News, analysis, and documents on the Catholic Church, by Sandro Magister, Rome
A selection of articles from www.chiesa
2.5.2016
> Jews. The Discord of the Four Brothers
They celebrated Passover together, but then they went their separate ways again. The four subgroups of the Jews of Israel analyzed for the first time in depth by the Pew Research Center in Washington
23.1.2016
> The “No” To Pope Francis From the Chief Rabbi of Rome
He said it during the meeting with the pope at the synagogue. And it is the refusal to “discuss theology” with the Catholic Church. Because of Jewish fears of a blurring of that which distinguishes them from Christians?
20.1.2015
> Christians in Muslim Lands. Blessed Are the Persecuted
“They are left alone and undefended like the Jews," charges an authoritative rabbi. Under the illusion that this will facilitate peace with the Muslims. A survey of the situation described by an Israeli Jesuit expert
23.5.2014
> A Ticket for Three: The Rabbi, the Imam, and the Pope
A Jew and a Muslim in Francis's official entourage in the Holy Land. But it's not all smooth sailing in relations with Judaism and Islam. Bergoglio's strategy: "soothe the conflicts"
23.1.2014
> The Thousands of Jews Saved in Churches and Convents
The controversy over the “silence” of Pius XII is being reignited. But the facts speak for themselves. The Catholic Church gave refuge to a great number of Israelites. A commentary by the Jewish historian Anna Foa
10.9.2013
> Eight Stories of New Converts
From atheism, from Judaism, from Islam. Arriving at the Christian faith sometimes from distant and hostile shores. The last of the series: a Turkish Muslim who has become a doctor in Catholic theology
15.1.2013
> Vatican Diary / The chief rabbi of Rome is also against "gay" marriage
It is not only the chief rabbi of France who agrees with the pope in the defense of the family made up of father, mother, and children. Here is what has been written by Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the spiritual guide of the Jews of Italy
21.12.2012
> The Pope and the Rabbi Against the Philosophy of "Gender"
In the pre-Christmas address to the Roman curia, Benedict XVI has criticized at its core the idea that the sexes are the product of society and the individual. In defense of the family made up of father, mother, and children. And in full agreement with the chief rabbi of France, Gilles Bernheim
5.8.2011
> To Each His Own Kippur. The Protest of the Synagogue of Rome
Rabbi Di Segni accuses the Vatican of wanting to impose the cross of Jesus on the Jews as well, in the place of Yom Kippur. He is denouncing the rupture of dialogue and bringing into question his presence in Assisi. The clarifications of Cardinal Koch. The thought of Ratzinger
19.10.2010
> Christians in the Middle East. Crushed between Islam and Israel
The drama of the Church in its land of origin analyzed by a synod in Rome. The critical points. The proposals for change. But there are still some who see the Jewish state as the root of all evil
8.10.2010
> In Israel, Jewish Christians Are Sprouting
They have been baptized into the Catholic Church, but speak and live like the Jews. They resemble the primitive community of Jerusalem. They are on the rise, but feel overlooked, as in a ghetto
1.4.2010
> Israel's New Catholic Guests
There are 50,000 of them. Come from distant countries. To do the most menial labor. With a first victim, a Thai killed by a rocket launched from Gaza
24.2.2010
> The Jew, Jesus, Who Changed the Life of the Chief Rabbi of Rome
He changed it so much that he had himself baptized in the Catholic Church. His book "Il Nazareno" has been reprinted and reviewed in "L'Osservatore Romano" by a Jewish scholar. And meanwhile, the second volume of the pope's "Jesus of Nazareth" is going to the printer
17.1.2010
> In the Synagogue of Rome, the Pope Rereads the "Ten Words"
He again proposed the decalogue of Moses as the "ole star" for Israel, Christians, and all of humanity. But Benedict XVI's words to the Jews fall on very rough terrain. Anna Foa and Mordechay Lewy: Judaism must also engage in self-criticism
8.1.2010
> Freedom of Religion? For 5 Billion People, It's a Forbidden Dream
The Pew Forum has shown this with the biggest study ever conducted on the issue. Government restrictions are compounded by social hostilities. Even the most liberal countries are not immune. In Israel, incidents between ultra-Orthodox Jews and Christians
7.11.2009
> The Untold Stories of Israel's Martyrs
For the first time ever, in a book, depictions of the victims of Islamist hatred. Young and old, men and women. Struck down in a bus, at a bar, at the market. Killed solely for the "fault" of being Jewish
25.9.2009
> The Pope and His Jewish Friends. So Near, and Yet So Far
Benedict XVI will visit the synagogue of Rome soon. But the more progress is made in dialogue, the more the two faiths see how far apart they are. One proof: Kippur. For the Jews, it is the most important feast of the year; for Christians, it is identified with Jesus. Two contrary analyses back to back: one by a rabbi, one by a Catholic theologian
