A reader writes: “Given the dramatic rise in Alzheimer’s and the necessity of remembering our sins in order to properly confess them, what is your take on those people who haven’t been to confession in decades and now can’t remember that far
A reader asks: “Does the pope have the authority to overturn pronouncements of previous popes, for example, in matters of contraception and the ordination of women?” As Monsignor Charles Pope explains, we must distinguish between different types of law and teaching. There
When it comes to the pope, many Protestants might say, “Who needs a pope? We have Jesus and the Bible and don’t need some man to tell us what to do.” How should we respond? Monsignor Charles Pope shares that at the
A reader writes: “We hear about angels ministering to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. ... The next reference to angels is at the empty tomb, mysterious witnesses to his glorious resurrection. Can we assume that angels were absent during Christ’s passion?”
Question: “We know as Catholics that our bishops of today are descendants of the apostles (apostolic succession). Having said that, I don’t see any of the apostles being addressed as bishop in the Bible. When did this transition take place and were
A reader writes: “I am a stable, educated healthcare professional and a devout Catholic who happens to love horror films, especially those with Catholic themes such as ‘Rosemary’s Baby,’ ‘The Exorcist,’ ‘The Omen,’ etc. I find them intelligent and incredibly faith affirming,
A reader asks: “Please explain in the Letter of St. Jude his reference to the Book of Enoch. What is the stance of the Catholic Church on the Book of Enoch and its contents?” Monsignor Charles Pope explains: “The book of Enoch
A reader writes: “The phrase ‘non serviam’ has been associated with Satan and his response to God when being cast from heaven. Is this in the Bible? If not, where did this come from?” As Monsignor Charles Pope explains, “The declaration ‘non
A reader asks: “I have gone to confession a number of times to a priest whom I recently noticed uses the following words as part of the absolution: ‘... and I absolve all your sins in the name of the Father …’,
A reader writes: “St. Joseph could not be that old when Christ was crucified. He was 20-25 when he married Mary. Where was St. Joseph when Christ was crucified? How old was St. Joseph when he died?” Monsignor Charles Pope challenges the