Institutions
For aging religious leaders, is it still ’till death us do part’?
By Adelle M. Banks — February 25, 2013
(RNS) When aging religious leaders reach the top echelons of temporal and spiritual power, their followers have a certain expectation: Till death us do part. But Pope Benedict XVI’s surprise resignation has shifted that calculus, prompting introspection about when, if and how to let go of religion's senior management.
Hypocrite? O’Brien on gay rights and his resignation
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — February 25, 2013
The one-time "bigot of the year" brought down in a gay-sex scandal.
Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien resigns after sex accusations
By David Gibson — February 25, 2013
(RNS) Cardinal Keith O'Brien of Scotland resigned on Monday in the wake of explosive charges that he had made "inappropriate" sexual advances to three priests and a former seminarian, and said he would skip next month's conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.
For Scottish bishop, what a difference a day makes
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — February 24, 2013
A Scottish Cardinal challenges celibacy on Friday, revelations of sexual misconduct allegations released Saturday. Coincidence?
Did gays in the Vatican drive Benedict out?
By David Gibson — February 22, 2013
The latest speculation is that Benedict's resignation was prompted by the discovery of a gay "mafia" inside the Vatican. Not likely. Here's why. Paging Captain Renault...
When TMZ spots a Catholic Cardinal…
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — February 22, 2013
The celebrity chasers at TMZ somehow recognized Washington’s Cardinal Donald Wuerl and, for some reason, the prelate wasn’t told to keep walking.
Figuring Faith | What Do American Catholics Want From the New Pope?
By Robert P. Jones — February 21, 2013
Next month, the College of Cardinals will select a new pope. Their choice will help shape the trajectory of the Catholic Church, which has seen significant global demographic shifts over the past century, as well as tensions about the role of tradition...
ANALYSIS: White smoke, black pope? The odds against an ‘Obama moment’
By David Gibson — February 21, 2013
(RNS) Will the conclave electing a successor to Pope Benedict XVI next month have an "Obama moment'' and pick a pope from outside Europe for the first time in modern history? Several factors are working against it.
Benedict XVI’s poll numbers can’t match John Paul II’s
By Lauren Markoe — February 21, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI never inspired the deep admiration enjoyed by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but Americans – and Catholic Americans even more so – still look favorably upon the soon-to-be-former head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Bp. Paprocki: Call Ratzinger “Pope,” too…
By David Gibson — February 20, 2013
Bishop Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., is known as a Catholic culture warrior to many but he is also a Rome-trained canon lawyer. In a memo that Pia de Solenni passes along, with his nihil obstat, Paprocki gives his opinion on a number of interesting issues stemming from Pope Benedict XVI’s unusual resignation — one of […]
GUEST COMMENTARY: Benedict XVI, the caretaker pope
By David Steinmetz — February 20, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI was first, last, and always a teacher. But he was always, alas, a weak manager of personnel. In the end Benedict XVI was the ``caretaker pope'' that many didn't expect him to be.
Controversy over Cardinal Mahony’s conclave vote reaches Vatican
By Alessandro Speciale — February 19, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The controversy over Cardinal Roger Mahony's vote in the conclave that will elect a new pope has now reached the Vatican, with at least one cardinal musing aloud that the former archbishop of Los Angeles should consider staying home.
COMMENTARY: Gospel lessons from ‘Downton Abbey’
By Tom Ehrich — February 19, 2013
(RNS) Monday morning's New York Times had two articles about the season finale of ``Downton Abbey,'' and even though I was behind on previous episodes, I couldn't stop myself from reading them. Finding out how the story ends, however, doesn't take away its meaning or mystery.
Report: Megachurches thriving in tough economic times
By Adelle M. Banks — February 19, 2013
(RNS) Despite the tough economy, many of the nation’s largest churches are thriving, with increased offerings and plans to hire more staff, a new survey shows.
Closer scrutiny for Ghana’s Turkson
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — February 19, 2013
Ghana's Cardinal Turkson is cheered by progressives, but his views on issues of sexuality should raise an eyebrow.