20.8.2009
> Hilltop Youth. Report from Judea and Samaria
A trip among the new generation of Israeli settlers. Anarchical and visionary, they are defying the prohibitions of their government and the hostility, not only of the Arabs, but of the world. "We are the people of the Bible. We have come back home." A major on-site investigation
15.5.2009
> A Week in the Holy Land. Diary of a German Pilgrim
Planting an olive tree with the president of Israel, the Holocaust memorial, the wall of separation, the Holy Sepulcher... The essential images of the voyage of Joseph Ratzinger. Recounted and interpreted by the pope himself
14.5.2009
> In Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Where the Foundations of the Faith Can Be "Touched"
Benedict XVI urges Christians not to leave the holy land. "There's room for everyone there," he says. For two peoples, and for two states in peace with one another. And for the three religions of Abraham, united in service of the human family
12.5.2009
> The Pope in Israel. Day One, Two Surprises
The world was ready to pounce on him, over the most explosive questions: anti-Semitism, the war. But Benedict XVI did it his own way. He took two words from the Bible. With the first, he explained the conditions for peace. With the second, he illuminated the mystery of the Holocaust
6.5.2009
> The Pope's Toughest Job in the Holy Land: Winning over the Christians
The Israelis invited him, the Muslims are in favor of his visit. But not his own faithful in the area: most of the opposition to his trip has come from them. The reasons for the rejection. And the unknowns
3.4.2009
> Pius XII. A Book and an Essay Shed Light on the Black Legend
The image of Pacelli as "Hitler's pope" is contested by a growing number of scholars. There were many responsible for creating this image, including Catholics. But Soviet propaganda was decisive. A Jesuit historian reveals the strategy
13.2.2009
> The Catholic Church, the Jews, and the Holocaust
"I too am preparing to visit Israel..." The complete text of the pope's speech to members of the "Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations", received at the Vatican on February 12, 2009
28.1.2009
> No More Excommunication for the Lefebvrists. But Peace Is Still Far Off
The causes of conflict are even increasing, including with the children of Israel. Benedict XVI is multiplying his gestures of openness, but is receiving nothing in exchange. The incident of the Holocaust denier bishop, with a commentary by Anna Foa, herself Jewish
16.1.2009
> Jews and the Catholic Church. The Rabbis of Italy Don't Like This Pope
They don't appreciate the new prayer for Good Friday, or the path of dialogue opened by Benedict XVI in the book "Jesus of Nazareth." And they are distancing themselves from the day for Judaism announced by the bishops. But not all of them think that way
4.1.2009
> In Gaza, the Vatican Raises the White Flag
Hamas denies Israel's right to exist. But for pontifical diplomacy, the Jewish state is wrong to defend itself with force. The custodian of the Holy Land reveals the thinking behind the Church's policy in the Middle East
23.9.2008
> The Two Sides of Pacelli. Courageous as Pope, Too Cautious as Secretary of State
Benedict XVI praises Pius XII for helping the Jews during the war. But "La Civiltà Cattolica" criticizes his actions as cardinal, when he reacted feebly to the racial laws. Here is the article from the journal, published with the imprimatur of the Vatican authorities
25.4.2008
> Jews, Muslims, Christians. The Latest News from the Dialogue Workshop
In France, a mosque brings in a Jew to collaborate. In Bangladesh, Christians and Muslims meet at a university. The letter of the 138 gets follow-through in Moscow, in Geneva, in Brussels. And meanwhile, Benedict XVI clarifies what he means by interreligious dialogue
18.4.2008
> The Pope's Third Day in the U.S. – With Catholic Educators, Other Religions, Jews
In regard to interreligious dialogue, Benedict XVI says that the main objective is not peace, but "to discover the truth." Which is Jesus, who said that "salvation is from the Jews." In an unannounced addition to the itinerary, a meeting with some of the victims of sexual abuse
12.4.2008
> "Oremus pro conversione Judæorum." Cardinal Kasper Takes the Field
The president of the commission for relations with Judaism replies to those who reject prayers for the conversion of the Jews: "The when and how of the salvation of Israel must be left in the hands of God"
8.4.2008
> Between the Church and Jews, an Intermittent Dialogue
Benedict XVI will receive a friendly welcome at the Park East synagogue of New York. But in Rome, the head rabbi has decided on "a pause for reflection" on relations with Catholic authorities. In an interview, he explains why
7.3.2008
> A Bishop and a Rabbi Defend the Prayer for the Salvation of the Jews
