The first ever meeting between the the heads of the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches is a truly historic event.
Gerard O’Connell
Gerard O’Connell is America’s senior Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis prepares for his 12 foreign trip to Mexico
Pope Francis visits the margins of Mexican society.
Posted inDispatches
In a special interview, Pope Francis calls the Chinese ‘a great people that have much to offer the world’
In an exclusive interview on China, the pope said, “the Western world, the Eastern world and China all have the capacity to maintain the balance of peace and the strength to do so.”
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Will the Catholic Church Lose China?
Cardinal Zen does not trust the Chinese Communist administration.
Posted inDispatches
Pope and Iran’s President discuss nuclear accord, peace in Middle East, end to terrorism and arms trafficking
The Vatican said that during “the cordial discussions” they had spoken about “common spiritual values.”
Posted inDispatches
Pope urges Christians and “the proud, the powerful and the wealthy”: listen to God’s Word, practice the works of mercy
In his brief message for Lent this year, Francis once again reminds people that throughout human history “God shows himself ever rich in mercy, ever ready to treat his people with deep tenderness and compassion.”
Posted inDispatches
Pope Francis opens ‘washing of the feet’ ceremony to women
Vatican Congregation’s decree reforming the ceremony comes one year after the pope made the decision
Posted inDispatches
Pope Francis to Davos Elite: “Do not forget the poor!”
In letter to leaders at the World Economic Forum, Francis speaks to challenges of the “fourth industrial revolution”
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis as Interreligious Leader
Pope Francis is convinced that America can make an important contribution to the resolution of many of the world’s problems through an interreligious dialogue that involves not just words, but also actions.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Pope Francis: Relations between Catholics and Jews “are very close to my heart.”
On his first visit to Rome’s synagogue as pope, Francis called on Catholics and Jews to “strengthen” their common “commitment for peace and justice.”