Free Republic

Well, we're 16 days from the consistory which will elevate 15 prelates to the College of Cardinals. As the magic date of 24 March draws nearer, I'd like do a little piece here, a little bit there on the College, the various aspects of its role in the life of the church and how it operates. Then again, if you want to make God laugh, you tell him your plans. Nevertheless, I will try. It's been said that there's no greater secret in the world than the identity of a prince of the church named in pectore -- that...

While most people around the world are allowed to openly mourn the loss of Pope John Paul II, we are reminded that the world's most populous country forbids Catholics to worship the Church in public. China did not send a delegation to the Vatican for the funeral. Catholics in China are forced to swear loyalty to the Communist Party rather than the Vatican: "We pray for him alone at home. It is impossible to do anything in public because the Communist Party will not allow it," says a woman identified only as Maria. "They restrict our activities. They won't let...