Pope Francis
Francis lays down the law to bishops who cover up
By Mark Silk — June 6, 2016
Finally, the Vatican is in a position to lay the abuse crisis to rest.
Pope Francis decrees removal of bishops negligent in sex abuse
By David Gibson — June 4, 2016
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) The new decree puts the force of church law behind the pontiff's pledge to hold bishops accountable, but some victims remain skeptical.
Pope Francis chats with social media stars
By David Gibson — May 30, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) George Clooney, Salma Hayek and Richard Gere met the pontiff, as well as a dozen YouTube stars in an A-list weekend at the Vatican -- with a serious message.
A Vatican conspiracy persists, and a bigger mystery unfolds
By David Gibson — May 27, 2016
(RNS) Controversy over the so-called Third Secret of Fatima has erupted – yet again. But the real intrigue may lie in new claims that Benedict XVI is still a pope, if not THE pope.
Why the culture wars rage on
By Trevin Wax — May 24, 2016
(RNS) Transgender rights are the latest flare-up, pitting those who view freedom as flourishing within the body we’ve received, and those who view freedom as overcoming and redefining the body.
Pope Francis holds talks with Sunni Islam leader in breakthrough Vatican meeting
By David Gibson — May 23, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “The meeting is the message,” Francis said on greeting Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayib, a grand imam often viewed as the highest authority among 85 percent, or 1.3 billion, Muslims in the world.
Pope Francis rips ‘bloodsucking’ bosses and prosperity theology
By David Gibson — May 19, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff said employers who deny benefits and exploit workers "are living on the blood of the people. And this is a mortal sin."
Chicago shocker: Catholic archdiocese to offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave
By David Gibson — May 18, 2016
(RNS) The move is almost unheard of in U.S. Catholic dioceses and reflects a new effort to put the church’s money where its mission is.
Top nun pushes for greater role for Catholic women
By David Gibson — May 18, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “It’s not just a question of feminism, it’s a question of our being baptized, that gives us the duty and the right to be part of the decision-making processes,” said Sister Carmen Sammut.
Pope Francis on ISIS, the Gospel, sex abuse, money and much more
By David Gibson — May 17, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) What do the tango, Islam and conscientious objection have in common? They are just three of the references in Francis' latest blockbuster interview.
3 ways Pope Francis’ opening on women deacons can change Catholicism
By David Gibson — May 17, 2016
(RNS) Ordaining women as deacons may, or may not, happen, but the process could have other, maybe unintended, consequences.
Pope’s visit to Armenian genocide memorial may strain tensions with Turkey
By Rosie Scammell — May 13, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Francis’ trip carries huge significance, following the pontiff’s description of the killings as "the first genocide of the 20th century,” a claim Turkey rejects.
US Catholics cautiously hopeful women may one day be deacons
By RNS staff — May 13, 2016
"Any time you begin to break down one barrier, you see others crumble more," said a proponent of women's ordination.
Why we sacrifice to idols every time we eat factory-farmed meat
By Charles C. Camosy — May 12, 2016
(RNS) We want meat that tastes good and that we can afford to have on a regular basis. But Christians are called to a higher moral standard.
Pope Francis: Let’s study idea of ordaining women as deacons
By David Gibson — May 12, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "It would do good for the church to clarify this point," the pontiff told nuns who asked whether a historic breakthrough on ordaining women was possible.
