Claire Giangravé
Claire Giangravé is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Claire Giangravé

Pope Francis reflects on his pontificate and legacy in latest interviews
By Claire Giangravé — December 19, 2022
(RNS) — Pope Francis said he has already signed his renunciation if he were unable to act as pope due to health issues or an accident.

Synod’s main themes come into focus as it enters its continental stage
By Claire Giangravé — December 16, 2022
(RNS) — From the participation of lay faithful to the role of bishops’ conferences, the synod on synodality reconsiders ecclesial structures for the new millennium.

‘Silence is golden’: Vatican archivist defends Pope Pius XII’s response to the Holocaust
By Claire Giangravé — December 8, 2022
(RNS) — Vatican archivist Johan Ickx claims that Pius instructed clergy to save the Jews from the Nazis, while failing to provide proof.

Pope unveils Vatican Christmas tree, urging Christians to ‘stay rooted’ in Jesus
By Claire Giangravé — December 5, 2022
(RNS) — With its humility, the nativity scene is a reminder to step away from a 'consumeristic and commercial' Christmas, the pope said.

Cardinal leading Catholics’ churchwide consultation wrestles with tradition and change
By Claire Giangravé — December 2, 2022
(RNS) — The synod will be inspired by the Holy Spirit and rooted in truth, said Cardinal Mario Grech. The truth, he added, 'can be presented by a minority, a group or even an individual.'

Credibility of key prosecution witness questioned in Vatican financial trial
By Claire Giangravé — December 1, 2022
(RNS) — Prosecutors said they will investigate Monsignor Alberto Perlasca after evidence emerged that his testimony was influenced by a source well known to Vatican insiders.

Vatican opens new investigation, alleging disgraced cardinal secretly recorded Pope Francis
By Claire Giangravé — November 28, 2022
(RNS) — Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prosecutors say, secretly recorded a call with Pope Francis in which he seeks to avoid a trial on corruption charges.

Pope Francis fires leadership of Catholic charity network Caritas
By Claire Giangravé — November 22, 2022
(RNS) — According to a Vatican statement, “real deficiencies were noted in management and procedures” within the charitable organizations’ leadership.

German bishops at stalemate with Vatican over women, homosexuality
By Claire Giangravé — November 21, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The president of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing, said he will not deny blessings for same-sex couples.

Vatican denies legal claims of former Vatican auditors and investigates them instead
By Claire Giangravé — November 17, 2022
(RNS) — Libero Milone, who was hired by the pope in 2015 to oversee Vatican finances, has sued the church to restore his reputation. He believes, he said, that ‘Pope Francis’ silence on the matter is deafening.’

Canadian artist hopes to be ‘visual ambassador’ of Pope Francis’ message to poor
By Claire Giangravé — November 14, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The creator of 'Homeless Jesus,' Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz is on his way to becoming the most prolific sculptor under Pope Francis’ pontificate.

Ex-Vatican auditor, threatening to reveal all, sues church, alleging damage to his reputation
By Claire Giangravé — November 10, 2022
(RNS) — Former financial auditor Libero Milone seeks his day in court after claiming he was forced to resign by a ‘small mafia’ at the Vatican.

French cardinal admits to abusing 14-year-old girl
By Claire Giangravé — November 7, 2022
RNS — Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard is a member of the Vatican department that investigates abuse cases in the church.

In Bahrain, Pope Francis to bring message of fraternity to all Islam
By Claire Giangravé — November 2, 2022
(RNS) — The historic trip is aimed at promoting dialogue between Catholics and Muslims in the interest of peace.

Members of US religious freedom panel speak out against China-Vatican deal
By Claire Giangravé — October 31, 2022
(RNS) — While Vatican officials defended the deal for promoting dialogue with China, members of the federal commission say things have only gotten worse.