April/May National Headlines Roundup

Invalid Baptisms continue to cause scandal in the United States. In August 2020, a Vatican document clarified that using the phrase “we baptize” when attempting to baptize someone does not confer the sacrament, since it diminishes the singular role of Christ, who baptizes through the administerer. Every sacrament requires a specific formula of the words spoken (the sacramental form), along with the actions performed and materials used (the sacramental matter). Local pastoral issues are in the jurisdiction of Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs Father Charles Rowe. More on the topic can be found at CatholicNewsAgency.com.

Pope Francis asks for prayers amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe. The pope led a prayer service mid-January and designated March 2 a day of fasting for peace in Ukraine, as neighboring Russia launched an invasion in late February. More on the Church’s response at VaticanNews.va, and ongoing humanitarian aid efforts at CRS.org.

In mid-February, Pope Francis made a series of changes to the CDF and the Code of Canon Law via motu proprios. “Fidem servare” reorganized the Vatican doctrine office’s internal structure into two sections: a doctrinal section and a disciplinary section with separate secretaries for each, plus melding a third section which dealt with marriage cases into the doctrinal. “Competentias quasdam decernere” changed the Code of Canon Law with an overall theme of decentralization. Additional changes were also released on March 19. Explanatory articles can be found on PillarCatholic.com.