Alessandro Speciale
Alessandro Speciale has been covering the Vatican since 2007 and wrote for Religion News Service from 2011-2013. Born in Rome, he studied literature at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy, and journalism at City University, London. He has appeared as an expert on Vatican affairs on CNN, BBC World and Al Jazeera English.
All Stories by Alessandro Speciale
Pope expected to live out a quiet retirement in Vatican monastery
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will continue living inside the Vatican once his retirement becomes official on Feb. 28, but observers say he will probably keep a low profile -- both before and after the election to choose his successor.
Electing a new pope draws on tradition and secrecy
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will soon become the first pope to resign since 1415, short-circuiting many of the initial stages of electing a new pope. But the Vatican says the transition to a new papacy shouldn't be all that different from normal.
Pope Benedict XVI to resign, citing age
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a move that took the world by surprise, Pope Benedict XVI on Monday announced that he will resign on Feb 28.
Vatican backtracks on support for gay couples
By Alessandro Speciale — February 7, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A top Vatican official blamed the media for “derailing” his recent remarks on possible legal protections for unmarried couples, while reaffirming his support for British and French bishops who have been vocal opponents of same-sex marriage.
New Vatican sex abuse prosecutor praises media
By Alessandro Speciale — February 5, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his first public appearance since arriving in Rome, the new Vatican prosecutor for sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church praised the media's role in uncovering the scandal.
Vatican signals options for protecting gay couples
By Alessandro Speciale — February 4, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A high-ranking Vatican official on Monday (Feb. 4) voiced support for giving unmarried couples some kind of unspecified legal protection even as he reaffirmed the Catholic Church's opposition to same-sex marriage.
Vatican shoots down claim that Iran backed John Paul assassination attempt
By Alessandro Speciale — February 1, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican on Friday (Feb. 1) dismissed a claim by the man who tried to kill Pope John Paul II that the assassination attempt had been ordered by Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Vatican admits it doesn’t fully understand youth culture
By Alessandro Speciale — January 31, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican's culture ministry warned that the Catholic Church risks losing future generations if it doesn't learn how to understand young people, their language and their culture.
Pope Benedict XVI says lack of ‘faith’ could be used in marriage annulments
By Alessandro Speciale — January 29, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has asked the Vatican's highest appeals court to consider reviewing church rules on marriage annulments -- a statement that may signal a change in tone more than a change in substance.
Vatican defends pope’s Twitter account despite attacks
By Alessandro Speciale — January 24, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican on Thursday (Jan. 24) defended Pope Benedict's choice to open an account on Twitter even if it exposes him to insults and abuse.
Lutherans warn Vatican against simpler conversions
By Alessandro Speciale — January 23, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Lutheran leaders have warned the Vatican that the creation of a structure to welcome conservative Lutherans into the Catholic Church would harm dialogue and damage ecumenical relations.
Vatican admits stalemate in talks with traditional SSPX group
By Alessandro Speciale — January 22, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A senior Vatican official admitted that years of talks between the Vatican and a breakaway group of ultra-traditionalist Catholics have led to a “stalemate." By Alessandro Speciale.
Vatican criticizes European religious freedom ruling
By Alessandro Speciale — January 16, 2013
(RNS) The Vatican blasted a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that rejected three claims of religious discrimination, saying personal freedoms are falling victim to the "dictatorship of relativism.'' By Alessandro Speciale.
Europeans launch campaign to declare life starts at conception
By Alessandro Speciale — January 15, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Anti-abortion groups from 20 different countries have launched a petition to ask the European Parliament to recognize that life begins at conception. The "One of Us'' initiative is the first of its kind in Europe and aims at the creation of a continental pro-life movement. By Alessandro Speciale.
Vatican: Calling Jews ‘enemies’ of the church is unacceptable
By Alessandro Speciale — January 7, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Catholic Church reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with Jews after the head of a breakaway conservative group labeled Jews as "enemies of the Church.'' By Alessandro Speciale.
