SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 13, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI is expected to allow the Society of St. Pius X, a controversial, ultraconservative splinter group, back into the Catholic Church, SPIEGEL has learned. But Holocaust denier Richard Williamson, an SSPX bishop, opposes the agreement, which is likely to be reached before the end of May. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 16, 2012
For decades, the ultra-conservative Society of St. Pius X has been on the outside of the Catholic Church and looking in. Now, with Pope Benedict XVI intent on healing the schism, the group -- known as SSPX -- has written a letter that could pave the way for an agreement. By Peter Wensierski in Rome more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 20, 2012
A call by reform-minded Catholics in the German-speaking world for the church to soften its stances on homosexuality, divorce and celibacy among priests and to end its ban on women in the clergy is drawing loud criticism from conservatives. They argue the group is threatening to create a schism within the Catholic Church. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 22, 2011
A drastic exodus from the church is underway in the Netherlands. With two churches shuttered each week, one man has become the country's top advisor on how to repurpose the once holy objects. Some buildings are demolished, while others find new life as mosques, stores and even recreation centers. By Benjamin Dürr more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2011
The pope's highly anticipated speech in Germany's parliament Thursday was met with a standing ovation by politicians, who he warned not to abandon their principles for power. In Friday's newspapers, though, German commentators take the pope to task for not addressing contemporary problems within the Catholic Church in his speech. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2011
It has been billed as Pope Benedict XVI's most difficult trip abroad to date. But so far in Germany, the pope has not sought to shy away from controversy. His bluntness has surprised many -- and could transform the visit into a rousing success. By SPIEGEL Staff
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SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 22, 2011
In Germany on Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI wasted no time in touching on one of the main themes of his papacy: declining religiosity. But he also chatted with Chancellor Angela Merkel about the financial crisis and said he understands the protests surrounding his visit. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 22, 2011
The criticism of Benedict XVI in Germany became deafening ahead of the pope's visit to his homeland. But those calling for reform want nothing less than for the Catholic Church to abandon everything that makes it unique. A Commentary by Matthias Matussek more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 22, 2011
The pope's visit to Germany this week promises to be difficult. Abuse scandals among priests worldwide have dimmed enthusiasm for the leader of the Catholic Church, even in his homeland, and German papers on Thursday bicker over whether the pontiff even deserves their respect. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 22, 2011
During his trip through Germany, Pope Benedict XVI will ride around in his bullet-proof, pearlescent popemobile. The history of the vehicle stretches back over eight decades and includes more than 50 exotic cars, which have been the height of luxury and technology. By Tom Grünweg more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 22, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Berlin on Thursday morning to kick-off a four-day trip to Germany. He was welcomed by President Christian Wulff and Chancellor Angela Merkel ahead of a highly anticipated speech before the German parliament. He said he was unbothered by the massive criticism which preceded the visit. more...
