Claire Giangravé

Claire Giangravé is an author at Religion News Service.

All Stories by Claire Giangravé

German Cardinal’s resignation, refused by pope, reinvigorates church reform

By Claire Giangravé — June 11, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — For lay organizers of the controversial Synodal Path in Germany, Cardinal Marx’s resignation strengthened their efforts.

What Catholic bishops are actually saying about denying Communion to politicians

By Jack Jenkins, Claire Giangravé, Alejandra Molina — June 11, 2021

(RNS) — A rapidly escalating theological debate is liable to yield few clear answers.

Vatican gets mixed review for its efforts to fight financial corruption

By Claire Giangravé — June 9, 2021

(RNS) — A report by the European agency that combats money laundering says the Vatican needs to take further steps to address internal corruption and improve the institution’s judicial system.

Communion ban for pro-choice politicians is an old story, but the stakes have grown

By Claire Giangravé — June 7, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While this debate has happened before, the context in the US Catholic church and its dynamic with the Vatican have changed.

Pope Francis issues long-awaited reform of Vatican penal law

By Claire Giangravé — June 1, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The changes include stronger penalties for sexual abuse, financial malfeasance and crimes against the sacraments, including the ordination of women.

In Biden Communion debate, US bishops’ show willingness to test Pope Francis

By Claire Giangravé — May 28, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope’s vocal opposition to abortion, which he calls 'a grave mortal sin,' is often quoted by prelates who object to administering Communion to pro-choice political leaders.

Pope Francis kisses numbered tattoo of Nazi death camp survivor

By Claire Giangravé — May 26, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The woman, who survived Auschwitz, was in Italy to attend an event organized for the documentary based on her life, 'The Child Who Didn’t Know How to Hate.'

Incoming Bishop Stephen Chow says he feels the pressure of leading Hong Kong diocese

By Claire Giangravé — May 24, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Jesuit Father Stephen Chow prepares to lead the divided diocese of Hong Kong, caught by internal struggles and outside influence from China, he relies on St. Ignatius for guidance and promises to listen with empathy.

Vatican employees criticize pay cuts by Pope Francis as ‘anti-meritocratic and disincentivizing’

By Claire Giangravé — May 20, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Vatican employees complained to Pope Francis about the pay cuts he enacted at the Vatican, which is struggling financially due to mismanagement and the pandemic. Employees say it should not be up to them to foot the bill.

At Vatican, Kerry appeals to pope’s ‘moral authority’ to combat climate change

By Claire Giangravé — May 17, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate issues praised the pontiff for his leadership and advocacy for the environment, noting Francis has ‘been ahead of the curve’ when it comes to pressing the importance of caring for creation.

‘We cannot wait!’ pleads Catholic missionary in Myanmar

By Claire Giangravé — May 13, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Democratic protests have sparked all over the embattled country, with some Catholics taking center stage in opposing the violence of the military junta.

Faced with opposition from the Vatican, prominent Catholics opt for disobedience

By Claire Giangravé — May 12, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — ‘I was appalled,’ said the former president of Ireland, Mary McAleese, ‘appalled by the very idea a Vatican document would say a gay couple is not capable of either receiving or expressing God’s grace.’

With new ministry of catechist, Pope Francis widens role for lay Catholics

By Claire Giangravé — May 11, 2021

(RNS) — The latest motu proprio signals a continued, albeit timid, effort to answer a growing demand for agency from rank-and-file Catholics.

With Pope Francis’ blessing, Catholics pressed Biden White House to waive vaccine patents

By Claire Giangravé, Jack Jenkins — May 10, 2021

(RNS) — 'Pope Francis is very involved,' said the Rev. Augusto Zampini, one of the directors of the Vatican’s COVID-19 Commission.

Vatican prelate says individual bishops have final say on Communion

By Claire Giangravé — May 6, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — ‘It’s not up to bishops in general to make these decisions. It’s the bishop of the person,’ said Cardinal Michael Czerny. But at least one canon lawyer argues that when it comes to Communion for heads of state, it should really be up to the pope himself.

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