Pope Benedict XVI
How Catholicism became a breeding ground for conspiracy theories
By Claire Giangravé — March 5, 2021
(RNS) — A perfect storm of institutional crises, the polarization of perceived winners and losers and an influx of evangelicals has made Catholicism fertile ground for conspiracy theories.
A Catholic scholar weighs Biden’s future with Vatican and US bishops
By Yonat Shimron — February 8, 2021
(RNS) — The Vatican may be breathing a sigh of relief on Joe Biden's election. But the second Catholic president faces significant headwinds from American bishops, writes Massimo Faggioli in a new book.
Making an American saint can take more than a miracle
By Joe Drape — December 10, 2020
(RNS) — The cause of a Catholic priest killed in the Korea conflict ticked most of the boxes, but his candidacy had to overcome two formidable obstacles.
McCarrick scandal shows why popes, like John Paul, should not be canonized
By Thomas Reese — November 17, 2020
(RNS) — The fact that John Paul advanced McCarrick in the hierarchy despite warning he received from Vatican officials and Cardinal John O’Connor makes some wonder why he should be considered a saint. Canonizing popes is more about ecclesial politics than sanctity.
Vatican’s McCarrick report: Three popes looked the other way on sex abuse claims
By Claire Giangravé — November 10, 2020
(RNS) — According to the report, four U.S. bishops lied to the Vatican regarding allegations against McCarrick.
With 9 new electors, Pope Francis remakes the college of cardinals
By Thomas Reese — October 25, 2020
(RNS) Over seven years, Pope Francis has gradually remade the college of cardinals, making it less European and more African and Asian.
Six things you need to know about Pope Francis and gay civil unions
By Thomas Reese — October 23, 2020
(RNS) — Pope Francis' comments about civil unions for same-sex partners in a new documentary have caused a stir. How to understand his positions.
Five things to look for in Pope Francis’ new encyclical, ‘Fratelli Tutti’
By Thomas Reese — October 4, 2020
(RNS) — ‘Fratelli Tutti’ (‘Brothers and sisters all’), the new papal encyclical is an important teaching document that must be read by anyone who wants to know where the pope is coming from.
In popes’ traditional summer retreat, locals move on without Francis
By Claire Giangravé — August 14, 2020
(RNS) — In the years since Francis decided he'd stay in Rome, locals have been forced to reenvision Castel Gandolfo without the glamour — and revenue — the papal visits brought them.
Five things Pope Francis should do while imprisoned by the pandemic
By Thomas Reese — August 13, 2020
(RNS) — Reforms to the Vatican’s financial system, the Curia and how the church prevents clergy sexual abuse are the ecclesial equivalent of cleaning the basement and the attic, but now’s the time.
Retired Pope Benedict XVI ill after visit to Germany
By Associated Press — August 3, 2020
BERLIN (AP) — Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI has fallen ill after his return from a trip to his native Bavaria to visit his brother, who died a month ago, a German newspaper reported Monday.
Vatican seeks to explain absence of aide after book scandal
By Nicole Winfield — February 5, 2020
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican press office denied that Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, who works for both the reigning and the retired pope, had been officially suspended as head of Francis' papal household over his role in the scandal.
We need these “Jewish” movies now
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 15, 2020
Time for the Jewish Academy Awards.
Benedict XVI steps back from book that put him at odds with pope
By Claire Giangravé — January 14, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The former pope asked to be dropped as co-author of a book, due out in February that appears to disagree with Francis on priestly celibacy, according to an aide.
Two popes are one too many
By Thomas Reese — January 13, 2020
(RNS) — Although technically Benedict lost his papal authority when he resigned, his new book on priestly celibacy shows how he still flexes his authority.
