Nicole Winfield
Nicole Winfield is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Nicole Winfield
How does the Vatican plan a retired pope’s funeral?
By Nicole Winfield — December 28, 2022
(RNS) — When Benedict announced his retirement in 2013, he opened a decade of uncharted pontifical territory.
Pope celebrates surprise Holy Thursday with ousted cardinal
By Nicole Winfield — April 2, 2021
(RNS) — "Such a gesture of paternity doesn't seem strange on a day like today, Holy Thursday," said a Vatican official, without confirming the story.
Vatican cardinals defend gay union blessing ban amid dissent
By Nicole Winfield — March 18, 2021
ROME (AP) — Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley and Cardinal Peter Turkson, head of the Vatican's development office, pointed to Francis' pastoral outreach to gay men and lesbians but repeated the church's position.
Vatican excludes gay union blessing as God ‘can’t bless sin’
By Nicole Winfield — March 15, 2021
(AP) — Blessing a same-sex union could give the impression of a sort of sacramental equivalence to marriage, the article said. "This would be erroneous and misleading."
Pope arrives in Iraq to rally Christians despite pandemic
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kullab — March 5, 2021
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's foreign minister said Iraqis were eager to welcome Francis' 'message of peace and tolerance' and described the visit as a historic meeting between the 'minaret and the bells.'
‘Not a good idea:’ Experts concerned about pope trip to Iraq
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kullab — February 28, 2021
(RNS) — The public health message a papal trip to Iraq sends amid a global pandemic is not advisable, health experts say.
Anti-vax at the Vatican? You might lose your job
By Nicole Winfield — February 19, 2021
ROME (AP) — The pope's decree sparked heated debate, since its provisions go beyond the voluntary nature of COVID-19 vaccinations in Italy and much of the rest of the world.
Nun named to voting position at Vatican praises ‘brave’ pope
By Nicole Winfield — February 10, 2021
(AP) — Sister Nathalie Becquart in all likelihood will have a right to vote in the next synod of bishops, scheduled for 2022, given her new rank.
Pope moves ahead with plans to meet Shiite leader in Iraq
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kallub — February 8, 2021
ROME (AP) — Francis has spent years trying to improve Christian relations with Muslims, and his meeting with Ali al-Sistani will mark one of his most important encounters with a Shiite leader.
Patriarch: Pope to meet Iraqi Shiite leader Sistani in Iraq
By Nicole Winfield and Samya Kullab — January 28, 2021
(RNS) — The Chaldean patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, provided the first details of Francis' March 5-8 itinerary during a virtual news conference hosted by the French bishops' conference.
Vatican convicts ex-bank chief in property embezzlement scam
By Nicole Winfield — January 22, 2021
(RNS) —The scam allegedly involved the suspects selling 29 different properties in Rome and elsewhere to offshore companies that then resold them at market rates, with the suspects pocketing the difference.
Pope says women can read at Mass, but still can’t be priests
By Nicole Winfield — January 11, 2021
(RNS) — Francis amended the law to formalize and institutionalize what is common practice in many parts of the world.
Cardinal Pell’s prison diary explores suffering, solitary lockup
By Nicole Winfield — November 30, 2020
Rome (AP) — "Prison Journal," an account of Pell's months in solitary lockup, also provides personal insights into one of the most divisive figures in the Catholic hierarchy today.
Vatican cardinal says ouster deprived him of possible papacy
By Nicole Winfield — November 19, 2020
ROME (AP) — Cardinal Becciu claims his ruined reputation has eliminated his chances of becoming pope and will undermine the legitimacy of any future papal election.
Pope reverts to maskless old ways amid growing criticism
By Nicole Winfield — October 21, 2020
ROME (AP) — Francis has faced sharp criticism even from his most ardent supporters and incredulousness from some within the Vatican for refusing to wear a mask.
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