Pope Benedict XVI
Will Pope Francis have a short papacy? Don’t bet on it
By David Gibson — March 17, 2015
(RNS) Clearly, say those familiar with the pope’s thinking, he is enjoying himself and is willing to go on as long as God sees fit.
Cardinal Edward Egan, former New York archbishop, dies at 82
By David Gibson — March 5, 2015
NEW YORK (RNS) Cardinal Edward Egan was never beloved by priests or parishioners as were the men who preceded and followed him in office, but he also had a tough job to do.
Pope Francis nearly as popular as St. John Paul II among US Catholics
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — March 5, 2015
WASHINGTON (RNS) He's reached statistical tie for top ratings with the immensely popular late pope, who always scored more than 9 in 10 positive views from Catholics.
Don’t breed ‘like rabbits’: Was Pope Francis breaking new ground on birth control?
By David Gibson — January 20, 2015
(RNS) As Pope Francis often does, he is shifting the focus from the “rules” to the principle behind the rules, even on such closed-book issues as birth control.
You can really call this wine ‘vintage Francis’
By Kimberly Winston — January 15, 2015
(RNS) A Napa Valley winery has always displayed its Catholic roots quietly, but a new “Cabernet FRANCis” is showing off its allegiance -- and has gained some attention from il Papa himself.
Pope Francis challenges Muslims to condemn violence in the name of God
By Josephine McKenna — December 23, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “Islam is a religion of peace, one which is compatible with respect for human rights and peaceful coexistence,” the pope said.
Pope Francis speaks: 5 takeaways from another blockbuster interview
By Josephine McKenna — December 8, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "Certain resistance has surfaced; I think it´s a good sign when things are discussed openly and not secretly if people don't agree. It's good to discuss things openly; it's healthy."
Smoking gun? Pope Francis’ critics cite new book in questioning his papacy
By David Gibson — December 5, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) The furor stems from a behind-the-scenes account of the March 2013 conclave, presented in a new book about Francis titled “The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope.”
Is Benedict XVI the REAL pope? 4 factors fueling Vatican conspiracy theories
By David Gibson — November 26, 2014
When Benedict XVI stunned Catholics by announcing that he would resign, it immediately sparked concerns – which were dismissed just as quickly – that having an ex-pope around could undermine the legitimacy of his successor. Now those fears are emerging again as conservative Catholics continue to express doubts about the agenda of Pope Francis while Benedict remains a player in intrachurch debates.
Brittany Maynard’s death: Does suffering have spiritual meaning? (ANALYSIS)
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — November 3, 2014
(RNS) By dying at age 29, Maynard signaled that she saw no point in needless suffering. And if suffering is optional, then it might also be spiritually meaningless.
Pope Francis: ‘Evolution … is not inconsistent with the notion of creation’
By Josephine McKenna — October 27, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “God is not a divine being or a magician, but the Creator who brought everything to life,” Pope Francis said.
Now you can eat with Pope Francis … or at least cook his favorite dishes
By Josephine McKenna — October 22, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Want to taste Pope Francis' empanadas, or John Paul's pierogis? A new cookbook shows you how.
Pope Francis lends friendly support to Anglican Church in North America
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — October 17, 2014
(RNS) An Anglican bishop of Argentina offered personal greetings from Pope Francis to the leader of breakaway Anglican churches.
Pope Francis tries again on traditionalist reconciliation after Benedict XVI failed
By Josephine McKenna — September 23, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made reconciliation with traditionalist Catholics a top priority, but was roundly criticized when one of the rehabilitated bishops turned out to be a vocal Holocaust denier.
Regensburg Redux: Was Pope Benedict XVI right about Islam? (ANALYSIS)
By David Gibson — September 10, 2014
Now, with the Islamic State on the march in the Middle East, leaving a trail of horrifying brutality and bloodshed that has shocked the world, some of Pope Benedict’s allies on the Catholic right are saying, in effect, “He told you so.”