The bishop is Gianfranco Ravasi. The rabbi is Jacob Neusner. The prayer is the one for Good Friday in the ancient rite. This is why Benedict XVI wanted to change the text
11.6.2007
> A Rabbi Debates with the Pope. And What Divides Them Is Still Jesus
The rabbi is Jacob Neusner, to whom Benedict XVI dedicates many pages of his latest book. In the judgment of both, the disputes between Judaism and Christianity should not conceal, but rather bring to light their respective claims to truth
29.8.2006
> Fr. Samir: “A Decalogue for Peace in the Middle East”
The Vatican secretariat of state is studying a ten-point plan for a comprehensive agreement in the Holy Land and the surrounding area. The author is an Arab Jesuit who is a leading scholar of Islam, and greatly admired by the pope
24.8.2006
> Israel’s Ambassador: “For Peace, an Interreligious Task Force”
An interview with Jerusalem’s representative at the Vatican, Oded Ben-Hur: “A state of Israel living in security and peace with its neighbors is the only guarantee for the future of the Churches in the Middle East”
22.8.2006
> Lebanon and Clashes of Civilization: How to Recognize the Enemy
More Gospel and less diplomacy: this is the new course set by Benedict XVI. But geopolitics also has its reasons. The theses of Vittorio E. Parsi, Giulio Andreotti, and the Jesuit scholar of Islam Samir K. Samir. Plus a comprehensive analysis by Pietro De Marco
26.7.2006
> At the Summit on the Middle East, Benedict XVI Preaches the Cross of Jesus
Less politics – as little as possible – and more Christian faith: this is the new approach the pope wants for the Church. While the armies fight and the diplomats negotiate, in a little mountain parish he says...
19.7.2006
> Israel Is Fighting for its Life, but the Vatican “Deplores”
Departing secretary of state Sodano is one of the prominent proponents of the anti-Israeli camp. But there are some who have a different view on the new war in Lebanon. An interview with Fr. David Maria Jaeger
29.5.2006
> The Pope at Auschwitz: “They wanted to kill God”
“By destroying Israel, they ultimately wanted to tear up the taproot of the Christian faith.” A startling interpretation of the Holocaust in the words of the German pope
16.3.2006
> “Credo Apostolicam Ecclesiam”: Wednesdays in Saint Peter’s Square
Benedict XVI has inaugurated a new cycle of catechesis. He has chosen as the theme the “unbreakable” bond between Christ and the Church. And in his first lesson, he made an appeal for the conversion of the Jews
2.1.2006
> “Land for Land”: Sharon’s Expert Reveals His Plan for Peace
The expert is Sergio Della Pergola, the leading worldwide scholar of Jewish demographics. The identity of the Israeli people is at the origin of his plan. With the Vatican as a model for the future of Jerusalem
29.12.2005
> The Mayor of Bethlehem is Christian, but It’s Hamas That’s in Charge
It exalts terrorism, wants to wipe out Israel, and is threatening a tax of non-Muslim residents. Its testing ground is the city of Jesus’s birth
7.9.2005
> The Custody Must Be Doubled in the Holy Land
The Christians of Bethlehem and Palestine are in greater and greater danger. The Custodian of the Holy Places accuses the Islamic extremists and the Palestinian Authority, "which is doing little or nothing." Meanwhile, between the Vatican and Israel...
25.8.2005
> After Cologne: The Remarkable Lesson of Professor Ratzinger
For Catholics, Christians, Jews, Muslims. A survey of the first trip outside of Italy for the new pope – who, the more demanding he is, conquers minds and hearts all the more
26.7.2005
> The Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Is Being Replaced. How the Vatican Is Voting
With Ireneos I deposed, a successor is being elected. What this event says about the Orthodox Churches as a whole, and about relations between Rome and the East. A commentary by Fr. David M. Jaeger
20.6.2005
> The Black Legend of Pius XII Was Invented by a Catholic: Mounier
And with him, another important Catholic: Mauriac. It wasn’t just communist propaganda that created the image of pope Pacelli as a Nazi-lover. Two pieces in two influential magazines have thrown new light on the origins of this image
28.3.2005
> The Invisible Christians of the Holy Land
They have come to Israel from Russia and Ukraine. They are more numerous than the members of the historical Churches, but they are not included in any tally. Observant Jews, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics are all competing for them
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
27.1.2005
> A Son of the Church of Pius XII Breaks the Silence on His Sanctity
The beatification of pope Pacelli brings division again. Some Jews and Catholics reject it. Pietro De Marco defends it. And he explains what is the real miracle accomplished by this pope
12.1.2005
> Metamorphosis: Cardinal Martini's Latest Phase
He was the progressivists' choice for pope, and the prophet of a Vatican Council III. But then he retired to Jerusalem to study and pray. Here is a recent - and authentic - self-portrait
4.8.2004
