De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

It seems like only yesterday that Gorgeous George Gänswein was the toast of Catholicism. Dashing, orthodox, courageous. But where is he now?? He appears to have gone missing! Even as recently as 2015 he appeared to be prepared to speak candidly about the faith challenging the Francis narrative - or idiocracy as it increasingly appears to be modelled after. This morning German outlet,  Die Tagespost reported that Pope Francis had placed +Gänswein on indefinite leave of absence as Prefect of Papal Household. The generally conservative publication reported that the intent was to give him more time with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. In a press release yesterday, the Vatican press office denied that Gänswein, who also serves as secretary for Benedict XVI, has been officially suspended as head of Francis’ papal household by Pope Francis. About four hours ago a Vatican spokesman told Edward Pentin that the report from Die Tagespost is unsubstantiated. The orig...

When was the last time this happened? Rome reports offers us this video of the historic meeting of Pope Francis with Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI which took place today at Castel Gandolfo at about 12.15 pm local time. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, said it was “a moment of profound communion”. We can see in the video Benedict offering the place of honour to Pope Francis when they arrive in the chapel. However, Francis responded “we are brothers” and wanted them to share the same kneeler—what a beautiful gesture! The two popes then went to the library where their private meeting began around 12:30pm. It is the place where popes usually receive important guests at Castel Gandolfo. Their meeting lasted 45 minutes. Pope Francis gave Benedict a beautiful icon known as Our Lady of Humility. You can see how ornate and beautiful it is—hopefully this will prove demonstrative that Pope Francis does understand the value of beautiful things. Benedict had...

After the high emotion of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's departure from the Vatican yesterday, which seemed to move so many people, there is a tremendous turning to prayer which I can sense all around me. All our priests locally in Southend Deanery arranged evenings of prayer and adoration in thanksgiving last night. I was aware of many other gatherings throughout the country as well. In Leigh we had our Lenten Reflection evening and of course the Pope was mentioned warmly and frequently. We had Benediction and Compline afterwards as always and this presented an opportunity to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament and pray in thanksgiving for so gentle a leader as Benedict XVI, and to express our longing for a future leader as wise and as humble. Of course this is reflected on the internet as well, with many prominent Catholic bloggers either overtly calling the faithful to prayer, or mentioning it in passing, because it is, of course, the natural response of us all now to turn to God...