Rosie Scammell
Rosie Scammell is a British journalist with extensive experience reporting for leading international news organizations. She has been based in Italy since 2012 and covers the Vatican for RNS.
All Stories by Rosie Scammell
Catholics shouldn’t try to convert Jews, says new Vatican document
By Rosie Scammell — December 10, 2015
(RNS) One expert calls it the first time active conversion of Jews was so clearly repudiated in a Vatican document.
Pope Francis opens doors to ‘Year of Mercy’ in a time of fear
By Rosie Scammell — December 8, 2015
(RNS) Tens of thousands of pilgrims underwent tight security checks, including metal detectors, in order to attend the ceremony.
Vatican court to call pope’s second-in-command to testify in leaks trial
By Rosie Scammell — December 7, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A Vatican court on Monday named Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin as a witness in a controversial trial in which two journalists and others stand accused of leaking secrets about Vatican finances.
Pope Francis to inaugurate Holy Year of Mercy amid security concerns
By Rosie Scammell — December 7, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church's jubilee on mercy on Tuesday, a nearly yearlong event that is expected to bring millions of pilgrims to Rome despite security concerns and logistical challenges.
The ‘Splainer: What’s that Jubilee Year of Mercy the pope keeps talking about?
By Rosie Scammell — December 4, 2015
(RNS) In outlining his views on the jubilee, Francis wrote: “The time has come for the church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more. It is time to return to the basics and to bear the weaknesses and struggles of our brothers and sisters.”
Pope Francis’ Africa trip will focus on youth, but security concerns abound
By Rosie Scammell — November 24, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Engaging Africa's youth is the focus of the trip. But concerns over the pope’s safety have emerged, especially in the Central African Republic, where there has been ongoing violence since a 2013 coup.
Press freedom groups condemn prosecution of reporters in Vatican leaks case
By Rosie Scammell — November 23, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The doors of the Vatican’s criminal court will open on Tuesday (Nov. 24) for the start of an unprecedented trial that will be a significant test for the Holy See’s justice system.
Sister Cristina steps into new role — acting
By Rosie Scammell — November 20, 2015
ROME (RNS) The 27-year-old Italian nun will take on the role of Mary Robert, a young and shy nun with an impressive singing voice in the stage production of "Sister Act."
Want to see the pope? Get in line at the security checkpoint
By Rosie Scammell — November 19, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The U.S. Embassy in Rome, identified St. Peter’s Basilica as a potential target for terrorists.
Should refugees be vetted on the basis of religion?
By Rosie Scammell — November 18, 2015
ROME (RNS) The slaughter in Paris of 129 people and injuring of hundreds has intensified the debate in Europe about whether Syrian refugees pose a threat. The debate has spilled across the Atlantic.
Journalist in leaks case denounces Vatican law, says it infringes on freedom of expression
By Rosie Scammell — November 17, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Emiliano Fittipaldi is accused of crimes against the Vatican City State and its security, part of a 2013 decree by Pope Francis intended to prevent documents from being leaked.
World religious leaders condemn Paris carnage
By Rosie Scammell — November 14, 2015
(RNS) Pope Francis raises the specter of a World War III “in pieces,” Muslims issue statements of condemnation, while evangelical Christians in America debate whether to speak of a “war with Islam.”
Pope deploys Cuban crucifix to front line of migrant crisis
By Rosie Scammell — November 13, 2015
(RNS) Standing more than 9 feet tall, the crucifix is made of wooden oars as a symbol of migration. It was given to Francis by Cuban President Raul Castro during the pontiff’s visit in September.
Defrocked gay Vatican official says he has no regrets
By Rosie Scammell — November 12, 2015
ROME (RNS) Krzysztof Charamsa came out as gay following a long career as a priest that included 12 years as an official in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s doctrinal enforcement body.
Pope Francis: Put away technology, enjoy family dinners
By Rosie Scammell — November 11, 2015
(RNS) Sitting around the table helps measure the health of relationships, the pontiff said: “If in a family there’s something that doesn’t work, or a hidden wound, at the table it's understood immediately.”
