This week we celebrate the first anniversary (13 March) of the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. But it is next month that we will witness an event that says more about what to make of him and what to expect in his Pontificate. In April, Pope Francis will beatify on the same day Read more
In 1971 the document Justice in the World, issued by the Synod of Bishops, represented a major step in the development of Catholic teaching on the environment. Barbara Ward-Jackson was a consultant before and during the synod and undoubtedly had a considerable influence on its outcome. This document emphasised the close link between ecology and Read more
In an interview, Pope Francis has discussed artificial contraception, non-marital civil unions, clergy sex abuse and the role of women in the Church. The wide-ranging interview, marking the first anniversary of Francis’s pontificate, was published in Italy and Argentina. Pope Francis praised Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae”, which prohibited the use of contraception. Read more
Pope Francis has opened the private papal gardens at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, to the public. People who want to visit the gardens at the traditional summer residence of popes can buy a ticket to go on a tour. Modest dress is mandatory, so those wearing shorts, mini-skirts or tank tops will not be Read more
A weekly magazine focused entirely on Pope Francis has hit Italian newsstands. “Il Mio Papa” includes stories about people and events that inspire the Pope and background information on papal remarks and a collection of international cartoons about the Pope. The first edition came out on March 5. Continue reading
For decades, many liberation theologians globally have lived with a looming possibility: One day, a letter could arrive from the Vatican contesting their work, even calling it heretical or anti-Christian. Mounting a defense could take years, with long, confidential letters sent back and forth to the Vatican’s powerful Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Read more
The Vatican is looking at the possibility of Pope Francis having a Facebook page. Technical experts are exploring ways to prevent offensive or inappropriate messages and other such material from being posted by users on the Pope’s page. According to La Stampa, this is the biggest obstacle that needs to be overcome. Continue reading
Pope Francis has called for bishops who are genuine pastors and who will argue with God on behalf of their people. He said this in an address to the Vatican’s Congregation of Bishops on February 27. The Pope told the office they should not seek prelates who are mainly concerned with doctrinal matters. Rather the Read more
Cardinals are traditionally called “princes of the church,” but Pope Francis insisted on Sunday they’re not part of a “royal court.” Interviews with several cardinals this week suggest the pope backs up those words with his personal example. As he approaches the one-year anniversary of his election, it’s becoming steadily clearer that Francis is the Read more
When it was announced in 2001 that Melbourne Archbishop George Pell was to be made Archbishop of Sydney, the incumbent, Cardinal Edward Clancy, said Pell was ‘a controversial figure, and controversial figures generally create a few enemies as well as friends along the way’. Pell’s latest promotion, to head an important new office in Rome Read more