New Vatican secretary of state: Priest celibacy open for discussion

Archbishop Pietro Parolin, the new Secretary of State of the Vatican, made some surprisingly frank remarks about priestly celibacy that may indicate a new openness to "the democratic spirit of the times." Pope Francis' plans to reform the Vatican and "shake up the church" have received a lot of attention, but he has not yet publicly addressed the issue of mandatory celibacy for priests.

Parolin said in an interview with Venezuelan newspaper El Universal that the tradition of priestly celibacy is not dogma, or a law of divine origin, and is therefore open to discussion. He went on to note that while the church is not a democratic institution, it needs to "reflect the democratic spirit of the times and adopt a collegial way of governing."

While previous popes have declared some topics closed off from discussion, Parolin's remarks may be indicative of the possibility of a greater conversation about an ancient Church tradition.

Though it's not clear exactly when celibacy became mandatory for priests, the first written mandate for chastity dates back to 304 C.E., when Canon 33 of the Council of Elvira stated that all "bishops, presbyters, and deacons and all other clerics" should "abstain completely from their wives and not to have children." A definitive ruling was handed down at the Second Lateran Council of 1139, which ruled that priests were forbidden to marry.

Connecticut divorce case still going on after 10 years

It's a divorce and child visitation case that already has produced nearly 600 motions and rulings and evidence of insider trading that brought down a multibillion-dollar hedge fund.

And as it passes the 10-year mark, the case of former Connecticut investment adviser David Zilkha and his ex-wife, Karen Kaiser, shows no signs of nearing a final resolution. They remain embroiled in disputes over child visitation and fees for hired experts, with more court hearings set for the next two months.

The acrimony has included mudslinging by both sides and prompted a show of frustration from the judge. "There are some cases that for whatever reason ... sort of spin out of control," Judge Michal Shay said during a hearing in Stamford Superior Court last year. "It seems impossible, it seems intractable, sometimes to pull them back and try to get them on the right track, and that's what I'm trying to do here."

David Zilkha, who hasn't seen his 12-year-old twin son and daughter for four years, alleges in court documents that Kaiser is refusing to schedule "unification therapy" for him and the children that both sides agreed on in January. He also has accused Kaiser of lying repeatedly to authorities about him and alienating the children from him.

10 ways to revitalize the Catholic Church in the US

1. Parishioners and clergy must take responsibility for evangelization. The church is not a spiritual McDonald’s whose success largely depends on its managers, the clergy. Paraphrasing President John Kennedy’s call to service, “Ask not what the church can do for you, but what you can do for the church.” Evangelicals and Pentecostals have much to teach Catholics in this regard. Polls show Catholics stayed away from church because they were ignored, slighted, or scandalized. Sometimes they misunderstand church teaching. They need to know that they are missed and that the door is open for them.

2. A priest in France has attracted people to packed Masses largely by spending six hours every night in the confessional. (He also wears priestly garb on the street so that those who want a priest know where to find one.) Clergy here need to recommit themselves to the sacrament of confession. They must be available at convenient times for more than a perfunctory half-hour before Saturday evening Mass. Frequenting the sacrament themselves, priests can awaken in their parishioners the need for repentance and conversion.

3. A pope once said that one good catechist is worth a hundred outstanding preachers. Yet there are wealthy parishes that expect directors of religious education to work as unpaid volunteers! Catechism needs to be taken more seriously as a ministry. In many parts of the world, the minister whom Catholics see the most is their catechist, not their pastor. Parents must be willing to be trained and work as catechists. More adult Catholics must also take responsibility for handing on the faith. This also includes shouldering ministries that care for the least, such as visiting the sick.

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10. Remember that being Catholic in America, or anywhere, means we can rejoice and trust Christ’s admonishment, “be not afraid.”

Dressed in robe, Nikki Haley (R-obviously) locks self out of South Carolina governor's mansion

If a bunch of governors got together and wrote a book on things to avoid when you're a state executive, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley might have an entertaining and lighthearted chapter to contribute.

"What not to do ... getting locked out of the Governor’s mansion in your robe while sending the kids off to school. sigh...#adayinthelife,” Haley wrote on her public Facebook page Wednesday morning.

The post quickly generated buzz on Facebook, collecting more than 4,400 likes and close to 550 comments as of Wednesday night.

But the governor wasn't forced out of her house for too long. Her communications director, Doug Mayer, told CNN she was only outside for a "couple minutes" before her daughter, Rena, let her back in.

Yes.

Rugby player accused of biting opponent down there

There's below the belt, and then there's down under.

Anthony Watts, a rugby player for Australia's Gold Coast Rugby League, is under investigation after an opponent accused him of biting the victim's penis in a brawl during the Bycroft Cup preliminary final on Sunday, according to News.com.au.

An opposing player reportedly pulled down his shorts and alerted officials on the field after the alleged attack.

In a statement released by his attorney Monday, Watts "absolutely (denied) that any biting of any nature has taken place... (but apologized) if there has been any contact made to that particular area of this gentleman's body."

Skyscraper melts cars

When skyscrapers first began appearing in urban skylines in the late 19th Century, the initial complaints against them were for blocking or ruining views. Over the last few decades, as glass was used more and more to wrap the world's tallest buildings, blindingly reflective glare became a complaint. This week in London, a new complaint is being added to the list: they might melt cars.

The still under-construction skyscraper in London's financial district going up at 20 Fenchurch Street -- which Londoners have nicknamed "the walkie-talkie" for its shape -- may actually be a giant parabolic reflector, concentrating sunlight at dangerous levels on certain spots during the right time of day, according to multiple reports.

Businessman Martin Lindsay told the City A.M. newspaper he was distraught when he discovered his luxury Jaguar XJ with warped panels along one side, as well as a melted rear-view mirror and hood ornament. He says he left the car on the road for about an hour to attend a meeting.

"They're going to have to think of something. I'm gutted. How can they let this continue?" he told City A.M.

Artist creates 328-foot Pope-corn masterpiece

Dario Gambarin, an Italian land artist, used a tractor to create a massive portrait of Pope Francis into a field in northern Italy. The work took over six hours to finish and is titled “Love Liberates."

Artist creates 328-foot Pope-corn masterpiece

Dario Gambarin, an Italian land artist, used a tractor to create a massive portrait of Pope Francis into a field in northern Italy. The work took over six hours to finish and is titled “Love Liberates."

Melissa Harris-Perry: "Rape is rape. Full stop."

She wrote this open letter to the judge who let a rapist off way too easily:

It’s me, Melissa.

I’d like to think it’s a safe assumption that, of all people, a district court judge in Montana is intimately familiar with the laws in Montana. You know, since it’s your job and all. But your statements in court on Monday suggest that maybe you could use a bit of a refresher, so allow me to help you out.

According to Montana law, a victim is incapable of giving consent if the victim is less than 16 years old. Incapable of giving consent. Because, Judge Baugh, a victim less than 16 years old—in this case a 14-year-old—is a child. A child, like 44% of those who are victims of rape.

And the law codifies our collective understanding that children deserve special protections because their youth and immaturity makes them inherently dis-empowered in a sexual, as you call it, “situation”—with an adult. Which means Cherice, this child, was in no way capable of controlling or consenting to the actions of the grown man who had sex with her.

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