Throughout this year, the Church has continued to suffer the consequences of the uncovering of sins committed by priests against children. During the early months of 2010, multiple accusations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests began emerging out of Germany and several other European countries.

In Germany, one case was especially significant because the accusations centered on a priest who had been previously charged with the molestation of children while Benedict XVI was archbishop of Munich. According to many media reports, the accused priest had been given the authorization by then-Archbishop Ratzinger to move to Munich for therapy; after which, the priest was allowed to continue ministry in the church.

The new cases of sexual abuse that erupted this year sparked additional anxiety among many Catholics and non-Catholics in terms of possible cover-ups and mishandling by bishops. Several church officials have commented on these allegations before.

URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE
OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI

CHRISTMAS 2010

“Verbum caro factum est” – “The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14).

2008 Urbi et Orbi Message | Credit: Getty Images

Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in Rome and throughout the world, I joyfully proclaim the message of Christmas: God became man; he came to dwell among us. God is not distant: he is “Emmanuel”, God-with-us. He is no stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus.

This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it surpasses even our most daring hope. First of all, because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, heard and touched in the person of Jesus of Nazareth! Being in his presence, observing his works and hearing his words, they recognized in Jesus the Messiah; and seeing him risen, after his crucifixion, they were certain that he was true man and true God, the only-begotten Son come from the Father, full of grace and truth (cf. Jn 1:14).

“The Word became flesh”. Before this revelation we once more wonder: how can this be? The Word and the flesh are mutually opposed realities; how can the eternal and almighty Word become a frail and mortal man? There is only one answer: Love. Those who love desire to share with the beloved, they want to be one with the beloved, and Sacred Scripture shows us the great love story of God for his people which culminated in Jesus Christ.

Credit: New York Times

This morning, the Holy Father announced the addition of 24 members to the College of Cardinals. As expected, Archbishop Raymond Burke and Archbishop Donald Wuerl were among those announced. Below, you will find a complete list of the new Cardinals-designate.

• Archbishop Angelo Amato (Italy), prefect of the Congregation for Saints Causes, 72.
• Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib (Egypt), 75.
• Archbishop Robert Sarah (Guinea), president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, 65.
• Archbishop Francesco Monterisi (Italy), archpriest of Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, 76.
• Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli (Italy), head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 75.
• Archbishop Raymond L. Burke (United States), head of Apostolic Signature, 62.

2006 Consistory | Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty Images

Earlier today, reports began emerging that the much talked about November 20th Consistory will be announced at Pope Benedict XVI’s General Audience this coming Wednesday. It’s about time; I was beginning to think no 2010 consistory would ever be announced.

While U.S. Catholics had been hoping for a surprisingly high number of new American princes, only two names seem to be getting the nod: Archbishop Raymond Burke and Archbishop Donald Wuerl. According to our favorite Catholic whisperer, Italian nominees are said to “comprise almost half of the open voting-age spots.”

With the conferring of this new batch of scarlet hats, Benedict will have named a majority of the current voting age cardinals.

On a personal note, if this all pans out, this will be the first time that I will cover a Vatican consistory. Needless to say, it is going to be a tremendous learning experience for me. In fact, the past few months have been new experiences for me and I have already learned quite a bit.

I am positive that I have made mistakes; I am human, what can I say? I thank you all for providing me with the opportunity to learn a lot about my faith and for facilitating an increase in my love for the church. I appreciate it more than you know.

That being said, it’s going to be an interesting end to the year. Let’s travel the road together, shall we?

Even though our German Shepherd’s trip to the United Kingdom ended some two weeks ago, the impact of a such a trip is already making waves. Let’s reminisce a bit.

A special thanks to Marcello Marinoni for these pictures. You can follow Marcello on Twitter: @Bastapastamama.