Benedict XVI – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

As we observe October as Respect Life Month, we often think of protecting innocent human life, such as the unborn, the sick, the disabled, and the elderly. But I think it is more challenging to consider protecting the lives of those who have been convicted of crimes. Obviously, they are not innocent.

However, as Catholics we are called to protect ALL human life. In 2018, Pope Francis revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s section on the death penalty to teach that the death penalty is “inadmissible” and to say that the Church “works with determination for its abolition worldwide.” In a rescript, or decree, the Holy Father replaced the previous version of n. 2267 of the Catechism to read:

Editorial

On July 14, 2016February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

He was the ‘real deal’

When I mentioned to someone that Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer had died, he said, “Monsignor Schmelzer was the real deal.”

I knew just what he meant. Monsignor Schmelzer was a genuine priest who loved the priesthood.

Editorial

On December 30, 2015August 31, 2023

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Does God have a sense of humor?

One New Year’s resolution often heard is: “I will cultivate a sense of humor.” Maybe we say this because we feel we’re too serious much of the time.

Editorial

On March 13, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

The Gospel of simplicity: Pope Francis practices what he preaches

Last year the Catholic Church had something almost unprecedented happen: a pope resigned his office. Pope Benedict XVI said that due to his advanced age, he was “no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.” He was the first pope to resign in more than 600 years.

On March 13, 2013, the cardinals gathered in their conclave elected Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the 266th successor of St. Peter. He took the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi.