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الوسم: clergy

  • Iran hosts mass weddings for couples prepared for sacrifice

    Iran hosts mass weddings for couples prepared for sacrifice

    Iranian officials in Tehran organized large-scale public weddings for couples who signed up for a government-backed initiative expressing their willingness to sacrifice themselves in the ongoing conflict against the United States and Israel.

    The events took place late Monday night, involving hundreds of couples in key areas of the city, including over 100 couples at Imam Hossein Square in central Tehran, reports from Iranian media indicated.

    These ceremonies were broadcast live on state television to bolster domestic spirits during wartime, amid escalating tensions with the U.S., with President Donald Trump repeatedly warning of potential military actions. The ceasefire that paused hostilities since February 28 remained fragile.

    Participants had reportedly signed up for the so-called “self-sacrifice” program — or janfada in Persian — where individuals pledged to risk their lives for the war effort, such as forming human chains outside critical infrastructure like power plants.

    Iranian authorities claim tens of millions have volunteered, including prominent figures like Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

    The wedding processions saw couples arriving in military-style jeeps equipped with mounted machine guns, and wedding ceremonies took place on stages decorated with balloons and large images of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, overseen by clerics.

    Some young women, dressed in traditional Islamic bridal attire, expressed that despite the war situation, they valued their right to marry. One woman, whose name was not disclosed, spoke alongside her groom, emphasizing the significance of the occasion as an anniversary of the marriage of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

    Participants shared sentiments of happiness and hope, stating they received blessings and came to extend well-wishes to those on the streets. In total, about 110 couples took part in the Imam Hossein Square event alone, watched eagerly by crowds of supporters holding roses.

  • Belgian Bishop Demands Pope Leap to Married Priests by 2028

    Belgian Bishop Demands Pope Leap to Married Priests by 2028

    A Catholic bishop announced plans to seek Vatican approval to ordain married men as priests by 2028. This statement, unusual for the Church, could challenge Pope Leo XIV’s potential openness to alter Church doctrine to counteract a declining clergy population.

    The Catholic Church has traditionally upheld a celibate priesthood for centuries. While recent popes have the authority to adjust this practice, such changes have historically faced strong resistance within the Church.

    Johan Bonny, who has led the Diocese of Antwerp in Belgium since 2009 and is known for his progressive stance, shared in a public letter to his parishioners on Thursday that he intends to make “every effort” to ordain married men within two years and to identify prospective candidates for priesthood training.

    Bishops across the 1.4-billion-member Church pledge obedience to the pope, making it highly atypical for them to publicly consider actions that might oppose established doctrine.

    Should Bonny proceed with ordaining married priests without Vatican approval, he risks excommunication—an official expulsion from the Church.

    A Vatican spokesperson has not yet responded to inquiries regarding Bonny’s declarations.

    Since Pope Leo XIV took leadership last year following Pope Francis’s death, he has not voiced clear opinions on the ordination of married men but has expressed support for celibacy on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, Pope Francis, during his 12-year papacy, implemented widespread reforms and explicitly rejected the idea of married priests.

    In his statement, Bonny emphasized that the dwindling number of men willing to remain celibate to become priests—currently nearing zero—necessitates change. He argues that the question now isn’t “whether” but “when” and “who” will ordain married men, with any delay viewed as an excuse.

    The issue has persisted for centuries, but recent church summits, including one in 2018, have reignited discussion. The Vatican summit that year explicitly asked Pope Francis to consider ordaining married men, though he decided against it.

    Data indicates the number of men studying for priesthood has continuously declined since 2012. Advocates for allowing priests to marry believe it could increase vocations, while opponents maintain celibacy enables priests to focus exclusively on their spiritual duties.

    Bonny highlighted that his diocese depends on overseas Catholic priests from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, many of whom are married. In Eastern-rite Catholic Churches, which are minority communities, married men can become priests, a practice more common in Middle Eastern and Eastern European nations.

  • Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s Potential Next Supreme Leader

    Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s Potential Next Supreme Leader

    Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, visited Hezbollah’s office in Tehran on October 1, 2024. — Reuters

    Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has become a leading contender to succeed his late father as Iran’s Supreme Leader after years of cultivating strong connections with the elite Revolutionary Guard and gaining influence within the clerical hierarchy.

