s own fire department. </p> <p>The influential Catholic church leader concluded his announcement by asking the audience to give his “rescuers” a round of applause for he shared  the news of 13 new churchmen of becoming new cardinals. </p> <p>The Vatican has not confirmed if the pope was alone or accompanied by any of his aides in the elevator.</p>

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George Pell verdict: Pope Francis reacts to Victorian Court’s decision

<p>Pope Francis has tweeted an indirect statement following the Victorian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold George Pell’s child sex abuse conviction as the Vatican decides whether to hold a canonical trial of its own.</p> <p>Taking to Twitter, the Pope said: “It takes more strength to repair than to build, to start anew than to begin, to be reconciled than to get along. This is the strength that God gives us.”</p> <p>This isn’t the first jab he’s taken at Cardinal Pell, as during his weekly address on Wednesday, he spoke of hypocrisy being the “worst enemy” of the Christian community.</p> <p>“A life based only on making a profit and taking advantage of situations to the detriment of others inevitably causes inner death,” he said.</p> <p>“How many people say they are close to the Church, friends of priests, bishops while only seeking their own interests? These are the hypocrisies that destroy the Church.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">It takes more strength to repair than to build, to start anew than to begin, to be reconciled than to get along. This is the strength that God gives us.</p> — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/1164137571179515904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">21 August 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Once the third-most senior Catholic in the Vatican, Cardinal Pell looked after the ancient institution’s finances. He was also known to share a close bond with the Pope, who has previously introduced measures to prevent sexual abuse in the church.</p> <p>On Tuesday, the 78-year-old’s appeal was dismissed in the Victorian Supreme Court, sealing his fate as he prepares to send the next six years in prison. He will be eligible for parole three years and eight months into the sentence.</p> <p>After the decision was announced, the Vatican released a statement of their own, emphasising on its “respect for the Australian judicial system”, but added that Pell had always maintained his innocence and had the right to appeal to the High Court.</p> <p>“At this time, together with the Church of Australia, the Holy See confirms its closeness to the victims of sexual abuse and its commitment to pursue, though the competent ecclesiastical authorities, those members of the clergy who commit such abuse,” it said.</p>

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The apple doesn’t fall from the tree! Israel Folau’s cousin loses job over religious comments

<p>The cousin of rugby star Israel Folau has reportedly left his job at a Catholic school days after he was reportedly quoted speaking against the Catholic Church. </p> <p>Josiah Folau was an employee at St Gregory’s Catholic College in Campbelltown in South West Sydney and attends the same church as his elder cousin. </p> <p>The 20-year-old was recently quoted saying the Catholic Church was the “synagogue of Satan.”</p> <p>Ben Fordham, 2GB radio show host, reported Folau’s religious beliefs was part of the reason he decided to part with St Gregory’s. </p> <p>“I’m told his employment came to an end,” Fordham said. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 282.23270440251576px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829170/dailies-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/435a190e2e1f418d8bd188e3b3be7a23" /></p> <p>Folau is a member of The Truth of Jesus Christ Church in Kenthurst in north west Sydney - the same as Israel. </p> <p>He is often seen translating his uncle’s Tongan preachings into English. </p> <p>His latest Instagram posts are similar to his famous rugby star cousin’s who posts religious remarks often. </p> <p>Recently he posted a graphic that read: “If it was a sin 100 years ago, it’s still a sin today. Don’t water down the gospel for this offended generation.”</p> <p>Last month, <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em> reported Josiah saying: “Any devout Catholic person IS NOT A SAVED CHRISTIAN WHATSOEVER (his capitals). Look at Catholic doctrine, almost 100 per cent of it is false and is filled with lies.”</p> <p>He was also reported to have said, “Roman Catholicism is masked devil worship” and the Catholic Church was the “synagogue of Satan.”</p> <p>Fordham said Folau and St Gregory’s have made it unclear why they severed their relationship. </p> <p>“We don’t know if Josiah’s Instagram post or his comments on the Catholic Church are what led to employment coming to an end at St Gregory’s,” he said.</p> <p>The Catholic school released a statement that has come from the headmaster Lee MacMaster. </p> <p>“We have met with Josiah recently and in our discussions, Josiah has made the decision to discontinue his casual employment at St Gregory’s College. We respect Josiah’s privacy in this matter,” Ms MacMaster said.</p>

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BREAKING: George Pell sentenced for child sexual abuse

<p>Disgraced cardinal George Pell has been sentenced to at least three years and eight months in prison due to the “brazen and forceful” sexual abuse of two teenage boys.</p> <p>Handing a maximum sentence of six years, Chief Judge Peter Kidd announced the verdict in Melbourne’s County Court this morning as he stated that Pell was “breathtakingly arrogant” in his offending.</p> <p>In December, Pell was found guilty of orally raping a 13-year-old choirboy and molesting another during a Sunday mass in 1996 at St Patrick’s Cathedral.</p> <p>One of the victims passed away in 2014 due to a drug overdose, with the surviving victim in his 30s.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center " data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">A minimum sentence of 3 years and 8 months down from a total of merely 6 years as most of his sentance is to be served concurrently. You were not an old man when you did this, just because you're old now, you get off so easily. May you rot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pellsentencing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pellsentencing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CardinalPell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CardinalPell</a> <a href="https://t.co/nV2oNWSeki">https://t.co/nV2oNWSeki</a></p> — Sophie (@SophieMaher8) <a href="https://twitter.com/SophieMaher8/status/1105626247986503681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“In my view, the first episode in the priest’s sacristy involved a brazen and forceful sexual attack on the two victims,” said Judge Kidd.</p> <p>“The acts were sexually graphic. Both victims were visibly and audibly distressed during this offending.</p> <p>“There is an added layer of degradation and humiliation that each of your victims must have felt in knowing that their abuse had been witnessed by the other.”</p> <p>Though due to his age, Judge Kidd said he's handed a shorter sentencing than usual "to increase the prospect of you living out the last part of your life in the community".</p> <p>"You are one of the most senior figures within the Catholic Church globally. You remain a cardinal of the Catholic Church. You are a figure of significant interest to those of the Catholic faith, and to those throughout Australia more generally," Judge Kidd said. </p> <p>"As I directed the jury who convicted you in this trial, you are not to be made a scapegoat for any failings, or perceived failings of the Catholic Church."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center " data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">I actually feel sick. Six years. Out in three. A lifetime of abuse and cover ups and that's it? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeterKidd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeterKidd</a> should be ashamed of himself. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgePell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgePell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CardinalPell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CardinalPell</a></p> — Emily Kiko Komiyama (@emmy_kiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/emmy_kiko/status/1105622860381351936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center " data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Can't accuse this judge of not being thorough. Gives you an appreciation for the extraordinary level of work that's gone into his sentencing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CardinalPell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CardinalPell</a></p> — David Taylor (@DaveTaylorNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveTaylorNews/status/1105619144098013184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic to be charged with child sexual abuse and until late-February was the treasurer of the Vatican.</p> <p>Pell has full intentions to challenge the verdict in the Court of Appeal as he claims he is innocent. The hearing will take place in June.</p> <p>What do you think of George Pell's sentence? Do you think it's fair?  Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. </p>

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John Howard's glowing character reference for George Pell revealed

<p>Former Australian prime minister John Howard has provided a glowing character reference for disgraced Cardinal George Pell, who was convicted of child sexual offences in December.</p> <p>In the letter directed to the Melbourne County Court dated February 26, Howard described the high-profile Catholic cleric as "a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character".</p> <p>Howard wrote, "I am aware he has been convicted of those charges; that an appeal against the conviction has been lodged and that he maintains his innocence in respect of these charges. None of these matters alter my opinion of the Cardinal."</p> <p>He explained that he first met Pell about 30 years ago, when the latter was working in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.</p> <p>"Cardinal Pell is a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character. Strength and sincerity have always been features of his personality. I have always found him to be lacking hypocrisy and cant. In his chosen vocation he has frequently displayed much courage and held to his values and beliefs, irrespective of the prevailing wisdom of the time.</p> <p>"It is my view that he has dedicated his life to his nation and his church."</p> <p>Since the news about the character reference emerged, Howard had kept his comments on the case to a minimum. </p> <p>"[Pell] continues to declare his innocence, and has lodged an appeal," Howard told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/2019/02/28/08/02/news-george-pell-john-howard-speaks-character-reference" target="_blank">9News</a></em> on Thursday morning.</p> <p>"In those circumstances, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment at all and I do not intend to do so."</p> <p>Howard is one of the 10 people who provided character references for Pell. Lawyer Robert Richter QC said these people – T.K. Tobin, Sue Buckingham, Anne McFarlane, Chris Meney, Greg Craven, Elsie Heiss, Katrina Potter, Daniel Casey and Michael Casey – do not believe that Pell "is capable of these offences" either.</p> <p>Former Channel Ten newsreader Katrina Lee has also shown support for Pell, staying by his side throughout the trial on <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/why-is-1980s-newsreader-katrina-lee-standing-by-george-pells-side/">Tuesday</a>.</p> <p><img style="width: 450px; height: 253px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7824144/herogp.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/80878d1c1c364fbbb8a9ae8be6ddc474" /></p> <p>According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/pm-scott-morrison-moves-to-strip-cardinal-george-pell-of-highest-honour/news-story/39ab44b0543622824957c5a2064f9ed2" target="_blank"><em>News.com.au</em></a>, Howard’s stance seemed to be in contrast with current PM Scott Morrison, who reportedly is looking to strip the cardinal of his Order of Australia honour.</p> <p>In December, Pell was found guilty of five counts of child sex charges committed in 1996 against two 13-year-old choirboys. </p> <p>On Wednesday, Pell withdrew his bail application as prosecutors told the court that the 77-year-old "has shown no remorse" about his crimes and he spent the night in jail on February 27. </p> <p>The Vatican has also confirmed that it is investigating Pell's case, which could see the Australian cleric dismissed from priesthood.</p>

