Once in a pink moon: Easter and Passover
Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Christian season of Lent, which lasts 40 days until Easter Sunday, a moveable feast determined by the date when the full moon is sighted. Both Easter and Passover rely on the appearance of the Paschal Moon, or Pink Moon, the next full moon after the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. On the day when it is observed, Passover begins – this year that is 12 April – and lasts eight days. Passover ends this year on 20 April, which is also Easter Sunday, the first Sunday after the Paschal Moon is sighted. To further complicate matters, Orthodox Christians use a different caluclation for Easter (see explainer here). And then there is Ramadan, where the crescent moon in the ninth month of the calendar heralds the start of a month-long festival of fasting and good works. Read Catherine Pepinster’s rundown on the religious festivals determined by the lunar cycle here.
Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday, when pancakes are traditionally eaten to use up flour, eggs and milk before fasting in Lent. Among those marking the day was the Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, who posted his efforts at pancake-flipping on X.
Pope: ‘poly crises’ prompt questions about the end of the world
Pope Francis has written from his hospital bed calling on humanity to “listen to the contributions of science, strengthen global institutions and open ourselves to respond to the ‘End of the World’ facing our world”. In an address to participants in the Pontifical Academy for Life’s 2025 General Assembly, he said the world is facing “poly crises, including war, climate change, energy problems, epidemics, migration and technological innovation”, all of which prompt questions about the end of the world and how we understand it. Independent Catholic News report here
Catholic EU bishops say Ukraine’s struggle is Europe’s too
The Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union has issued a statement saying that Ukraine’s struggle for peace “will also be decisive for the fate of Europe and the world.” The bishops reaffirm their support of Ukraine and its people, “who have been suffering from Russia’s unjustifiable full-scale invasion for more than three years.” They thank EU decision-makers for “providing unprecedented humanitarian, political, economic, financial as well as military support to Ukraine and its people over the past years.” Recognising the “geopolitical complexities and the unpredictability of actions” of some countries, the bishops call on the EU and its member states to “remain united in their commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people.” Report here
Lent letter attacks ‘brutal abandonment’ of the poor
More than 100 Christian leaders in the United States are beginning Lent by condemning Donald Trump for cuts that, they say, will harm poor and disadvantaged people. “This year we celebrate Lent amidst a growing crisis in America, driven by the political accumulation of wealth, power, and control,” they write. “In the deluge and whirlwind of this administration’s initial actions we see the brutal abandonment and targeting of the people Jesus commands his followers to serve and protect.” Report here
20,000 letters support bishop who warned Trump
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who made international news in January for imploring the newly inducted Donald Trump “to have mercy upon the people of our country who are scared” says she has received more than 20,000 letters of support. Bishop Budde, from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, warned Trump at his inaugural service of the consequences of his proposed policies over immigration and gender. Christian Post report here
Francis ‘remains stable’
A statement from the Vatican last night about the Pope’s health, was low-key, saying he “remained stable” in Gemelli Hospital, where he has been treated since 14 February for bronchitis and associated respiratory issues. “He has remained without a fever, always alert, co-operative with therapies, and oriented. This morning, he transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy and underwent respiratory physiotherapy. As scheduled, tonight he will resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation until tomorrow morning.” Last night, the Catholic Herald reported, Francis would remain on a ventilator though the night.
Commons debates CofE’s ‘inadequate’ safeguarding process
Luke Myer, a Labour MP elected last year, opened an adjournment debate in the Commons on safeguarding in the Church of England. He commended his constituent, Dame Jasvinder Sanghera, who was a member of the CofE Independent Safeguarding Board until it was disbanded. He listed the “long and complex” journey of safeguarding reform in the church from the clergy discipline measure in 2003 to the most recent Makin review into John Smyth and concluded that the church’s safeguarding processes were inadequate and inconsistent. He said the General Synod’s decision not to implement a fully independent safeguarding system was “deeply disappointing”., He was backed by Marsha De Cordova, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, who said the decision was “a huge disappointment”. The Commons move did not end in a vote, it was simply a debate allowing MPs to have their say.
Religion and science: who understands them better?
Hardline atheists are more likely to see conflict between science and faith than religious people. A study led by Dr Natalia Zarzeczna at Essex University has found that those with strong faith often felt that science and religion could explain life’s big questions, like where the universe came from. “Our findings imply that religious individuals can combine multiple sources of meaning and use science and religion to satisfy epistemic and existential needs,” she said. Report here
Church library plan refused over font move
A church in Herefordshire has been refused plans for a new community library and children’s area because it would mean moving the 19th-century font at St Mary’s, Almeley. Under the proposal, pews would also have been replaced with chairs. The diocesan chancellor, Mark Ockelton, said: “Canon law has very few specific requirements about the placing of fittings in a church, but one of them relates to the font.” Church Times report here
French Catholic boarding school acknowledges widespread abuse. Report here
