Pope Francis
Trump’s rise and GOP economics may shift Catholic Church’s priorities
By David Gibson — January 13, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A conference featuring leading voices from the U.S. hierarchy may be a preview of a new agenda that opposes Republican plans.
McDonald’s next to Vatican to offer free meals to the homeless
By Josephine McKenna — January 12, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The move could help to defuse the controversy over a fast-food joint opening in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Francis: Beware of criminals selling fake tickets
By Josephine McKenna — January 11, 2017
ROME (RNS) Tickets to the pope’s audience are printed in six different languages that indicate they are free of charge.
Pope Francis condemns ‘homicidal madness’ of ‘fundamentalist’ terrorism
By Josephine McKenna — January 9, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff told diplomats that religion was being used as a pretext for the 'rejection, marginalization and violence' that had inspired brutal attacks in the past year.
Pope says he will not increase security on travels despite risks
By Reuters — January 8, 2017
(Reuters) Unlike his predecessors, who used bulletproof popemobiles or limousines, Pope Francis uses ordinary cars on international trips.
New Jersey’s first cardinal evokes Pope Francis as he takes helm in Newark
By David Gibson — January 6, 2017
(RNS) In his homily at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Cardinal Joseph Tobin declared that the church 'is neither an elite club nor static container of truth.'
Many sightings of hope
By Martin E. Marty — January 5, 2017
“We do not know enough about the future to be absolutely pessimistic.”
New video of kidnapped priest raises hopes, concerns
By David Gibson — January 4, 2017
(RNS) Looking thin and wearing a beard, the Rev. Tom Uzhunnalil — kidnapped by Islamic extremists last March — speaks in a weak, almost robotic voice.
Pope Francis tells bishops to have zero tolerance for clergy sex abuse
By David Gibson — January 2, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) "I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these atrocities will no longer take place in our midst," the pontiff said in a letter to the entire Catholic hierarchy.
Pope says terrorism casts bloodstain over world, condemns Istanbul attack
By Lauren Markoe — January 1, 2017
(REUTERS) Speaking in St. Peter's Square for his traditional noon address, Francis departed from his prepared text to condemn the Istanbul nightclub attack that killed at least 39 people.
Catholics in China should integrate into socialist society – senior party official
By RNS staff — December 30, 2016
BEIJING – China says bishops must be named by the local Chinese Catholic community and refuses to accept the authority of the pope, whom it sees as the head of a foreign state that has no right to meddle in Beijing's affairs.
Top 5 ‘heresies’ of 2016: ‘One God,’ biblical authority and more
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 29, 2016
(RNS) As Christians prepared to mark 500 years since Martin Luther -- one of history's great heretics, or heroes, depending on your point of view -- 2016 found them debating theological questions most thought had been settled a millennium ago.
The pope frustrates foes with silence, this priest nails them with tweets
By David Gibson — December 27, 2016
ROME (RNS) The Rev. Antonio Spadaro has become so closely identified with the pontiff that he is almost as big a target as Francis for critics whose complaints are louder than ever.
A Q-and-A with the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Jesuit who has the pope’s ear
By David Gibson — December 27, 2016
ROME (RNS) The Italian priest has interviewed the pontiff several times and is known as one of Francis’ trusted advisers. In this interview, Spadaro talks about the opposition to Francis, what’s next for the pope and the church, how the 80-year-old Francis deals with his workload, and why he is tired of seeing the popular pontiff described as a 'nice' pope.
China calls on Vatican to be flexible, pragmatic on ties
By guest — December 27, 2016
(REUTERS) One of the obstacles to improving relations is the question of who should be able to appoint senior clergy.