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“Suck it up”: Jacqui Lambie fires up on Q&A

<p>Former Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie has fired up at the Catholic Church on Monday night’s episode of ABC’s Q&amp;A, calling for the global institution to “suck it up” and “pay for its sins”.</p> <p>Lambie issues her fiery speech after an audience member questioned the inequality in the amount of compensation available to victims of crime or family abuse compared to those abused by an institution.</p> <p>Right now, victims of crime are only able to seek under $10,000 in compensation while those who’ve suffered in an institution can seek $150,000.</p> <p>Lambie compared the cap on abuse victims to the $50,000 cap veterans can ask for.</p> <p>“There is inequality going on here. Somebody needs to set the standard amount for any sort of abuse that’s going on,” she said.</p> <p>The former politician then looked squarely at the Catholic Church.</p> <p>“As for the institutions, I can tell you what, it’s taken them long enough to come up and first of all their apology was way too long and they just sat there as if nothing was happening.</p> <p>“Then they’re still out there crying because they have to sell some of their churches up or whatever. Suck it up.</p> <p>“It was your fault these people are living in the nightmares they’re living. If it means you have to sell some of that property off, then you have to, because you have to pay for your sins. Someone please tell the Catholic Church that.”</p> <p>Lambie’s hard hitting comments earnt her a loud round of applause from the audience.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fabcqanda%2Fvideos%2F10155283389446831%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>The Uniting Church is the latest institution to commit to joining the $3.8 billion national redress scheme for child sexual abuse survivors.</p> <p>The announcement on Monday follows pledges from the two largest Christian denominations — the Catholic and Anglican churches — as well as the Salvation Army, the Scouts and the YMCA last week.</p> <p>The commitments mean the scheme will cover around 80 per cent of an estimated 60,000 eligible survivors nationwide.</p>

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Cardinal George Pell to stand trial: "There is enough evidence to commit him"

<p>Cardinal George Pell is scheduled to face Victoria’s County Court today a day after being committed to stand trial on historical sex offences, as part of an administrative hearing that is expected to lock down possible dates and durations.</p> <p>The 76-year-old pleaded not guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday after being ordered to stand trial on multiple charges.</p> <p><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>9news.com.au reports</strong></em></span></a> Magistrate Belinda Wallington had dismissed some of the more serious charges against the senior Catholic due to a lack of evidence.</p> <p>"The most serious offending alleged could not have occurred in the time frame alleged," she said.</p> <p>"I find that the evidence as a whole is not of sufficient weight for a jury to convict."</p> <p>Among matters proceeding to the trial are accusations about incidents at a swimming pool, as well as allegations he removed ceremonial robes at a church to engage in a sexual act.</p> <p>This ruling follows a four-week pre-trial committal hearing where 30 people were cross-examined by Pell’s legal team, and the cardinal’s barrister, Robert Richter QC, has said that there is a possibility his client would be facing separate trials.</p> <p>Pell has taken leave as the Vatican’s treasurer and is prohibited from leaving Australia as the trial commences, as part of his bail conditions.</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

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Pope Francis responds to Cardinal George Pell offences

