Why the first Jesuit pope is a big deal
WASHINGTON (RNS) As the first Jesuit pope, Francis is a game-changer for relations between the church and its largest religious order.
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Reactions to Pope Francis’ election
“The Catholic University of America is proud to congratulate Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio on his election as Pope. … We pray that the Catholic Church will grow under his guidance in wisdom and Christ’s grace. And we hope to welcome him to our campus some day.” – John Garvey, president of Catholic University of America [...]
Poll: Americans see gay marriage as inevitable
Nearly two-thirds of American adults believe same-sex marriage will become legal, but inevitability does not necessarily equal approval.
What’s in a name? For a new pope, quite a bit
(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.
A new pope, a new name: Here’s some popular picks to choose from
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.
U.N. faults U.S. for failure to prosecute abusive clerics
The U.S. is failing to pursue and prosecute clergy guilty of child sexual abuse, according to a recent United Nations committee report.
House passes bill to give disaster relief to religious groups
(RNS) The House Wednesday (Feb. 13) overwhelmingly passed a bill to allow places of worship to receive federal aid to repair their buildings damaged during Hurricane Sandy.
Meet the 11 Americans who will help choose the next pope
(RNS) Meet the 11 U.S. cardinals who will vote in next month’s conclave to elect a new pope, from the scandal-scarred Cardinal Roger Mahony to the conservative Vatican insider Cardinal Raymond Burke.
Missouri Synod president apologizes for Newtown interfaith ‘debacle’
(RNS) The president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod apologized for his role in the “debacle” that led to a public reprimand for a pastor in Newtown, Conn., for praying at an interfaith service following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
