Pope Benedict remains inside the Vatican (Image: GETTY) The people want someone who cares, and Benedict never did. Finding a pastoral Pope like Francis must have seemed ideal, let him lead from the front while they rule from behind. Unfortunately he wasn t what they expected, so the traditionalist backlash started.
Benedict s resignation was the first time a living Pope had resigned since the 1400s, and some supporters were critical of his decision.
During his farewell speech, Benedict vowed to not interfere with his successor s agenda, despite claims he would later use his influence over the traditionalists within the church to ensure rituals such as celibacy continued to be observed.
Do Catholics Eat Meat on Ash Wednesday? Lent Fasting Rules Explained
On 2/17/21 at 10:19 AM EST
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a religious season observed by Catholics and many other Christian denominations around the world. Ash Wednesday may look a little different this year, but it still possible to follow important traditions, including fasting and abstinence.
Millions of people will choose to give up something of their choice for 40 days to observe Lent. For Roman Catholics, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on the evening of Holy Thursday.
But what are the rules surrounding fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Lent?
Catholic Church abuse claims nearly double in five years
National Catholic Safeguarding Commission report comes amid calls for church to do more to encourage people to report abuse
17 February 2021 • 5:01pm
Catholic Church abuse allegations have almost doubled in five years, a report has revealed.
The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) published its annual report amid calls for the church to do more to encourage people to report abuse, including historic allegations.
The report found a substantial rise in the number of people against whom allegations or concerns were raised, increasing from 125 in 2018 to 162 in 2019. By comparison, 118 people had allegations made against them in 2017 and 91 in 2015.
Do-it-yourself or ashes to go: Local churches get creative for Ash Wednesday
and last updated 2021-02-17 19:21:35-05
NORFOLK, Va. - Bundled up in her lawn chair, parishioner Lois Gayle Davis sits ready for this year s Ash Wednesday service. It s cold, she says.
She has been attending St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Norfolk for seven decades, but this year s holy day is quite different. This is a first for it to be outside, Davis said.
About a dozen parishioners sat socially distanced on the church s front lawn, braving cold temperatures to mark the start of Lent. It is a time of reflection or repentance and renewal, and it is the 40 days leading up to Easter, said Pastor John Rohrs.