<p>The Vatican has responded to the Cardinal George Pell scandal, which has Australia’s most senior Catholic <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/2017/06/cardinal-george-pell-to-be-charged-with-serious-offences/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>charged with a raft of sexual offences</strong></span></a> by Victoria Police.</p> <p>Pope Francis has reportedly granted Cardinal Pell, the Vatican treasurer who is considered the third most powerful person in the Catholic Church, a leave of absence to return to Australia, and <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/2017/06/cardinal-george-pell-issues-statement-in-response-to-scandal/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>defend himself against the charges</strong></span></a>.</p> <p>A <em>Herald Sun</em> report suggests this may become a permanent situation, with Vatican officials preparing to pension Cardinal Pell off to distance themselves from the scandal.</p> <p>The report also suggests that Pope Francis is looking to minimise damage to the Catholic Church’s reputation, irrespective of the outcome of the case.</p> <p>A statement has been issued by the Holy See:</p> <p>"Cardinal Pell, acting in full respect of civil laws, has decided to return to his country to face the charges against him, recognising the importance of his participation to ensure that the process is carried out fairly and to foster the search for truth."</p> <p>The Holy See stated that the Church respects the Australian justice system, but stood by Cardinal Pell.</p> <p>"At the same time, it is important to recall that Cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable the acts of abuse committed against minors."</p> <p>Cardinal Pell addressed the media in Rome yesterday, saying he would fight: "All along, I have been completely consistent and clear in my total rejection of these allegations.</p> <p>"News of these charges strengthens my resolve and court proceedings now offer me an opportunity to clear my name and then return to my work in Rome."</p> <p>What’s your take on this whole unsettling situation?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / PerthNow </em></p>

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Cardinal George Pell issues statement in response to scandal

<p>Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s most senior Catholic, has been <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/2017/06/cardinal-george-pell-to-be-charged-with-serious-offences/" target="_blank">charged with multiple sexual offences by Victoria Police</a></strong></span>. The 76-year-old has issued a response to the claims from the Vatican, and is set to return to Australian in an attempt to clear his name.</p> <p>The charges were officially served on Pell’s legal representatives in Melbourne on Thursday and have been lodged at a Melbourne magistrates court, with the high-ranking Catholic figurehead due to stand before court on 18 July.</p> <p>Victoria police’s deputy commissioner Shane Patton addressed the media, saying, “Cardinal Pell is facing multiple charges… and there are multiple complainants,” adding the charges facing Cardinal Pell were, “historical sexual assault offences”.</p> <p>Pell’s statement, which was issued 4.30am Rome time, said: “Although it is still in the early hours of the morning in Rome, Cardinal George Pell has been informed of the decision and action of Victoria police. He has again strenuously denied all allegations.</p> <p>“Cardinal Pell will return to Australia, as soon as possible, to clear his name following advice and approval by his doctors who will also advise on his travel arrangements.</p> <p>“He said he is looking forward to his day in court and will defend the charges vigorously.”</p> <p>At this stage, it is still unclear just what allegations Pell has been charged with.</p> <p>Pell is due to make a further statement in Rome later on Thursday.</p> <p><span>UPDATE: Cardinal Pell has addressed media in Rome, where he vehemently denied charges and reiterated his intention to return to Australia to prove his innocence. </span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pell?src=hash">#Pell</a> says he is innocent of charges</p> — ABC News (@abcnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/880314483050074112">June 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pell?src=hash">#Pell</a> says he has spoken to doctors about the best way to return to Australia, and to the Pope about obtaining leave to do so</p> — ABC News (@abcnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/880314606802972672">June 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Cardinal Pell arrives to make statement <a href="https://t.co/e4cLG1MBRf">pic.twitter.com/e4cLG1MBRf</a></p> — Lisa Millar (@LisaMillar) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisaMillar/status/880313710480379906">June 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / Newsweek</em></p>

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Cardinal George Pell to be charged with serious offences

<p>Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s highest ranking Catholic, is set to be charged with a slate of serious child sex offences, with an announcement expected from Victorian Police.</p> <p>Fairfax reports there are expected to be up to three serious sexual assault charges, including at least one count of rape, with the announcement expected to send shockwaves through the Catholic Church in Australia and around the world.</p> <p>It is not clear whether the 76-year-old cardinal will return home to fight the charges, or if authorities will need to seek to extradite him. Australia has no extradition treaty with the Vatican, so Cardinal Pell may avoid prosecution should he opt against returning. </p> <p>The decision to charge the Cardinal ends months of speculation regarding the case and will have significant implications in the Catholic Church, with Cardinal Pell sitting only a couple of rungs below the Pope on the church’s hierarchy ladder. </p> <p>Cardinal Pell has previously been accused of sexually abusing a number of boys, but has repeatedly denied all allegations and stated he would co-operate with any investigation.  </p> <p>Victorian Police are expected to announce the charges within hours.</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Twitter / Crikey News </em></p>

