(RNS) Catholic leaders appear to be adopting a more positive tone, if not policies, on gays and lesbians. But the new rhetoric may also be an acknowledgment of the huge shift in the court of public opinion, and maybe soon at the Supreme Court.
(RNS) The Catholic Church needs a strong manager to govern Vatican bureaucratic chaos. Who are cardinals who could crack the whip?
(RNS) The last Pope Benedict to resign, Benedict IX, was an infamous rake who sold the papacy. But like his 21st-century namesake, Benedict IX forces Catholics to mind the gap between the mortal man and the sacred papal office.
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI never inspired the deep admiration enjoyed by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but Americans – and Catholic Americans even more so – still look favorably upon the soon-to-be-former head of the Roman Catholic Church.
(RNS) When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, the surprising choice left conservative Catholics almost giddy with the prospect of total victory. Now with Benedict set to resign, the Catholic right is counting up the ways that Benedict failed them.
VATICAN CITY (RNS) As of 8 p.m. Thursday, the Vatican will go into “sede vacante” mode — a Latin expression that means that the seat of St. Peter is vacant. Here’s what will happen and who rules the church during the “interregnum” between two popes.
Video courtesy Global Journalist
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday that he intends to live “hidden from the world” in retirement even as his closest aide will assist his successor.
EREAC, France (RNS) Elie Geffray straddles both sides of a bitter French divide over gay marriage. As a retired Catholic priest, he will bow to a church that adamantly opposes same-sex unions. But as a small village mayor, he’s also willing to marry gay couples in civil ceremonies.
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Still reeling from Monday’s announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will become the first pope in 600 years to resign, the Vatican is attempting to return to normal, with many questions about the future but few answers.
