Vatican
Pope Paul VI is almost a saint: Here are 4 of his biggest legacies
By David Gibson — October 16, 2014
(RNS) Pope Francis has beatified his controversial predecessor, Paul VI, whom he hails for groundbreaking reforms that are often overlooked. But can Francis succeed where Paul fell short?
Conservatives insist Vatican isn’t changing teaching on gays or divorced Catholics
By Josephine McKenna — October 14, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In what looked like strenuous damage control, the Vatican’s chief spokesman told a packed media conference Tuesday that this was a “working document, not a final document.”
Conscience vs. authority at Pope Francis’ Synod on the Family (ANALYSIS)
By Jacob Lupfer — October 14, 2014
(RNS) The conflict between conscience and authority is the pre-eminent battle underlying the debates at the Vatican's Synod on the Family.
Declining number of U.S. nuns, even among traditional orders, charted in new study
By David Gibson — October 13, 2014
(RNS) The more liberal, socially active communities of sisters are drawing about the same number of new entrants as the more conservative, tradition-minded communities: very few.
Vatican stuns Catholic world with greater openness toward gays and lesbians
By Josephine McKenna — October 13, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The document -- and the real or implied changes that may or may not materialize -- stunned church conservatives.
Vatican debate on gays provokes strong reaction from all corners
By Josephine McKenna — October 10, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Should families welcome their gay son and his partner home at Christmas? Lay Catholics say yes, and one leading cardinal calls it "evil."
Catholic bishops debate: Where does doctrine end and pastoral practice begin?
By David Gibson — October 9, 2014
(RNS) “We have to repeat the doctrine, but the pastoral practice is what we are talking about. That’s why we are having a synod," says Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl.
Shroud of Turin conference draws believers to St. Louis
By Lilly Fowler — October 9, 2014
ST. LOUIS (RNS) To some, the puzzle surrounding the Shroud of Turin was solved when laboratories in the U.S., England and Switzerland determined through carbon dating that it originated around 1260 to 1390. To others, it remains a mystery.
Bookies put their odds on Pope Francis to win the Nobel Peace Prize
By Josephine McKenna — October 8, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Argentine pope is currently the 5-2 favorite to win the award, which will be announced by the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway, on Friday.
Pope Francis wanted open debate. With clashing cardinals, he’s got it
By David Gibson — October 2, 2014
(RNS) Throughout the history of the church, apostles and bishops and theologians have often clashed, publicly and sometimes fiercely, to reach a conclusion on the very essentials of the faith.
US Cardinal Raymond Burke mounts defense on Catholic teaching on divorce
By David Gibson — September 30, 2014
(RNS) Public disagreements over whether the Roman Catholic Church can change its teachings on Communion for remarried Catholics are growing sharper on the eve of a major Vatican summit.
Pope Francis fires Paraguay bishop accused of covering up abuse
By Josephine McKenna — September 25, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican said that the pope had taken the “onerous decision” to replace the bishop for “serious pastoral reasons."
Priests’ mistresses and wives remind the Vatican: Don’t forget about us
By Josephine McKenna — September 25, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis has made a habit of personally answering letters sent to him from around the world -- but not from a group of two dozen Italian women who say they are married to or involved with Catholic priests.
Pope Francis orders accused envoy Jozef Wesolowski put under house arrest
By Josephine McKenna — September 23, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A bishop from the Dominican Republic was recently reported saying he was shocked to see former Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski walking freely on the streets of central Rome.
Chicago meets its new archbishop as the ‘Pope Francis effect’ sets in
By David Gibson — September 20, 2014
(RNS) Pressed to contrast his approach with that of Cardinal Francis George, incoming Archbishop Blase Cupich repeatedly said he would try to be himself. “Everyone brings their own gifts and talents and experiences,” Cupich said.