Pope Benedict XVI
A look back at the history of US presidential visits to the Vatican
By Claire Giangravé — October 26, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Historically, the relationship between the Vatican and the Oval Office has often been tense — even occasionally hostile.
Retired pope hopes to soon join friends in ‘the afterlife’
By Associated Press — October 20, 2021
Retired Pope Benedict XVI said in a letter that of all his colleagues and friends, Rev. Gerhard Winkler was the closest to him.
Francis emphasizes social justice in papal Tweetstorm
By Thomas Reese — October 18, 2021
(RNS) — Pope Francis has turned Twitter into a prophetic medium. It is his way of getting the Gospel message out to the world.
Five rules for disagreeing with the pope
By Thomas Reese — September 27, 2021
(RNS) — We are all cafeteria Catholics. The real question is how we avoid a food fight in the cafeteria.
Who gets to unplug the pope?
By Thomas Reese — July 27, 2021
(RNS) — Even a pope needs a medical directive.
The Latin Mass is not going away soon
By Thomas Reese — July 20, 2021
(RNS) — But local bishops may now deny it to dissenters who oppose the reforms of Vatican II.
Pope reverses Benedict, reimposes restrictions on Latin Mass
By Nicole Winfield — July 16, 2021
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis cracked down Friday on the spread of the old Latin Mass, reversing one of Pope Benedict XVI’s signature decisions in a major challenge to traditionalist Catholics who immediately decried it as an attack on them and the ancient liturgy. Francis reimposed restrictions on celebrating the Latin Mass that Benedict relaxed […]
Indictments for Vatican financial crimes a sign of progress
By Thomas Reese — July 6, 2021
(RNS) — Vatican financial scandals have repeatedly tarnished the image of the church. It is time for the Vatican to get its act together. Ironically, that will mean more bad news as crimes are uncovered and prosecuted.
As Catholic bishops’ Communion war roils June meeting, look what’s not on the agenda
By Thomas Reese — June 8, 2021
(RNS) — It is sad that the U.S. bishops are so focused on the Communion war that they have no energy for anything else.
Reforming the Vatican Curia: Never easy, and never over
By Thomas Reese — June 2, 2021
(RNS) — Francis’ heart is in the right place, but the forthcoming document on Curia reform will not likely do the job.
The future of Catholic liturgical reform
By Thomas Reese — April 13, 2021
(RNS) — Other than sex, nothing is more heatedly debated in the Catholic Church than the liturgy.
Hans Küng, the theologian who wanted to stand tall
By Tom Heneghan — April 7, 2021
(RNS) — Küng paid dearly for his independence, being stripped of his right to teach Catholic theology by St. John Paul II and repeatedly frustrated in his efforts to reform the tradition-bound Vatican.
Visitation of Vatican liturgy office could lead to liturgical reform
By Thomas Reese — April 7, 2021
(RNS) — What would you change about Catholic liturgy?
Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Iraq improves relations with Muslims
By Thomas Reese — March 10, 2021
(RNS) — Christians and Muslims will look back at this papacy as a turning point in their relationship.
Pope’s wind-whipped mantle drives Vatican tailors to consider Velcro
By Claire Giangravé — March 10, 2021
(RNS) — On his history-making trip to Iraq, Pope Francis often played second fiddle to the gyrations of his cape.