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Mother Teresa declared a saint by Pope Francis

<p>Mother Teresa has been declared a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, 19 years after her death.</p> <p>The nun, who became a global icon of Christian charity for her work with poor people in the slums of Kolkata in India, was officially made a saint on Sunday.</p> <p>More than 100,000 pilgrims from around the world travelled to the canonisation mass in St Peter's square in the Vatican City.</p> <p>"For the honour of the Blessed Trinity... we declare and define Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Kolkata) to be a Saint and we enrol her among the Saints, decreeing that she is to be venerated as such by the whole Church," said Pope Francis in Latin.</p> <p><img width="526" height="351" src="http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/7812464-3x2-700x467.jpg" alt="The Vatican" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The ceremony came a day before the 19th anniversary of Mother Teresa's death in Kolkata, the city where she spent nearly four decades helping the dying and destitute.</p> <p>The pontiff said that even though the nun had been declared a saint, she would always be Mother Teresa to the Catholic family. Pope Francis described Mother Teresa's work as "eloquent witness to God's closeness to the poorest of the poor".</p> <p>"Mother Teresa loved to say, 'perhaps I don't speak their language but I can smile'," he said.</p> <p>"Let us carry her smile in our hearts and give it to those whom we meet along our journey, especially those who suffer."</p> <p>Watch Mother Teresa officially become a saint in the video above. What do you think of the decision? Share your opinion with us in the comments below. </p> <p><em>Video source: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EotbjXOtnVo" target="_blank">AFP</a></span></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/man-sells-bakery-to-homeless-man-who-saved-his-life/"><em>French baker to sell business to homeless man for $1.50</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/08/aussie-expat-befriends-lonely-91-year-old/"><em>Young Aussie expat befriends lonely 91-year-old</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/08/homelessness-crisis-point-in-regional-australia/"><em>Homelessness hits "crisis point" in regional Australia</em></a></strong></span></p>

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Mother Teresa had earned her sainthood

<p>Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the nun who selflessly dedicated her life to helping the poor, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church at a ceremony on Sept. 4.</p> <p>Pope Francis made the announcement on Tuesday at a meeting of cardinals to give the final approval to several sainthood causes. This makes the humanitarians canonisation the second fastest in modern history after that of Saint John Paul II.   </p> <p>The Albanian born nun died in 1997 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy. Her original community of about a dozen nuns helped the poor on the city's streets before spreading throughout the world, including to Ireland. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work with the poor, sick and dying. There has been some contention to her sainthood however, with many criticizing her opposition to birth control and accusing her of religious imperialism.</p> <p>Despite the nay-sayers, Mother Teresa was beautified in 2003, giving her the terms ‘blessed’.  The church defines saints as those believed to have been holy enough during their lives to now be in heaven and capable of interceding with God to perform miracles. She has been credited in the church with two miracles, both involving the healing of sick people. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/02/how-you-can-make-a-difference-by-volunteering/"><strong>How you can make a difference by volunteering</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/international-travel/2015/08/tibet-changed-my-life/"><strong>A trip to Tibet changed my life</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/02/little-charitable-things-you-can-do/">6 little things to do to be more charitable</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Mother Teresa officially recognised as a saint

<p>Mother Teresa, the Albanian nun who dedicated her life to the poor and sick is set to be officially added to the list of Catholic saints by Pope Francis.</p> <p>For the Catholic Church to recognise someone as a saint, the Vatican must verify beyond doubt that person not only lived a virtuous life, but managed to perform two miracles.</p> <p>Mother Teresa already had one miracle recognised by the church, when she cured a woman of stomach cancer, and last Thursday Pope Francis ratified her second required miracle.</p> <p><img width="500" height="314" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12699/mother-teresa-two_500x314.jpg" alt="Mother Teresa Two" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The miracle in question is a Brazilian man with multiple brain tumours, who was reportedly healed after loved ones started praying to Mother Teresa to heal him. </p> <p>Sunita Kumar, spokeswoman for Missionaries of Charity, the religious order Mother Teresa founded, said, “"We were very delighted to get the news (about Mother Teresa). I was very emotional, of course. I have seen so many miracles every now and then, but I couldn't be happier today."</p> <p>The sainthood could be granted as soon as September 2016.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/christmas-traditions-from-around-the-world/"><strong>8 wacky Christmas traditions from around the world</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/christmas-traditions-from-around-the-world/"><strong>6 foods to eat for the healthiest hair</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/dog-dances-to-favourite-song/"><strong>Hilarious video of a dog dancing to his favourite song</strong></a></em></span></p>

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