Pope Benedict XVI
Portraitist to the popes wishes to promote peace through her art
By Claire Giangravé — December 21, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Known as the painter of the popes, Russian-born Natalia Tsarkova also hopes to be ‘a bridge between Russia and the Vatican.’
What are pigs for?
By Charles C. Camosy — September 14, 2022
(RNS) — The answer can be found in the Bible.
Pope cracks down on new Catholic religious start-ups
By Nicole Winfield — June 15, 2022
ROME (AP) — Francis issued a new decree that requires prior Vatican approval for bishops to erect new associations of the faithful, often the first step in the creation of a new apostolic society or institute of consecrate life.
Avoiding a deadlocked conclave
By Thomas Reese — May 17, 2022
(RNS) — Before he dies or retires, Pope Francis needs to make changes in the process of electing a new pope to avoid the possibility of a deadlocked conclave.
Benedict XVI turns 95 as book focuses on anomaly of 2 popes
By Nicole Winfield — April 21, 2022
(AP) — Benedict’s residence has turned into the symbolic headquarters of the Francis opposition, a new book says.
I forgive Pope Benedict. I hope others can too.
By Thomas Reese — February 22, 2022
(RNS) — I see Benedict as a holy but flawed individual who did the best he was capable of.
Munich report on sex abuse heightens Catholic Church divide over sexuality
By Claire Giangravé — February 15, 2022
(RNS) — Benedict XVI’s supporters believe attacks on the emeritus pope’s handling of sexual abuse while archbishop of Munich are aimed at reinforcing progressive views on sexuality and priestly celibacy.
A Catholic nun is going to prison for fraud. Why are abusive priests going unpunished?
By Robert D. Karpinski — February 15, 2022
(RNS) — Her sentence is ironic considering the history of punishment for priests accused of sexual abuse.
Benedict XVI takes confessional tone in response to allegations of abuse coverup
By Claire Giangravé — February 8, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While denying accusations of sexual abuse coverup, Benedict XVI issued a 'heartfelt request for forgiveness' to victims.
Firebrand Texas bishop tests limits of conservative Catholic dissent
By Jack Jenkins — February 1, 2022
(RNS) — A canon lawyer described Bishop Joseph Strickland's challenge to a fellow bishop as 'unprecedented.'
The lesson for Catholic bishops from Benedict report: Apologize, apologize, apologize
By Thomas Reese — January 31, 2022
(RNS) — Bishops might spend Lent doing penance, living on bread and water, camped out on the steps of their cathedrals.
Vatican rises to Benedict XVI’s defense after Munich abuse report
By Claire Giangravé — January 26, 2022
(RNS) — The Vatican’s communication director highlighted the emeritus pope’s efforts to combat sexual abuse after a report into his former diocese accused him of participating in a cover-up as archbishop in Munich.
Former pope was at meeting where pedophile priest discussed
By Associated Press — January 24, 2022
BERLIN (AP) — Retired Pope Benedict XVI has acknowledged that he did attend a 1980 meeting at which the transfer of a pedophile priest to his then-diocese was discussed, saying an editorial error was responsible for his previous assertion that he wasn’t there. Authors of a report on sexual abuse between 1945 and 2019 in […]
Pope Benedict accused of mishandling sex abuse cases: 4 essential reads
By Molly Jackson — January 24, 2022
(The Conversation) — A German report accused retired Pope Benedict XVI of mishandling several cases of sexual abuse in the 1970s and 1980s. Here are a few of our related articles on the Catholic Church’s crisis.
Earth: One of God’s failed experiments?
By Thomas Reese — January 5, 2022
(RNS) — God gives us every chance, but we may be blowing it.
