Vatican
Cardinal Walter Kasper, ‘the pope’s theologian,’ reveals the brains behind Francis’ heart
By David Gibson — April 3, 2015
ROME (RNS) Rejecting claims that Pope Francis is a theological lightweight, Cardinal Walter Kasper describes Francis as a theologian in his own right whose pastoral approach is setting Catholicism on a new course.
Cardinal Raymond Burke: Gays, remarried Catholics, murderers are all the same
By David Gibson — March 27, 2015
(RNS) The Catholic Church has always taught that sin is sin, but few people see killing someone as equivalent to marrying a lifelong same-sex partner.
The ‘Pope Francis effect’? Some early data suggest it could be real
By David Gibson — March 25, 2015
(RNS) Are there signs of a "Francis effect" among U.S. Catholics? Yes and no, but it's still probably too early to tell.
Vatican to give homeless private VIP tour of Sistine Chapel
By Reuters — March 25, 2015
(Reuters) The museums, visited by about six million people a year who pay at least 16 euros, will close early so the homeless can get VIP treatment in the Sistine Chapel with its famous Michelangelo frescoes.
Pope Francis takes a dim view of the death penalty, but not all Catholics are convinced
By David Gibson — March 23, 2015
(RNS) Pope Francis is trying to tighten church teaching against the death penalty. Not all American Catholics, however, are convinced.
Scandal-scarred Cardinal Keith O’Brien renounces ‘rights and privileges’ of his office
By David Gibson — March 20, 2015
(RNS) When Pope Benedict XVI accepted O'Brien's resignation, O'Brien admitted "there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal.”
Gay and transgender inmates invited to lunch with Pope Francis during prison visit
By David Gibson — March 19, 2015
(RNS) The pope insisted on lunch, which will be prepared by the prisoners, some of whom will come from two other detention centers.
Will Pope Francis have a short papacy? Don’t bet on it
By David Gibson — March 17, 2015
(RNS) Clearly, say those familiar with the pope’s thinking, he is enjoying himself and is willing to go on as long as God sees fit.
Americans of faith must reconsider stands on nuclear weapons (COMMENTARY)
By Jacob Lupfer — March 16, 2015
(RNS) The global concern about the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons invites Americans of faith to engage a vital issue after years of complacency.
Vatican drops image of bound woman after complaints
By Rosie Scammell — March 13, 2015
ROME (RNS) The Pontifical Council for Culture had chosen a photograph of the 1936 "Venus Restored" sculpture for its Feb. 4-7 conference on women and equality. But the choice of a sculpture bound in ropes to discuss women’s emancipation was deemed inappropriate in some quarters.
Pope Francis: ‘All I want is to go out for a pizza!’
By David Gibson — March 13, 2015
(RNS) Pope Francis isn't a fan of being cooped up inside the Vatican, and he may not be for very long. That and other juicy tidbits from his two-year anniversary interview.
Pope Francis has history, but not time, on his side in reform push
By David Gibson — March 11, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) At 78, Pope Francis isn't expected to have a lengthy pontificate. So how does he beat the clock to ensure his reforms live on after he does?
Two years in, Pope Francis faces headwinds in reforming the Vatican. Here’s how he can prevail
By David Gibson — March 9, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Transforming the dynamic of Vatican power is key to what Pope Francis considers his greater goal: reorienting Catholicism itself to face the new challenges of the third millennium.
Catholics and Jews pan film defending wartime Pope Pius XII
By Reuters — March 4, 2015
(REUTERS) “Shades of Truth” is the account of a fictional present-day American journalist who starts off as a critic of Pius and changes his mind after research in Israel, Rome and elsewhere in Europe.
Pope Francis to mafia: Repent and all will be forgiven
By Reuters — February 23, 2015
The Lord is waiting for you and the Church will welcome you if your willingness to serve good is as clear and public as your choice to serve evil was," Pope Francis said.
