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
A frugal pope buys his own shoes
By Josephine McKenna — December 21, 2016
ROME (RNS) Shop assistants and customers were astonished to see the 80-year-old pontiff show up in a pharmacy in the heart of the Italian capital.
Pope frees jailed Spanish priest in Vatileaks case
By Josephine McKenna — December 20, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Monsignor Lucio Vallejo Balda was sentenced in August for stealing and passing Vatican documents to two Italian journalists in the so-called Vatileaks 2 case.
Vatican gallery reopens after seven-year restoration
By Josephine McKenna — December 20, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Using the latest technology, experts have restored the Braccio Nuovo Gallery, adding special measures designed to protect its precious treasures from earthquakes.
Vatican restoration uncovers work of Renaissance master
By Josephine McKenna — December 16, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pinturicchio spent two years decorating the private apartments of the lusty Pope Alexander VI.
Pope condemns Cairo church bombing as victims are mourned
By Josephine McKenna — December 12, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "We are united in the blood of our martyrs,” Francis told Coptic Pope Tawadros II after one of the deadliest attacks on Egypt's Christian minority in modern times. It appeared to target women and children.
Christmas reminds us that Jesus was a migrant like today’s refugees, says Pope Francis
By Josephine McKenna — December 9, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff made his remarks as he officially opened this year’s Christmas Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican exhibits Rembrandt in gesture of Christian unity
By Josephine McKenna — December 8, 2016
(RNS) For the first time in history, the Dutch master has a show in the Holy See.
Outcry greets Vatican decision to reaffirm ban on gay priests
By Josephine McKenna — December 8, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A decision to reaffirm Rome's opposition to gay priests has angered activists fighting for change within the Catholic Church.
Vatican launches website in response to clergy sex scandals
By Josephine McKenna — December 6, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The site aims to provide resources to dioceses around the world and to raise awareness in regions where the problem has not received much coverage.
Oklahoma City priest declared first American martyr by Pope Francis
By Josephine McKenna — December 2, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) An American missionary priest killed in Guatemala in 1981 has moved a step closer to being named a Catholic saint after Pope Francis declared him the first-ever American martyr.
Italian prisoners honor Pope Francis with flash mob dance
By Josephine McKenna — December 1, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The 'Pope is Pop' Zumba routine by dozens of prisoners highlighted the pontiff's calls for prison reform and greater acceptance of the world’s migrants.
Pope Francis meets ex-priests in gesture of mercy
By Josephine McKenna — November 11, 2016
ROME (RNS) The surprise visit to meet several men who left the priesthood and started a family could send a powerful message to church leaders.
Pope Francis reminds Donald Trump not to forget the poor
By Josephine McKenna — November 11, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his first comments published since the election, the pontiff does not judge the president-elect but notes dangers in the fears Trump has raised.
Cardinal Raymond Burke: Trump will defend human life from conception
By Josephine McKenna — November 10, 2016
(RNS) The conservative prelate said Trump understood the values of fundamental importance to Catholics and would do anything possible to halt abortion.
Vatican condemns self-ordination of Chinese priests as illegal
By Josephine McKenna — November 7, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A Chinese priest dressed in bishop vestments, carried a pastoral staff, and conducted his “episcopal enthronement” Mass in a church in the diocese of Zhengding, according to reports.
