Pope Francis
On same-sex blessings, some Catholics celebrate change while others point to limits
By Claire Giangravé — December 19, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Vatican’s declaration allowing blessings for ‘irregular’ couples seems to have deepened an already strong divide between conservatives and progressives in the church.
The Vatican financial trial is finally over. What did we learn?
By Thomas Reese — December 19, 2023
(RNS) — The good news is the financial scandals became public and were not covered up by the Vatican as was the practice in the past.
5 things the Catholic Church’s document on same-sex blessings does (and doesn’t) say
By Claire Giangravé — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — The Vatican approved same-sex blessings, but there are a few caveats.
Pope Francis condemns Saturday’s Israeli attack on Christian church as act of terrorism
By Claire Giangravé — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — 'It’s war, it’s terrorism,' Pope Francis said.
With Pope Francis’ encouragement, Vatican allows blessings for same-sex couples
By Claire Giangravé — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — 'God never turns away anyone who approaches him!' read the document issued by the Vatican's doctrinal department.
Cardinal Becciu sentenced to 5 and a half years in prison by Vatican tribunal
By Claire Giangravé — December 16, 2023
(RNS) — Vatican judges found 9 of the 10 defendants in the trial guilty, with sentences including prison time and fines.
Inconvenient truths at Christmastime
By Phyllis Zagano — December 15, 2023
(RNS) — It seems civility has left the planet.
The pope called it genocide. I know what I heard.
By Shireen Hilal — December 14, 2023
(RNS) — The Vatican staff insisted Pope Francis never used the term ‘genocide.’ We know what we heard.
Pope, once a victim of AI-generated imagery, calls for treaty to regulate artificial intelligence
By Nicole Winfield — December 14, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI in his annual message for the World Day of Peace, which the Catholic Church celebrates each Jan. 1.
The pope says he wants to be buried in the Rome basilica, not in the Vatican
By Nicole Winfield — December 13, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis has already said if he retires, he would want to live outside the Vatican somewhere in Rome in a residence for retired priests.
Loaded words can end with loaded guns
By Avi Shafran — December 12, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Genocide,’ ‘apartheid’ and ‘terrorism’ are being loosely employed — and grossly misused.
Vatican to unveil Nativity scene celebrating the 800th anniversary of the crèche
By Claire Giangravé — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — The first crèche was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.
When can the pope fire a bishop?
By Thomas Reese — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — It depends on whether the bishop is serving a diocese or filling another role.
Pope Francis says he’s doing better but again skips his window appearance facing St. Peter’s Square
By Frances D'emilio — December 4, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people in the square followed his words from giant screens set up outdoors.
William Wilberforce would be scandalized by the pro-factory farming EATS Act
By Charles C. Camosy — December 1, 2023
(RNS) — It's a diabolical end-run around laws that attempt to respect God’s created order.
