Claire Giangravé
Claire Giangravé is an author at Religion News Service.

Cardinal Pell calls for more laity involvement in Vatican financial reform efforts
(RNS) — Lay men and women bring expertise and knowledge that the Vatican lacks, said Pope Francis’ former financial reform czar.

Priest accused of abetting alleged sex abuse ring is hired by diocesan charity
(RNS) — The mother of an alleged abuse victim claims the priest broke the confidence of the confessional to warn church officials of a coming investigation.

Cardinal Parolin asked Vatican bank for loan to exit troubling London realty deal
(RNS) — Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said he intended to use the loan to pay off a mortgage on the property that was weighing heavily on the Vatican coffers.

Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died of COVID-19
(RNS) — Soccorsi was being treated for cancer at a Rome hospital when he contracted COVID-19, according to reports.

Pope Francis opens a small but significant door for women in the Church
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope made clear, however, that the change is not a step toward women’s ordination.

Pope Francis calls for unity after ‘shocking’ Capitol attack
(RNS) — ‘Nothing is earned through violence, and everything is lost,’ the pontiff said, offering prayers for the five people who lost their lives during the protests.

Catholic leaders, progressive and conservative, condemn the violence at the Capitol
VATICAN CITY (RNS) – ‘Those who resort to inflammatory rhetoric must accept some responsibility for inciting the increasing violence in our nation,’ said Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington.

New cookbook celebrates the strong bond between Swiss Guards and popes
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — A new book of recipes, The Vatican Christmas Cookbook, presents a collection of meals enjoyed by the Swiss Guards, who often dine with the pope.

Pope Francis strips Vatican Secretariat of State of assets in reform move
(RNS) — While the Secretariat of State’s power will still be considerable, the new decree increases the power of other Vatican agencies.

Cardinal Pell, publicizing new book, forgives enemies, praises Trump
(RNS) — Forgiveness is a recurring theme of the former Vatican official’s prison journal, and he told reporters that if anyone in the Vatican meant him harm, ‘I will pray for them.’

Latin patriarch of Jerusalem says Biden will need to ‘rebuild trust’ with Palestinians
(RNS) — Years of being shunted aside by U.S. policy have taken their toll, said the spiritual leader of Latin rite Catholics in the Middle East.

Vatican unveils nativity scene and lights up tree for Christmas
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — ‘Christmas reminds us that Jesus is our peace, our joy, our strength, our comfort,’ Pope Francis said at the Vatican’s traditional lighting ceremony, Friday (Dec. 11).

HBO documentary on slain Guatemalan bishop has lessons for today’s fight for justice
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — ‘The Art of Political Murder,’ inspired by the book of the same name, was produced by George Clooney and will debut on HBO MAX on Dec. 16.

With Iraq trip upcoming, Pope Francis makes appeal for peace in Middle East
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — After announcing that he would travel to Iraq in March, Pope Francis spoke about the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis in a video, calling for peace and stability.

Pope Francis continues financial overhaul with changes to Vatican watchdog agency
(RNS) — Smoking out financial scandal has been a motif of Francis’ papacy.