Gotham’s no Gomorrah, says N.Y. Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Alessandro Speciale

VATICAN CITY (RNS) One the eve of his elevation to cardinal, New York's Archbishop Timothy Dolan said he doesn't caricature's of his city as a modern-day Gomorrah.
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Vatican leaks scandal looms large at meeting to elevate new cardinals

Alessandro Speciale | Feb 17, 2012

VATICAN CITY (RNS) It isn't anywhere on the official agenda, but as Roman Catholic leaders meet in Rome this weekend, looming in the background will be a recent string of Vatican leaks that reveal a bitter power struggle among the hierarchy. By Alessandro Speciale.
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Rick Warren finds a new purpose: weight loss

Lilly Fowler | Feb 7, 2012

LOS ANGELES (RNS) As megachurch pastor Rick Warren struggled to submerge members of his flock in the baptismal pool one by one, he realized his parishioners were heavy and that he, too, was fat, setting a terrible example. By Lilly Fowler.
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Vatican refutes corruption charges made by ambassador to U.S.

Alessandro Speciale | Feb 6, 2012

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Vatican officials are strongly refuting allegations made by the pope's new ambassador to the United States that the Vatican City State is awash in corruption and waste. By Alessandro Speciale.
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Cardinal says bishops must cooperate with police on abuse

Alessandro Speciale | Feb 6, 2012

VATICAN CITY (RNS) An American cardinal who has jurisdiction over all abuse cases in the Roman Catholic Church said bishops have an obligation to "cooperate" with local law enforcement, but stopped short of mandating that bishops report abuse cases to police. By Alessandro Speciale.
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Pastor poised to be first black to lead Baptists

Bruce Nolan | Feb 3, 2012

NEW ORLEANS (RNS) After months of urging from other Baptists around the country, the Rev. Fred Luter confirmed he is running to be the first African-American president of the predominantly white Southern Baptist Convention. Several Baptist leaders said Luter becomes the prohibitive favorite for the post. By Bruce Nolan.
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Pope gives final approval to controversial lay group

Alessandro Speciale | Jan 20, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI gave his official approval to the Neocatechumenal Way to launch operations in all dioceses despite frayed relations with some bishops, as long as they allow full participation in their services. By Alessandro Speciale.
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Pope warns U.S. bishops of ‘radical secularism’

Alessandro Speciale | Jan 19, 2012

(RNS) "Radical secularism" is gaining ground in American society and poses a "grave threat" to the Catholic Church's freedom of expression in the public square, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of U.S. bishops on Thursday (Jan. 19). The delegation of bishops from the mid-Atlantic region, led by Wa...
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Pope names 22 new cardinals, including two Americans

Alessandro Speciale | Jan 6, 2012

VATICAN CITY(RNS) New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan and former Baltimore Archbishop Edwin O'Brien are among the 22 new cardinals announced by Pope Benedict XVI on Friday (Jan. 6). The new "princes of the church" -- 18 of whom are under 80, and thus eligible to vote in the election of the next po...
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For many, `Losing My Religion’ isn’t a song: It’s a way of life

Cathy Lynn Grossman of USA Today | Jan 5, 2012

(RNS) When Ben Helton signed up for an online dating service, under "religion" he called himself "spiritually apathetic." On Sunday mornings, when Bill Dohm turns his eyes toward heaven, he's just checking the weather so he can fly his 1946 Aeronca Champ two-seater plane. Helton, 28, and Dohm, 54, a...
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Boston cardinal marks 10 years since abuse scandal

Lauren Markoe | Jan 5, 2012

(RNS) Ten years after the sex abuse scandal erupted in the Archdiocese of Boston, Cardinal Sean O'Malley has written a contrite public letter, faulting the church's response and insisting that the church can never again fail to protect the young. "As a church we must continue to express the depth of...
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