    Having survived U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran, Mojtaba is viewed by Iran’s ruling establishment as a potential successor to his father, who was martyred during an airstrike last Saturday, according to two Iranian sources.

    As a prominent mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba has opposed reform-minded groups seeking to foster better ties with the West, especially as efforts intensify to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He’s been known to favor more restrictive policies and has enjoyed broader freedoms compared to other clerics.

    His close alliance with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) enhances his power across Iran’s political and security sectors. Officials familiar with the situation describe him as operating behind the scenes as a “gatekeeper” for his father.

    “He’s got a strong base of support within the IRGC, particularly among the younger radical factions,” explained Kasra Aarabi, head of IRGC research at United Against Nuclear Iran, a U.S.-based policy group. “If Mojtaba is alive, chances are high he could succeed his father,” he added, describing Mojtaba as already functioning as a “miniature supreme leader.”

    ### Decision on the Next Supreme Leader Expected Soon

    The Assembly of Experts, responsible for selecting Iran’s next leader, is nearing a decision, with an announcement imminent, Tehran-based Assembly member Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami told state TV on Wednesday. The candidates remain unnamed.

    The supreme leader holds the ultimate authority on national policies, including foreign affairs and nuclear issues. Western nations aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, insisting its program is purely for civilian use.

    Should Mojtaba be chosen, he will face mounting pressure from U.S. sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy. He would also encounter opposition from Iranians prepared to stage mass protests demanding more freedoms, despite the government’s violent crackdowns.

    Born in 1969 in Mashhad, Mojtaba grew up during his father’s leadership against the Shah’s regime and served as a young man in the Iran-Iraq War.

    Educated under conservative religious scholars in Qom’s seminaries—the heart of Iran’s theological education—he holds the clerical rank of Hojjatoleslam.

    Despite his influence, Mojtaba has never formally held a governmental position, though he is widely recognized as his father’s chief confidant. He has appeared at loyalty rallies but has spoken publicly only sparingly.

    His role has been a subject of controversy, with critics opposing dynastic politics in Iran—a nation that overthrew a U.S.-backed monarchy in 1979.

    ### U.S. Sanctions and Controversies

    In 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Mojtaba, citing his role as a de facto representative of the supreme leader, despite lacking any official government position. These sanctions targeted him for what the U.S. perceives as undue influence and legitimacy.

    He faced particular criticism during protests in 2022, sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody after her arrest for allegedly violating strict Islamic dress codes.

    In 2024, Mojtaba’s publicly shared video in which he announced the suspension of his religious classes in Qom stirred speculation about possible reasons behind the decision.

    Mojtaba resembles his father significantly and wears the black turban typical of Sayyeds, indicating lineage tracing back to Prophet Muhammad.

    Despite this, critics argue he lacks the clerical credentials—ranked below Ayatollah—that many believe are necessary for the role of supreme leader. His rank of Hojjatoleslam is a step below Ayatollah, a position held by his father and Iran’s founder Ruhollah Khomeini.

    He remains a candidate primarily because former President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in 2024, removing a leading competitor.

    A 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks recounts Iranian sources describing Mojtaba as a pathway to reaching Khamenei himself. He is widely believed to have played a key role in the rise of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, elected president in 2005.

    Mojtaba supported Ahmadinejad’s disputed 2009 re-election, which triggered Egypt-style protests suppressed by security forces, including the Basij militia. Moderate cleric Mehdi Karroubi, who ran against Ahmadinejad, accused Mojtaba of supporting him—an allegation Khamenei denied.

    His wife, who was killed in Saturday’s airstrike, was the daughter of prominent hardliner Gholamali Haddad-Adel, a former parliament speaker.

  • Pope Leo Initiates Action to Tackle Clergy Abuse Issues

    Pope Leo Initiates Action to Tackle Clergy Abuse Issues

    Pope Leo XIV Appoints New Leader for Vatican Commission on Clergy Sexual Abuse

    On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV appointed Thibault Verny, a 59-year-old archbishop from France, as the new president of the Vatican’s commission addressing clergy sexual abuse. This marks the Pope’s first significant public action in addressing a crisis that has severely undermined the Church’s global reputation.

    Verny will continue to serve as the archbishop of Chambéry in southeastern France while taking on this critical role. The commission, established by Pope Francis in 2014, was part of a response to ongoing sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Church around the world.

