Pope John Paul II
Pope Francis has a model for Muslim engagement in St. Francis of Assisi
By Omar Sacirbey — March 15, 2013
Just as many Catholics have connected Pope Francis' humility and austere lifestyle with that of St. Francis of Assisi, those seeking clues on the new pontiff's approach to Christian-Muslim relations see another example in his iconic namesake.
Jews worldwide see an ally in Pope Francis
By Lauren Markoe — March 13, 2013
(RNS) Jews worldwide welcomed newly elected Pope Francis as a friend on Wednesday (March 13), and pointed in particular to his sympathetic and strong reaction to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in his native Argentina -- the deadliest bombing in the country's history.
What’s in a name? For a new pope, quite a bit
By Caleb K. Bell — March 12, 2013
(RNS) No one knows what name the next pope will pick. But choosing a new moniker is a decision that's tied up in history, tradition and more than a little symbolic value.
Sistine Chapel plays a key role in electing a new pope
By Alessandro Speciale — March 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The tradition of voting for the new pontiff in the Sistine Chapel dates back to the Renaissance, but the location of the voting didn't become a fixed feature of the conclaves until the 19th century -- and only with John Paul II's rules did the Sistine Chapel become the official theater of papal elections.
Popes and conclaves: everything you need to know
By David Gibson — March 3, 2013
(RNS) What are the firsts and lasts, quirks and facts of papal history that you should know about? There are plenty, and Religion News Service has compiled a handy guide.
A new pope, a new name: Here’s some popular picks to choose from
By Caleb K. Bell — February 28, 2013
One of the first acts of the new pope will be to chose a new name. Here's a list of the most popular (and most unique) papal names to help him get started.
Benedict XVI’s poll numbers can’t match John Paul II’s
By Lauren Markoe — February 21, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI never inspired the deep admiration enjoyed by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but Americans – and Catholic Americans even more so – still look favorably upon the soon-to-be-former head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Eccentric Russian artist finds a career as papal portraitist
By Alessandro Speciale — February 21, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Natalia Tsarkova originally intended to stay in Rome for a few months when she arrived in 1994, but has managed to forge a career as the Vatican's official papal portraitist.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Benedict XVI, the caretaker pope
By David Steinmetz — February 20, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI was first, last, and always a teacher. But he was always, alas, a weak manager of personnel. In the end Benedict XVI was the ``caretaker pope'' that many didn't expect him to be.
COMMENTARY: Joseph Ratzinger, the last of the traditional popes
By A. James Rudin — February 14, 2013
(RNS) Joseph Ratzinger perhaps will be best remembered as a quiet theologian and intellectual. But he was not, as some critics charge, a ``transitional'' pope.
Pope Benedict XVI leaves mixed legacy on clergy sexual abuse
By Emma Beck — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has at times publicly addressed the issue and even met with victims of clergy sexual abuse. But victims' advocates remain skeptical and critical over his handling of the matter, particularly the failure to punish bishops who protected abusers.
Analysis: How the traditional Pope Benedict is redefining the papacy
By David Gibson — February 11, 2013
(RNS) From the beginning Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted his ministry to put the focus on Christ, not on himself as the pope. In the long run, he may well have redefined the papacy much as he hoped, and more radically than many expected.
Electing a new pope draws on tradition and secrecy
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will soon become the first pope to resign since 1415, short-circuiting many of the initial stages of electing a new pope. But the Vatican says the transition to a new papacy shouldn't be all that different from normal.
Vatican shoots down claim that Iran backed John Paul assassination attempt
By Alessandro Speciale — February 1, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican on Friday (Feb. 1) dismissed a claim by the man who tried to kill Pope John Paul II that the assassination attempt had been ordered by Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
GUEST COMMENTARY: The Vatican’s strong defense of the Jews
By Philip A. Cunningham — January 28, 2013
(RNS) The head of a schismatic traditionalists recently labeled Jews ``enemies of the Church.'' And while that statement could have sparked an interfaith crisis, it's instead motivated Catholic leaders to directly repudiate him with strongly worded pledges of friendship with Jews.
