Vatican
Vatican’s doctrinal chief renews criticism of US nuns, says he’s no misogynist
By David Gibson — September 2, 2014
(RNS) " ... We don’t want to gobble up a woman a day!” Cardinal Gerhard Mueller told L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s semiofficial newspaper, in the edition published on Monday (Sept. 1).
Catholic Church must welcome ‘unconventional couples,’ says top Italian bishop
By Josephine McKenna — August 28, 2014
ROME (RNS) The speech by Bishop Nunzio Galantino, an ally of Pope Francis, is the latest salvo in a debate that is heating up ahead of an October meeting of the world's top bishops to discuss the church's policies toward today's families.
Polish diplomat raises extradition for Vatican official accused of sex abuse
By Josephine McKenna — August 27, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Poland’s ambassador to the Holy See has forcefully condemned the alleged sexual abuse of children by a Polish-born former archbishop and Vatican diplomat, and said Warsaw is considering a fresh request to extradite Jozef Wesolowski to face trial in his homeland.
Is James Foley a martyr? A brutal death sparks a faith-based debate
By David Gibson — August 26, 2014
(RNS) James Foley’s murder by terrorists of the Islamic State has prompted many Christians, especially Foley’s fellow Catholics, to argue that he should be considered a martyr, maybe even a saint.
China to Pope Francis: Don’t ‘interfere’ with religion
By Josephine McKenna — August 20, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "China will always safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and it never allows foreign forces to interfere with religion," an official with China's state-run Catholic Patriotic Association responded to Pope Francis' offer for engagement.
Pope Francis ends South Korea trip with overture to China
By Josephine McKenna — August 18, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis said Asian governments should not fear Christians who did not want to "come as conquerors" -- a message clearly targeted at countries including China, North Korea and Vietnam.
US must ‘destroy’ Islamic State, say religious conservatives
By David Gibson — August 13, 2014
(RNS) A coalition of religious leaders, led by mostly conservative Catholic, evangelical and Jewish activists, is calling on President Obama to sharply escalate military action against Islamic extremists in Iraq.
Pope Francis heads East, pointing to a new future for his Western church
By David Gibson — August 8, 2014
(RNS) Upcoming trips to Asia highlight Pope Francis’ push to globalize and reform a Catholic Church that is still very much centered on what happens in Rome.
Vatican: Abandoned Down syndrome baby is victim of ‘throwaway’ culture
By Josephine McKenna — August 6, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “In fact if a child becomes a product to buy, it is obvious that as with any acquisition it must meet with the buyer’s approval," Italian feminist Lucetta Scaraffia wrote in the Vatican newspaper.
Pope Benedict XVI OK’d abusive priest in Paraguay, local bishop says
By David Gibson — August 5, 2014
(RNS) A priest with a troubled past in Pennsylvania who resurfaced in Paraguay was "recommended by some cardinals with roles in the Vatican," including Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was elected as Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
Pope Francis lifts 29-year suspension on liberation theology icon
By Josephine McKenna — August 4, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The move is likely to provoke fresh debate about Francis’ own political stance since he has been criticized by conservative American commentators for having a “Marxist” political perspective on international finance and capitalism.
Pope Francis apologizes for persecution of Pentecostals
By Josephine McKenna — July 28, 2014
CASERTA, Italy (RNS) “I am the shepherd of the Catholics and I ask you to forgive my Catholic brothers and sisters who did not understand and were tempted by the devil," Pope Francis told an Italian Pentecostal pastor.
Pope Francis is coming to Philadelphia – but where else will he visit?
By David Gibson — July 25, 2014
(RNS) “Pope Francis has told me that he is coming,” Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput said Thursday before delivering a homily at a Mass in Fargo, N.D.
Meriam Ibrahim, freed from Sudan, plans to settle in New Hampshire
By Josephine McKenna — July 25, 2014
ROME (RNS) "Now we will go to New Hampshire where my brother-in-law Gabriel lives. They will help us. We will be all together as a true family," Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim said.
Meriam Ibrahim, finally freed from Sudan, meets with Pope Francis
By Josephine McKenna — July 24, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican’s chief spokesman said Pope Francis wanted Thursday’s meeting to be a “gesture of support for all those who suffer for their faith, or living in situations of difficulty or restraint.”