    These scandals have tarnished the Church’s image as a moral authority, triggered numerous lawsuits amounting to millions of dollars, and led to multiple bishop resignations. Verny has committed to enhancing safeguarding practices within the Church.

    “We will strive to ensure equitable resource distribution so that all parts of the Church, no matter their location or situation, can adhere to the highest standards of protection,” he stated in a public announcement.

    Verny succeeds Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the former archbishop of Boston, who had been serving past the Church’s traditional retirement age of 80. O’Malley had led the commission since its inception.

    While several victims have lauded the commission’s initiatives, it has also faced challenges, including multiple member resignations. In 2023, a well-known Jesuit priest and papal advisor resigned, expressing concerns about the commission’s functioning.

    Verny was appointed to the commission by Pope Francis in 2022 and has played a significant role in the French Church’s efforts to safeguard minors. O’Malley commended Verny’s appointment, calling him “a collaborative leader dedicated to promoting the global implementation of protection measures to ensure the safety of those under the Church’s care worldwide.”

  • Cardinals Gather to Plan Funeral After Pope Francis’ Passing

    Cardinals Gather to Plan Funeral After Pope Francis’ Passing

    Clergy members hold a Mass in remembrance of Pope Francis after his passing at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in La Paz, Bolivia, April 21, 2025. — Reuters

    • Francis advocated for the poor while facing opposition from traditionalists.
    • All cardinals are invited to convene at the Vatican.
    • President Trump plans to attend Francis’ funeral.

    VATICAN CITY: Cardinals are set to convene on Tuesday to organize the funeral for Pope Francis, with global leaders expected to attend before a conclave next month to appoint a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

    Pope Francis, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Monday after suffering from a stroke and cardiac arrest, as reported by the Vatican. This concluded a papacy marked by significant challenges, including conflicts with traditionalists and a strong emphasis on advocating for the less fortunate and marginalized communities.

    The pontiff had spent five weeks in the hospital earlier this year due to double pneumonia but returned to his Vatican residence almost a month ago, appearing recovered when he appeared in St. Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday services.

    His sudden passing triggered ancient rituals within the 1.4 billion-member church as it transitions from one pope to the next. This includes the breaking of the pope’s “Fisherman’s Ring” and lead seal to prevent further use by anyone else.

    “We extend our gratitude to the Lord for the gifts bestowed upon the entire Church through the apostolic ministry of Pope Francis, a messenger of hope,” stated Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, who led the evening prayers at St. Peter’s Square on Monday.

    All cardinals currently in Rome have been invited to come together at the Vatican at 9 AM (0700 GMT) to discuss funeral arrangements.

    US President Donald Trump, who has had disagreements with the pope over immigration policies, announced that he and his wife will travel to Rome to attend the funeral. Other notable leaders expected to be present include Javier Milei, president of Francis’ home country, Argentina.

    The Vatican anticipates that the funeral service will occur sometime between Friday and Sunday. In a departure from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final will, released on Monday, his wish to be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s Basilica.

    The cardinal gathering will also address the operational matters of the Church during the interim period before a new pope is selected.

    Typically, a conclave to elect a new pope occurs 15 to 20 days following a pope’s death, indicating that it should not commence before May 6. Approximately 135 cardinals are eligible to participate in the secretive voting process, which may extend over several days.

    Currently, there is no clear choice to succeed Pope Francis.

    Progressive Outlook

    Pope Francis took the reins of a Church in turmoil and diligently worked to reform the Vatican’s central administration, combat corruption, and—after a gradual start—address the child abuse crisis within the clergy.

    He often found himself at odds with conservatives who yearned for a more traditional approach and perceived Francis as excessively liberal and too accommodating to marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ community.

    The pope nominated nearly 80% of the cardinal electors worldwide who will influence the selection of his successor, increasing, though not guaranteeing, the chances that his progressive initiatives will carry on.

    Many cardinals are relatively unknown outside their home countries, and they will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with one another during meetings called General Congregations, which take place in the days preceding the conclave and help outline the characteristics needed for the next pope.

    The Vatican announced late Monday that the staff and officials within the Holy See could start to pay their respects in front of the pope’s body at the Santa Marta residence, where Francis resided since 2013, opting for a more modest home than the grand apostolic palace utilized by his predecessors.

    His remains may be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as soon as Wednesday morning for public viewing, according to the Vatican’s statements.