Pope Francis
Ancient Order of Malta faces era of change as interim leader is elected
By Josephine McKenna — April 29, 2017
ROME (RNS) The election of an Italian knight was seen as a victory for Pope Francis, who had ousted the previous leader after an internal clash that pitted hard-liners against reformers.
Marriage and divorce: The limits of the Roman Catholic mind
By Mark Silk — April 28, 2017
Eastern Orthodoxy's doctrine of oikonomia seems to be a bridge too far.
Pope Francis tells Muslim leaders in Egypt to fight violence in God’s name
By Christopher Lamb — April 28, 2017
CAIRO (RNS) "'No!' to every form of violence, vengeance, and hatred carried out in the name of God,” the pontiff told top Sunni authorities at the start of a momentous two-day trip.
Pope Francis meets knights of ancient order in new drama before contested election
By Josephine McKenna — April 27, 2017
ROME (RNS) Meanwhile the ousted head of the Order of Malta defied Vatican orders and returned to Rome to help elect his successor in a soap opera that has become a proxy battle between church conservatives and reformers.
Pope Francis faces another delicate — and dangerous — task in Egypt trip
By Christopher Lamb — April 26, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff's visit this weekend is brief but rich with references to pivotal — and bloody — episodes from history that continue to loom today.
Pope Francis embraces technology in an unexpected TED Talk
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 25, 2017
(RNS) His virtual appearance at the conference makes Francis the first pope to give a TED Talk, and it highlights his willingness to reach beyond the Vatican walls and to embrace science and technology.
Italian bishop takes up pope’s call to evangelize abroad
By Josephine McKenna — April 24, 2017
ROME (RNS) Bishop Gianfranco Todisco told parishioners his 'only true motive' to resign from his diocesan duties was his drive to dedicate himself to missionary work.
Pope likens migrant holding centers to ‘concentration camps’
By Yonat Shimron — April 23, 2017
ROME (Reuters) The American Jewish Committee urged the pope "to reconsider his regrettable choice of words."
Trump team exploring possible Pope Francis meeting
By David Jackson — April 19, 2017
WASHINGTON (USA Today) While it is not unusual for presidents to meet with popes — the last 11 have done so — there is some political history between Trump and Francis.
Bill O’Reilly greeted by pope hours before Fox News announces ouster
By Josephine McKenna — April 19, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) O'Reilly, who last year challenged the pope’s views on immigration and promised to convince him of the need for reform, shook hands briefly with the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics at the Vatican.
In Easter message, pope warns against the spread of conflict
By Josephine McKenna — April 16, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his Easter Sunday blessing, Francis also urged the faithful to remember 'all those forced to leave their homelands as a result of armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, famine and oppressive regimes.'
French presidential hopeful slams Pope Francis for welcoming migrants
By Josephine McKenna — April 14, 2017
ROME (RNS) “The fact that he appeals for charity, for welcoming others, foreigners, does not shock me,” Le Pen said. “But charity should only be personal.”
A Good Friday peace walk remembers victims of Chicago violence
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 14, 2017
CHICAGO (RNS) Cardinal Blase Cupich led the procession Friday (April 14) through Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, a community scarred by gun violence.
On Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis washes the feet of 12 prisoners
By Josephine McKenna — April 13, 2017
ROME (RNS) The 12 inmates who took part included a Muslim who is expected to be baptized as a Catholic in June, three women and two men serving life terms.
Faithful storm out of Mass in Italy after priest criticizes Pope Francis
By Josephine McKenna — April 10, 2017
ROME (RNS) The congregation reportedly shouted “Shame, shame!” at the Rev. Edward Pushparaj when he said the pontiff had only been “bad” for the Catholic Church. The priest has been placed on leave.
