Eric J. Lyman
Eric J. Lyman is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Eric J. Lyman
Mob threats aside, Pope Francis will pray with victims of organized crime
By Eric J. Lyman — March 17, 2014
ROME (RNS) In November, famed anti-mob prosecutor Nicola Gratteri said Pope Francis’ financial reforms at the Vatican were making the Calabrian mob “very nervous" and could prompt death threats.
Benedict XVI on John Paul II: I always knew he was a saint
By Eric J. Lyman — March 7, 2014
ROME (RNS) "The reality that John Paul II was a saint became increasingly apparent to me in the years I worked together with him," Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said.
Pope Francis: ‘A pope is a man who laughs and cries’
By Eric J. Lyman — March 5, 2014
ROME (RNS) In a wide-ranging interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis said media and popular culture references comparing him to Superman are "offensive" because he's just a regular guy.
Italian publisher unveils magazine dedicated to Pope Francis
By Eric J. Lyman — March 4, 2014
ROME (RNS) The publisher said it envisions the magazine being a “meeting place” for the faithful to send in letters, poems and drawings related to Francis’ papacy.
Vatican theologians OK alleged miracle attributed to Pope Paul VI
By Eric J. Lyman — February 26, 2014
ROME (RNS) Now that a panel of theologians have signed off on a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope Paul VI, it only requires a review by Pope Francis to be considered official.
Russell Crowe really wants Pope Francis to see ‘Noah’
By Eric J. Lyman — February 25, 2014
ROME (RNS) "Screening? The message of the film is powerful, fascinating, resonant," actor Russell Crowe tweeted to Pope Francis.
Vatican City consumes more wine per capita than any other country
By Eric J. Lyman — February 24, 2014
(RNS) According to the Wine Institute's latest statistics, the tiny country consumed 74 liters of wine per person per year, nearly double the per-capita consumption of its closest neighbor.
Pope Francis uses smartphone video to urge Christian unity
By Eric J. Lyman — February 20, 2014
ROME (RNS) Pope Francis said it doesn't matter who's to blame for divisions among Christians: "Who is at fault? All of us are. We are all sinners. There is only one who is right, and that is our Lord."
On Feast of St. Valentine, a papal blessing
By Eric J. Lyman — February 14, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis gave the couples advice on how to have a happy and successful marriage.
On anniversary of resignation, Benedict XVI has no regrets
By Eric J. Lyman — February 11, 2014
ROME (RNS) Archbishop Georg Ganswein -- who works with Benedict XVI -- said one year after his resignation on Feb. 11, 2013, the former pope is at peace in his new role.
Bike owned by Pope Francis sells for 25 times its value
By Eric J. Lyman — February 6, 2014
(RNS) A Harley-Davidson motorcycle briefly owned by Pope Francis sold Thursday (Feb. 6) for $325,000, more than 25 times the resale value for a similar bike.
Philomena Lee meets Pope Francis
By Eric J. Lyman — February 5, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "There is no way I could have ever imagined it," Philomena Lee said after meeting Pope Francis. Asked if she felt resentment against the church, Lee said "You can't go through life being so unyielding; you got to forgive."
UN panel blasts Vatican for sex abuse policies
By Eric J. Lyman — February 5, 2014
"The Committee is gravely concerned that the Holy See has not acknowledged the extent of the crimes committed, has not taken the necessary measures to address cases of child sexual abuse and to protect children, and has adopted policies and practices which have led to the continuation of the abuse by and the impunity of the perpetrators," the report said.
Did Pope Francis really say that? Probably not
By Eric J. Lyman — February 4, 2014
ROME (RNS) Bogus papal statements date back to the earliest days of the church. But with the explosion of social media and self-published blogs, they have become far more frequent in recent years -- and especially in recent months.
Near St. Peter’s, an ancient burial site opens to the public
By Eric J. Lyman — January 29, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In the first century B.C., a grassy hillside just north of what is now St. Peter's Square was used as a burial place for local Romans. Now the Vatican is ready to let the public see what it uncovered there.
