Francis X. Rocca
Francis X. Rocca is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Francis X. Rocca
The pope’s doc
By Francis X. Rocca — June 16, 2009
After 31 years as the pope’s personal physician, gastroenterologist Renato Buzzonetti is stepping down in favor of his longtime assistant, cardiologist Patrizio Polisca. A couple of years back, Buzzonetti firmly denied controversial speculation that he had cooperated in euthanizing his patient, Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican’s Big Bang
By Francis X. Rocca — June 16, 2009
Turns out the Catholic Church has given its blessing to Switzerland’s CERN nuclear physics laboratory, which provides antimatter for the Vatican bomb plot in Angels and Demons, but in reality serves as a site of advanced research into the origins of the universe. No surprise, actually, when you consider that the Big Bang itself was […]
The John Paul letters (ctd.)
By Francis X. Rocca — June 12, 2009
A story that the Italian press slyly hinted might contain an element of scandal now looks to be merely another window on the rich and eventful life of John Paul II.
The Pope’s paper and the bishops
By Francis X. Rocca — June 5, 2009
The Brazilian archbishop criticized on the front page of L’Osservatore Romano in March for excommunicating doctors who performed an abortion on a 9-year old rape victim says the official Vatican newspaper won’t publish his rebuttal. In a related note, today’s edition of the paper includes a statement denying any disagreement with U.S. bishops over the […]
The lama from Granada
By Francis X. Rocca — June 4, 2009
Unusual story from Spain, about a young man identified in infancy as the reincarnation of a Tibetan Buddhist leader, who has abandoned the monastic life for film school in Madrid.
The John Paul letters
By Francis X. Rocca — June 1, 2009
Italian media report that the Vatican is delaying the beatification of Pope John Paul II while officials read through hundreds of letters he wrote to a longtime Polish friend, Wanda Poltawska. No suggestion of any scandal, though the headline writers probably won’t mind you if readers infer one.
Cyberpontiff
By Francis X. Rocca — May 20, 2009
Looking ahead to World Communications Day this Sunday, Pope Benedict appealed to “all those who access cyberspace to be careful to maintain and promote a culture of respect, dialogue and authentic friendship where the values of truth, harmony and understanding can flourish.” In other words, no more flame wars. The pope did not, however, mention […]
Flight of rhetoric
By Francis X. Rocca — May 8, 2009
Reporters on this morning’s papal flight to Jordan were hoping that Pope Benedict would tell them something newsworthy — as he has done more than once in the past — but all they got this time was peace and love.
Inspector Chaput?
By Francis X. Rocca — May 7, 2009
Word is that Denver’s outspokenly orthodox Archbishop Charles Chaput has been to chosen to help lead a Vatican-ordered investigation of the controversial Legion of Christ. If so, that ought to undercut any journalistic scenarios of a liberal-conservative showdown.
Damning with faint raves
By Francis X. Rocca — May 7, 2009
The makers of Angels and Demons may have been hoping for condemnation by the Vatican, but instead, the pope’s newspaper calls the movie “gripping” and “splendid” (sort of). If this tactic works, maybe they’ll reissue the Index in the form of a top-ten list.
Swiss Miss?
By Francis X. Rocca — May 6, 2009
Ever since she was a young girl, she dreamed of joining the elite ceremonial guard in charge of protecting the pope. Barred on account of her gender, she disguised herself as a man in order to join. Inevitably, she was exposed — but not before proving her mettle by saving the pontiff’s life, inspiring him […]
The Prince and the Pontiff
By Francis X. Rocca — April 27, 2009
Prince Charles and his wife had an audience with Pope Benedict today, and contrary to advance reports in at least one British newspaper, the touchy subject of divorce does not seem to have come up in any form.
“De-baptism”—it didn’t start in Britain
By Francis X. Rocca — April 15, 2009
Amid the growing fuss about the “de-baptism” movement in Britain, it’s worth remembering that the always-innovative Italians have been carrying out the procedure (or is it a rite?) for ten years already.
Rome [hearts] Bill Richardson
By Francis X. Rocca — April 14, 2009
Who says the American Catholic hierarchy won’t honor Catholic politicians who support abortion rights? New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will join Santa Fe Archbishop Michael Sheehan in Rome tomorrow, for a lighting of the Coliseum to celebrate New Mexico’s abolition of the death penalty. “The New Mexico delegation will also be present for the Wednesday […]
Today’s earthquake-related papal fact
By Francis X. Rocca — April 8, 2009
Among the many art works and monuments damaged by Monday’s earthquake in central Italy is a medieval church where Pope Celestine V was crowned in 1294, and where he lies buried today. Celestine, who reigned for less than six months, is best known for having resigned from office (though he was apparently not the only […]
