College of Cardinals
Are lay cardinals next?
By Phyllis Zagano — April 21, 2022
(RNS) — Pope Francis’ reforms raise the question of reviving the tradition of lay cardinals with women in the mix.
Reforming the Vatican Curia: Never easy, and never over
By Thomas Reese — June 2, 2021
(RNS) — Francis’ heart is in the right place, but the forthcoming document on Curia reform will not likely do the job.
In Easter vigil homily, Pope Francis invites Catholics to set out ‘on new paths’
By Claire Giangravé — April 3, 2021
(RNS) — The pope reprised one of his favorite themes, urging the church to follow Christ to the peripheries.
After proving that a red hat isn’t forever, Pope Francis names new cardinals for new church
By Claire Giangravé — November 30, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Once a cushy reward, the position of cardinal under Francis comes with expectations of being less a ‘prince of the church’ than an exemplar of transparency.
With 9 new electors, Pope Francis remakes the college of cardinals
By Thomas Reese — October 25, 2020
(RNS) Over seven years, Pope Francis has gradually remade the college of cardinals, making it less European and more African and Asian.
Pope names 13 new cardinals, includes Washington DC Archbishop Gregory
By Frances D'Emilio — October 25, 2020
(AP) — In the surprise announcement, made from his studio window to faithful standing below in St. Peter's Square, Francis said the churchmen would be elevated to a cardinal's rank in a ceremony on Nov. 28.
Cardinal Becciu denies accusations after being retired by Pope Francis
By Claire Giangravé — September 25, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The day after resigning, Cardinal Angelo Becciu defended himself from accusations that he had mismanaged funds, saying during an impromptu press conference that he remains a ‘faithful servant’ of the pope.
Want to make systemic change? Pope Francis has some ideas.
By Claire Giangravé — June 16, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Since becoming pope, Francis has tried to reform the Catholic Church with a series of broad gestures and systematic, long-term changes.
McCarrick report: Questions needing answers
By Thomas Reese — February 4, 2020
(RNS) — The McCarrick report needs to respond to simple questions that may require complex answers: Who knew what, when and where about McCarrick’s activities?
Pope names 13 new cardinals, cements majority vote and the power to reshape the Church
By Claire Giangravé — October 5, 2019
Vatican City, (RNS) — With the creation of these new Catholic princes who share Francis’ emphasis on a missional and evangelizing church, Francis has now named a total of 91 new cardinals, and more than 52% of the voting cardinals.
New cardinals: The men are the message
By Thomas Reese — September 12, 2019
(RNS) — By making these men cardinals, the pope is handing them megaphones.
Pope Francis firms up his legacy with appointment of new cardinals
By Thomas Reese — September 2, 2019
(RNS) — After Oct. 15, 53% of the cardinal electors will have been appointed by Francis.
Cardinal blasts archbishop’s attack on pope as ‘monstrous and unsubstantiated’
By Thomas Reese — October 8, 2018
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, refutes Archbishop Carlo Vigano's claim that Pope Francis released ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick from sanctions imposed by Pope Benedict.
How can the church punish bad bishops?
By Thomas Reese — July 30, 2018
(RNS) The church has no more power over a priest than any corporation has over an employee. A priest or bishop can refuse to accept punishment and simply walk away.
Francis cardinals make up almost half of electors of next pope
By Thomas Reese — May 22, 2018
(RNS) — Pope Francis continues to remake the College of Cardinals so that almost half of the men who will choose his successor have been chosen by him.
