Josephine McKenna
Josephine McKenna has more than 30 years' experience in print, broadcast and interactive media. Based in Rome since 2007, she covered the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and election of Pope Francis and canonizations of their predecessors. Now she covers all things Vatican for RNS.
All Stories by Josephine McKenna
In a new video, Pope Francis urges compassion for refugees, people on the margins
By Josephine McKenna — February 2, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “Don’t abandon them,” the pope says in the video, released Thursday (Feb. 2), which does not directly reference President Trump's immigration ban.
Yazidi human rights leader won’t be able to pick up her award
By Josephine McKenna — February 1, 2017
(RNS) Vian Dakhil worked tirelessly on behalf of up to 700,000 Yazidis threatened by the Islamic State group's ethnic-cleansing campaign. But President Trump's travel ban prevents her from coming to the U.S.
Trump ban will hurt Christian refugees fleeing conflict, say Iraqi Catholic leaders
By Josephine McKenna — January 30, 2017
ROME (RNS) The prelates blasted the president’s refugee ban, saying it's a 'trap' to keep 100,000 of their flock in limbo. One archbishop was forced to cancel a trip to Washington because of the executive order.
Rabbi of Venice’s storied Jewish community fights for Jews to return
By Josephine McKenna — January 25, 2017
VENICE (RNS) 'The community is becoming more and more of a museum,' said Rabbi Scialom Bahbout. 'We need a city that is alive.'
Pope Francis calls on media to end ‘constant focus on bad news’
By Josephine McKenna — January 24, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a powerfully worded message, the pope said he wanted to encourage media professionals to engage in 'constructive forms of communication.'
Bishops asked to study how the Catholic Church responds to youth in crisis
By Josephine McKenna — January 13, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The survey of bishops and pastors is part of the preparation for the 2018 Synod of Bishops, which will focus on young people.
Bethlehem shrine’s treasures being restored
By Josephine McKenna — January 12, 2017
ROME (RNS) The Church of the Nativity, which sits above what is believed to be Jesus' birthplace, draws more than a million visitors every year.
McDonald’s next to Vatican to offer free meals to the homeless
By Josephine McKenna — January 12, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The move could help to defuse the controversy over a fast-food joint opening in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica.
First synagogue in 500 years to open in Sicily
By Josephine McKenna — January 11, 2017
ROME (RNS) At an official ceremony to be held Thursday (Jan. 12), the Catholic Archdiocese of Palermo will transfer to the Jewish community a chapel, the Oratory of Santa Maria al Sabato.
Pope Francis: Beware of criminals selling fake tickets
By Josephine McKenna — January 11, 2017
ROME (RNS) Tickets to the pope’s audience are printed in six different languages that indicate they are free of charge.
Pope Francis condemns ‘homicidal madness’ of ‘fundamentalist’ terrorism
By Josephine McKenna — January 9, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff told diplomats that religion was being used as a pretext for the 'rejection, marginalization and violence' that had inspired brutal attacks in the past year.
Italian priest replaces Nativity scene after outcry over ‘burqa’
By Josephine McKenna — January 4, 2017
ROME (RNS) The Rev. Franco Corbo, a 76-year-old pastor from southern Italy, was the subject of a nationwide backlash on TV and social media.
Pope’s Christmas message urges end to war, terrorism and ‘idolatry of money’
By Josephine McKenna — December 25, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff delivered his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (To the City and to the World) blessing before an estimated 40,000 worshippers who gathered at the Vatican.
J.J. Wright’s ‘O Emmanuel’ mixes it up
By Josephine McKenna — December 23, 2016
ROME (RNS) J.J. Wright’s album of sacred music 'O Emmanuel,' produced with the University of Notre Dame’s Children’s Choir, has been high on Billboard’s classical music chart for weeks.
Resistance to Vatican reform inspired by the devil, Pope Francis tells Curia
By Josephine McKenna — December 22, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his annual Christmas address to the Vatican bureaucracy, the pontiff welcomed 'healthy' resistance to his overhaul but blasted 'malicious resistance' as inspired by the devil.
