Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Vatican diplomat Jozef Wesolowski convicted of sexual abuse, defrocked from the priesthood
By Josephine McKenna — June 27, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski was removed from his post in the Dominican Republic and recalled to the Vatican last August amid claims that he had abused boys in Santo Domingo.
Cardinal seeks a truce in fight between U.S. nuns and Vatican’s doctrinal office
By Josephine McKenna — May 20, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) While the Vatican's investigation into American nuns falls under the doctrinal office, Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz's congregation on religious orders is seen as more sympathetic to the sisters and has tried to serve as a peace broker in the standoff.
Vatican threatens Jesuit theologian in India with censure
By David Gibson — May 12, 2014
(RNS) The process of engaging cultures is especially advanced in Asia, where Jesuits have established a beachhead. But it also means that theologians often use nontraditional formulations to try to communicate the faith to Hindu or Buddhist audiences.
Nuns say they will continue dialogue despite Vatican criticisms
By David Gibson — May 9, 2014
(RNS) Representatives of most of the 50,000 sisters in the U.S. flatly rejected the charges by Cardinal Gerhard Mueller but said their conversation “was constructive in its frankness and lack of ambiguity.”
Cardinal Kasper, the ‘pope’s theologian,’ downplays Vatican blast at U.S. nuns
By David Gibson — May 6, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) Just as Pope Francis has downplayed rules and hot-button issues in an effort to widen the church's appeal, Cardinal Walter Kasper has pushed the importance of pastoral flexibility and realism in walking with Catholics throughout their imperfect lives.
Liberation theology finds new welcome in Pope Francis’ Vatican
By Alessandro Speciale — September 9, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The revival of liberation theology under Pope Francis is remarkable about-face for a movement that swelled in popularity but was later stamped out by the conservative pontificates of John Paul II and his longtime doctrinal czar, Benedict XVI.
Vatican cardinal says he was sidelined in crackdown of US nuns
By Alessandro Speciale — May 6, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) When the Vatican's doctrinal office informed the office that oversees religious orders about a probe of American nuns, the cardinal who heads the office was told the investigation was already completed.
Pope Francis orders overhaul of US nuns to continue
By Alessandro Speciale — April 15, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The decision to continue a Vatican overhaul of U.S. nuns, while not entirely unexpected, could nonetheless bring an end to Pope Francis' honeymoon with the many American Catholics who had viewed the crackdown on nuns as heavy-handed and unnecessary.
Pope Francis: Church must act decisively on sex abuse
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — April 5, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis called on the various national bishops' conferences around the world to step up to disciplining priests and serving abuse victims, a possible indication that he will move from a strongly centralized church government to one that places increased authority locally.
Pope Benedict XVI leaves mixed legacy on clergy sexual abuse
By Emma Beck — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has at times publicly addressed the issue and even met with victims of clergy sexual abuse. But victims' advocates remain skeptical and critical over his handling of the matter, particularly the failure to punish bishops who protected abusers.
New Vatican sex abuse prosecutor praises media
By Alessandro Speciale — February 5, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his first public appearance since arriving in Rome, the new Vatican prosecutor for sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church praised the media's role in uncovering the scandal.
Four priests, four friends: Bishops witness historic changes in Catholic life
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — January 9, 2013
(RNS) Released from the Catholic cocoon of seminary in 1962, the four young priests faced a church on the brink of volcanic reform with the opening of the Second Vatican Council. After being schooled in a Vatican I church, the foursome would step down as powerful American prelates, five decades later, as quintessential Vatican II men. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Traditionalist SSPX calls Vatican offer ‘clearly unacceptable’
By Alessandro Speciale — June 26, 2012
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Catholic traditionalist group SSPX said the Vatican's latest reconciliation offer is "clearly unacceptable,'' a move that comes as Pope Benedict XVI appointed a high-profile American prelate to oversee relations with traditionalists. By Alessandro Speciale.
American nuns call Vatican talks ‘difficult’
By David Gibson — June 18, 2012
(RNS) American nuns who are under investigation by the Vatican say last week's discussions with Rome were "difficult" and indicate that public comments by a number of U.S. bishops have not made negotiations easier. By David Gibson.
Vatican offers special solution for conservative splinter group, SSPX
By Alessandro Speciale — June 14, 2012
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican offered a breakaway traditionalist group a solution to re-enter the Catholic Church, as the final word on negotiations that lasted almost three years seems to be imminent. By Alessandro Speciale.
