Claire Giangravé

Claire Giangravé is an author at Religion News Service.

All Stories by Claire Giangravé

Pope Francis wants to disrupt church hierarchies, but for women it may not be enough

By Claire Giangravé — September 20, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis’ vision of synodality hopes to change how decisions are made in the Catholic Church, but women wonder if they will have a say.

Vatican City enforces mandates for vaccines, COVID-19 test

By Claire Giangravé — September 20, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — To enter Vatican City, people will have to present a Green Pass, the certification used in Italy to avoid the spread of the pandemic, or any international equivalent.

Pope Francis addresses the Communion ban: ‘I have never denied the Eucharist to anyone!’

By Claire Giangravé — September 15, 2021

(RNS) — Pope Francis said bishops must avoid aligning themselves ‘with political life’ and be shepherds instead.

In Slovakia, Pope Francis urges courage in young generations

By Claire Giangravé — September 14, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In impassioned speeches in Slovakia, Pope Francis urged young people to not give into pessimism and instead strive to achieve their dreams.

Pope Francis seeks to set misunderstanding with Jews aside during papal trip

By Claire Giangravé — September 13, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis met with Jewish communities in Hungary and Slovakia to promote fraternity and peace between the two religions.

In Hungary, the conservative heart of Europe, Pope Francis urges bridge-building

By Claire Giangravé — September 13, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — 'The Hungarian Church must be a builder of bridges and promoter of dialogue,' Francis said during his visit to the central European country, where he also met with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Questions on immigration, Communion loom over Pope’s trip to Hungary and Slovakia

By Claire Giangravé — September 10, 2021

(RNS) — The Vatican doesn’t want the upcoming papal trip to Hungary and Slovakia to be about politics, but hot-button issues linger over Francis’ trip to the heart of Europe.

Pope Francis names new bishop in Wuhan

By Claire Giangravé — September 8, 2021

(RNS) — Francesco Cui Qingqi was ordained under a 2018 provisional agreement between the Vatican and China that allows Rome and Beijing to have a role in selecting the country’s bishops.

Pope Francis is preparing a radical reform of the church’s power structures

By Claire Giangravé — September 2, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In October, Francis is set to inaugurate a three-year synodal preparation process that has the potential to revolutionize the way decisions are made in the Catholic Church and promote a more decentralized structure of authority.

Amid resignation rumors, Pope Francis says, ‘It didn’t even cross my mind’

By Claire Giangravé — September 1, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a wide-ranging interview, the pontiff discussed Afghanistan, China and reform of the church, while dismissing rumors that he would be the second pope in eight years to resign.

New book ‘God’s Diplomats’ unveils the secret history of Vatican diplomacy

By Claire Giangravé — August 30, 2021

(RNS) — A new book on the history of the Vatican's international relations shows how Pope Francis is only following in his predecessors' footsteps in standing up to the United States.

14 disabled children flee Afghanistan with the help of Catholic priest and nuns

By Claire Giangravé — August 27, 2021

(RNS) — A Catholic priest, four nuns and 14 disabled children were able to flee Afghanistan as chaos takes hold of the country.

Shia LaBeouf finds ‘something way bigger than myself’ as he preps for Padre Pio biopic

By Claire Giangravé — August 25, 2021

(RNS) — Capuchin friars shared their lifestyle with actor Shia LaBeouf to help him portray St. Padre Pio accurately.

Pope Francis sends financial aid to Haiti, Bangladesh and Vietnam

By Claire Giangravé — August 24, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Church officials also appealed to political leaders ‘to act according to conscience,’ in addressing the plight of Afghan refugees.

As US bishops reject exemptions, Pope Francis dubs COVID-19 vaccine ‘act of love’

By Claire Giangravé, Jack Jenkins — August 18, 2021

(RNS) — The declaration comes as U.S. Catholics debate religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

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