Second Vatican Council
Why the ecumenical movement is a historical event on par with the Reformation
By Thomas Reese — October 31, 2017
(RNS) — Ecumenism did so much during the last century to heal the divisions among Christians. (COMMENTARY)
Reforming Catholic liturgy should be like updating software
By Thomas Reese — September 12, 2017
Over its 2,000-year history, the Catholic liturgy has constantly changed in response to new situations and cultures. Like the software we all use, it must continue to be updated and adjusted to the people and cultures of today.
Pope rails against attempts to restore old-style Catholic worship
By Christopher Lamb — August 25, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — It’s not every day that Pope Francis chooses to invoke the full weight of his office. But when it comes to the furious internal rows over Catholic worship, he’s decided enough is enough.
Pan-Orthodox Council turns into cliffhanger over boycott threats
By Tom Heneghan — June 15, 2016
(RNS) The Russian Orthodox Church cast a pall over the planned June 20-26 meeting on the Greek island of Crete by calling for the session to be postponed.
Secret ‘Catacombs Pact’ emerges after 50 years, and Pope Francis gives it new life
By David Gibson — November 3, 2015
ROME (RNS) A passionate manifesto signed on Nov. 16, 1965, on an altar in the Roman catacombs pledged bishops to live simply to be close to the poor. Known as the Pact of the Catacombs, it was supposed to represent a new chapter in church history but instead became a footnote -- until the election of Pope Francis.
Is Pope Francis changing church teachings before our eyes? (ANALYSIS)
By David Gibson — September 26, 2015
(RNS) On two issues, Francis himself may have provided some answers during this visit.
50 years of Christian-Jewish revolution: What we can all learn (COMMENTARY)
By David Rosen — February 13, 2015
(RNS) If one religion can go from seeing another as contemptible and condemnable, to one that is respected and beloved, it can surely serve as a model for humanity at large.
Pope Paul VI is almost a saint: Here are 4 of his biggest legacies
By David Gibson — October 16, 2014
(RNS) Pope Francis has beatified his controversial predecessor, Paul VI, whom he hails for groundbreaking reforms that are often overlooked. But can Francis succeed where Paul fell short?
Pope Francis tries again on traditionalist reconciliation after Benedict XVI failed
By Josephine McKenna — September 23, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made reconciliation with traditionalist Catholics a top priority, but was roundly criticized when one of the rehabilitated bishops turned out to be a vocal Holocaust denier.
Pope Paul VI to be beatified this fall: Will one miracle be sign of sainthood?
By Josephine McKenna — May 12, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Paul VI was elected in 1963 and implemented the reforms started by his predecessor, John XXIII, with the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
The legacies of John Paul II and John XXIII
By Amanda Murphy — April 22, 2014
(RNS) Religion News Service asked experts, biographers and theologians to assess the two popes who will be canonized on Sunday.
Vatican theologians OK alleged miracle attributed to Pope Paul VI
By Eric J. Lyman — February 26, 2014
ROME (RNS) Now that a panel of theologians have signed off on a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope Paul VI, it only requires a review by Pope Francis to be considered official.
Alleged miracle puts Pope Paul VI one step closer to sainthood
By Eric J. Lyman — December 13, 2013
ROME (RNS) Paul VI was a pivotal pope for the Roman Catholic Church, even as he is sometimes overshadowed by the more charismatic papacies of John XXIII and John Paul II.
Vatican to display bones of St. Peter for the first time
By Eric J. Lyman — November 11, 2013
ROME (RNS) The Vatican said it would display for the first time bones believed to be the mortal remains of St. Peter, the leader of Jesus’ 12 apostles, to mark the end of the Year of Faith, Nov. 24.
Pope Francis proclaims John Paul II, John XXIII as new saints
By Alessandro Speciale — July 5, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis waived the requirement for a second miracle credited to Pope John XXIII's intercession, with the Vatican's spokesman saying that "no one doubts his virtues."
