Vatican
Meet the pope’s astronomer, who says he’d baptize an alien if given the chance
By David Gibson — December 3, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) “The thing that really bothers me is the creeping fundamentalism among Catholics who think that they have to sacrifice their reason to follow God. And that is exactly the opposite of what God wants.”
Pope Francis calls for ‘truth’ in case of former ambassador accused of abuse
By Josephine McKenna — December 3, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Former Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski is the most senior Catholic official to be convicted by a Vatican body of sexually abusing minors.
Pope Francis makes overtures to Orthodox and Muslims, but steep challenges remain
By Josephine McKenna — December 1, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “I want to assure each one of you here that, to reach the desired goal of full unity, the Catholic Church does not intend to impose any conditions except that of the shared profession of faith," Pope Francis told Orthodox leaders.
Is Benedict XVI the REAL pope? 4 factors fueling Vatican conspiracy theories
By David Gibson — November 26, 2014
When Benedict XVI stunned Catholics by announcing that he would resign, it immediately sparked concerns – which were dismissed just as quickly – that having an ex-pope around could undermine the legitimacy of his successor. Now those fears are emerging again as conservative Catholics continue to express doubts about the agenda of Pope Francis while Benedict remains a player in intrachurch debates.
3 things Pope Francis hopes to accomplish in Turkey
By Josephine McKenna — November 26, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) There are so few Christians in this overwhelmingly Muslim country that Pope Francis is leaving the armored popemobile at home. So why is he going at all?
Pope Francis tackles autism as families seek hope, support
By Josephine McKenna — November 21, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Advocates hope that Pope Francis' lending his support to autism awareness can give hope to weary parents and chip away at some of the stigma.
Cardinal O’Malley repeats: Church needs to discipline bishops over sex abuse
By David Gibson — November 20, 2014
(RNS) But the Boston archbishop, one of Pope Francis' closest advisers, said the Vatican needs a system of accountability and must “avoid crowd-based condemnations.”
Sexual revolution is destroying families, Russell Moore tells Vatican conference
By Josephine McKenna — November 18, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Southern Baptist ethicist said the sexual revolution appeared to have imposed a new patriarchy that enabled men to “pursue a Darwinian fantasy of the predatory alpha male” for the pursuit of power and pleasure.
Bishops send new delegates, mixed message, to 2015 Vatican family synod
By David Gibson — November 14, 2014
(RNS) The nation’s Catholic bishops have chosen a mixed slate of delegates for next year’s high-level Vatican summit on the family, including outspoken culture warriors viewed by many observers as out of step with Pope Francis’ priorities.
Pope Francis to build showers for homeless in St. Peter’s Square
By Josephine McKenna — November 13, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) It’s an unconventional move, even for a pope who constantly preaches that more should be done to help the poor.
Catholic bishops back Obama acting alone on immigration
By David Gibson — November 12, 2014
BALTIMORE (RNS) Given the urgency of the immigration crisis and the electoral gains by Republicans who have thwarted earlier reform efforts, “it would be derelict not to support administrative actions … which would provide immigrants and their families legal protection," a leading bishop said.
Pope Francis launches new panel to speed up abuse cases
By Josephine McKenna — November 11, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican’s chief spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, called the pope’s proposal a “good solution” to help alleviate a backlog of cases.
U.S. Catholic bishops grapple with adapting their agenda to Pope Francis’ priorities
By David Gibson — November 10, 2014
BALTIMORE (RNS) Pope Francis' change in focus has unsettled a number of American bishops more used to a hierarchy oriented toward hot-button culture war issues. Adapting to a new agenda is the focus of this week's bishops' meeting.
Pope Francis sidelines — but probably can’t silence — conservative Cardinal Raymond Burke (ANALYSIS)
By Josephine McKenna — November 10, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The stunning demotion may remake Burke into St. Raymond the Martyr, the patron saint of Catholic conservatives.
Cardinal: Pope Francis wants no ‘self pitying church’
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — November 7, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Cardinal Walter Kasper, known as "the pope's theologian," says critics shouldn't fear Pope Francis' focus on mercy.
