Alessandro Speciale
Controversy over Cardinal Mahony's conclave vote reaches Vatican
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The controversy over Cardinal Roger Mahony's vote in the conclave that will elect a new pope has now reached the Vatican, with at least one cardinal musing aloud that the former ...
Pope Benedict XVI seeks prayers in wake of resignation
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his first public comments since his surprise retirement announcement, Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday (Feb....
Benedict intends to live 'hidden from the world'
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Addressing church leaders for one of the last times of his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday (Feb....
Pope Benedict XVI to resign, citing age
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a move that took the world by surprise, Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday (Feb....
What happens next at the Vatican
Following are brief explanations of the process used in a conclave to elect a new pope.
Q: Who governs the church until a new pope is elected?
...Electing a new pope draws on tradition and secrecy
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will soon become the first pope to resign since 1415, short-circuiting many of the initial stages of electing a new pope....
Who's in the running? 12 names to watch to become the next pope
Pope Benedict XVI's sudden announcement that he would resign by the end of the month took the church and the world by surprise, in large part because it was a move without precedent in the modern w...
Pope's resignation lands Vatican in uncharted territory
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, but many questio...
Vatican backtracks on support for gay couples
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A top Vatican official blamed the media for "derailing" his recent remarks on possible legal protections for unmarried couples, while reaffirming his support for British and Fren...
Vatican signals options for protecting gay couples
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A high-ranking Vatican official on Monday (Feb....
Pope Benedict XVI says lack of 'faith' could be used in marriage annulments
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has asked the Vatican's highest appeals court to consider reviewing church rules on marriage annulments – a statement that may signal a change in tone more than...
Vatican defends pope's Twitter account despite attacks
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican on Thursday (Jan. 24) defended the pope's choice to open a Twitter account even if it exposes him to insults and online abuse.
...Lutherans warn Vatican against luring their unhappy members
Lutheran leaders have warned the Vatican that the creation of a structure to welcome conservative Lutherans into the Catholic Church would harm dialogue and damage ecumenical relations.
...Vatican admits stalemate in talks with traditional SSPX group
A senior Vatican official admitted that years of talks between the Vatican and a breakaway group of ultra-traditionalist Catholics have led to a "stalemate," and urged a new "spiritual" approach to...
Europeans launch campaign to declare life starts at conception
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Anti-abortion groups from 20 different countries have launched a petition to ask the European Parliament to recognize that life begins at conception.
...Traditionalist SSPX leader calls Jews 'enemies of the church'
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with Jews on Monday (Jan. 7) after the head of a traditionalist breakaway group called them "enemies of the Church."
...Pope Paul VI is nearing sainthood status
Pope Benedict XVI has moved Pope Paul VI closer to sainthood by acknowledging his predecessor’s “heroic virtues.”
...Vatican works to stop Sunday shopping in Italy
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Roman Catholic Church, trade unions and small business associations have joined forces in a bid to save Sundays.
...Pope Benedict XVI joins Twitter, plans mobile app
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican unveiled Pope Benedict XVI's Twitter account on Monday (Dec. 3) as it announced a series of new initiatives aimed at raising the church's online profile.
...Pope Benedict XVI tightens church control over Catholic charities
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Bishops must exercise closer supervision over Catholic charities and ensure that their activities do not contradict church doctrine, according to new rules issued by Pope Benedic...