> The Madonna of Kazan Has Worked a Miracle in Her Homeland: Peace among the Religions
The pope gives back the highly venerated icon to the Russian Orthodox. But Muslims and Jews will welcome it, too. A report from Tatarstan, a rare model of peaceful coexistence among the faiths
31.5.2004
> The Vatican Explores Israel, and Discovers Its Own Faithful
The number of Jewish Christians in Israel is growing constantly, and the Holy See is adapting. The new Custodian of the Holy Land speaks Hebrew. And in the Cenacle, soon to be returned to the Church, the mass will again be celebrated
23.4.2004
> Pope Doesn¿t Return to Synagogue, but Sends His Faithful to Jerusalem
At a difficult time in relations with the Jewish community, the Church in Rome re-launches pilgrimage trips to the Holy Land. Vatican Middle East policy analyzed by Silvio Ferrari
16.4.2004
> The Rabbi and the Jesuit. Two Important Books on the Church and Judaism
The first is the autobiography of Eugenio Zolli, the chief rabbi of Rome who became a Christian. The second is a defense of the papacy against accusations of Nazi sympathies. With many previously unpublished documents
25.3.2004
> From a Scourged Jesus to a Cut Up Gospel: "The Passion" Rewritten by Marcion
The Vatican is not just worried about relations with Jews. It is even more so with regard to losing faith in the historical realism of the four Gospels. It fears a revival of an ancient heresy - Marcionism - which eliminated politically incorrect pages from the Bible
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
22.12.2003
> The Holy Land: Only the Law of God Can Save It
The Arab Muslims' refusal of an Israeli state on "their" land can be definitively removed only through a decision of sacred law. Pietro De Marco points to one model: the concordats between Church and state
9.12.2003
> Miracle in Nazareth. The Story of a Successful Italian Manager
In the middle of an all-out Israeli-Arab war, in the city of Jesus's annunciation, there are Jewish, Muslim and Christian doctors, nurses and nuns all working together in harmony. And it all started when...
19.11.2003
> There's a Wall of Hatred Against Israel. "Avvenire" Explains How To Demolish It
The progressivist Catholic magazine "Segno" gives space to the deepest anti-Israeli animosity. But the Italian bishops' newspaper launches a counter-proposal: To the synagogue, everyone! An interview on Hamas
6.11.2003
> Vatican Geopolitics. Rome's Opposition to Israel, Point by Point
It is not, perhaps, the most belligerent country in the world, as is thought in Europe. But the Vatican's judgments on Israel are also very critical. Here are the political consequences, analyzed by Vittorio E. Parsi
3.9.2003
> Arab Patriarch Sabbah has an Auxiliary - But He Speaks Hebrew
The nomination of the Jewish convert Gourion as bishop for the Hebrew Catholics is a hard blow for the philo-Palestinian patriarch of Jerusalem. The pros and cons of a decision that is bringing the Vatican and Israel closer together
23.6.2003
> The Innocent Victim Has a Defender. And He Is in Jerusalem
Modernity learns to take the side of the weak from the Judaeo-Christian tradition. But were does Islamic terrorism come from? An interview with René Girard
6.5.2003
> Strategy Change in the Vatican: The Islamic Party Is Born
And the Jews are the ones who are paying the price, says an important Israeli diplomat. Fortunately, there's John Paul II
15.4.2003
> The Latest Heresy: Ecumenism. Accusations from a Catholic Traditionalist
His accusations touch upon the Pope as well. A book by Enrico Maria Radaelli criticizes modern Catholicism at its roots. And it is endorsed by a philosopher, an Opus Dei priest
28.2.2003
> Light and Shadows Between Rome and Jerusalem. Interview With the Israeli Ambassador
Iraq, the Palestinians, anti-Semitism, Pius XII, Jewish-Christian dialogue... Yosef Neville Lamdan weighs the ups and downs of ten years of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Holy See
18.2.2003
> The Patriarch¿s Peace March, with an al-Fatah Escort
Michel Sabbah, Latin-rite patriarch of Jerusalem, is increasingly isolated and a prisoner of Arab extremism. This according to the clamorous denunciation of a pacifist who has seen him up close
28.1.2003
> A Famous Pacifist Speaks: "I Don¿t Believe In This Cruel Bible Anymore"
Enrico Peyretti, the leader of the Catholic nonviolence movement in Italy, revives the heresy of Marcion. And he says of the Towers that were destroyed on September 11...
25.11.2002
> In Mecca on Friday, at Noon: To Listen to a Model of Preaching
From the city of the Prophet, a website selects the best of the sermons in the mosques and sends them to imams throughout the world as a guide for preaching - against Jews, Christians, and the West. Not to be missed
30.10.2002
> The De Marco Proposal for Peace between Israel and Palestine
The author is a specialist in religious geopolitics. His plan for peace has been making the rounds for months in influential circles, and is very critical of Europe and the Vatican. Here it is in full
