In a new Vatican document, Pope Francis opened the door for ‘blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples.’
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 inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
On 87th birthday, Pope Francis denounces bombing and shooting of unarmed civilians in Gaza
Francis condemned the killing of two women in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, and the attack on the convent of Mother Teresa’s nuns that care for disabled persons.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vatican tribunal sentences Cardinal Becciu to prison for financial crimes
A Vatican tribunal has condemned Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu to five years and six months in prison.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vietnam’s president has invited Pope Francis to visit the country
Vietnam’s Catholic bishops and community have long wanted the pope to come, and Francis has throughout his pontificate given special attention to Asia.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis says he will not be buried at the Vatican, simplifies papal funeral rite
Francis, who will celebrate his 87th birthday on Dec. 17, spoke freely about his health, the possibility of resignation and whether he is losing patience with detractors.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis: ‘The commitment to human rights is never ended.’
Marking the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Pope Francis called for peace in Gaza and respect for human rights.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis, fighting bronchitis, appeals for ‘a new ceasefire’ in the Israel-Hamas war
Speaking by live television from Santa Marta, the 86-year-old pope, who clearly has not yet fully recovered from a week-long bout of acute bronchitis, issued his heartfelt appeal for “a new ceasefire agreement.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
On doctor’s orders, Pope Francis cancels trip to Dubai for climate conference
On the advice of his doctors, Pope Francis has “with great regret” canceled his visit to Dubai for the COP28 conference on climate change, the Vatican announced on Tuesday evening, Nov. 28.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Cardinal Czerny: What Pope Francis hopes to achieve by addressing the COP28 climate conference in Dubai
In an exclusive interview with Gerard O’Connell, Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny explains why Pope Francis will address the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai and what he hopes to achieve.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis has ‘inflammation of the lungs,’ but hopes to travel to Dubai
Pope Francis did not read the catechesis as he usually does on Sunday, but only recited the Angelus prayer, imparted the blessing and asked people to pray for him.