Rome & the World: 20 years after Spotlight • the Pope’s favorite opera singer

In light of the Munich Report and the 20th anniversary of the revelations of abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston, historian Massimo Faggioli looks at the effects of the abuse crisis on the Catholic Church. This crisis is not a "revolt" that is “easier to control with ordinary means," he says, but a "revolution" that requires both spiritual and structural "renewal.” Referring to the German synodal process, which will meet from February 3 to 5, he concedes that "one can disagree with some of the radical solutions" it proposes. However Professor Faggioli believes it has the advantage of confronting the crisis of abuse “as a constitutional crisis that needs to be addressed with constitutional means," without naiveté. 
La Croix International, English

The motu proprio "Vox Estis Lux Mundi," which details the Vatican’s norms for investigating bishops accused of sexual abuse or negligence, is set to expire in May. Experts interviewed by the National Catholic Register comment on the achievements and challenges of this legislation. One expert said this motu proprio is a “a great addition to the legal framework of the Church,” and the majority agree the norms should be made permanent due to the help they have provided in bringing to justice cases of abuse. However, many experts also call for more transparency on exactly how "Vos Estis" has made bishops more accountable. Additionally the experts brought up certain challenges that remain, such as constraints on the metropolitan archbishop in investigations or the fact that bishops are usually allowed to remain in ministry during inquiries.
National Catholic Register, English 

A journalist from the Italian daily Domani provides an interesting analysis, based on research by a pro-secularisation association, of what they consider to be a religious "overrepresentation" in the country. The data shows that while religious marriages are decreasing in Italy, as opposed to civil unions, the presence of the Catholic Church still remains very high in the media. The article also denounces the entry of Christian representatives in Italian political life and deplores "disinformation" on scandals, such as pedophilia and abuse cases within the Church. In short, a "confessional colonization" of various spheres, according to the article.
Domani, Italian

The communion of saints has the ability to bring people together even across the barrier of time, comments author George Weigel in First Things. He tells the extraordinary story of a Polish family, the Ulmas -- parents and six children -- all murdered by the Nazis for hiding Jews in their attic in Poland during World War II. A sacrifice that earned them the title of Righteous Among the Nations, but that could also open the door to sainthood. Indeed, an American family is now asking for the Ulmas' intercession for the healing of their father, who is suffering from a serious illness. And in a certain way, it brings to life, full of hope, the original meaning of the communion of saints beyond temporal and geographical limits.
First Things, English

Pope Francis received a beautiful birthday gift on the occasion of his 85th birthday in December. The Russian soprano Svetlana Kasyan, the Pontiff’s “favorite opera singer" according to Asia News, recorded an album specially designed for him. Entitled "Fratelli tutti," in homage of the last encyclical the head of the Catholic Church published, it includes influences from different genres, including Argentinian tango. The pontiff received the Muscovite to thank her, offering to present the album at the Vatican. He also confided to her his dream of going to Russia, to the land of Dostoyevsky, whom he considers a "true theologian."
Asianews, Italian