Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s medical condition remains serious, but the Vatican reported Thursday that he is “lucid and alert.”
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 inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis asks for special prayer for ‘very ill’ Benedict XVI
The emeritus pope Benedict XVI has suffered a decline in health, Pope Francis said today at the end of his general audience. He asked for prayers for the 95-year-old former pontiff.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis compares Roman Curia to the Prodigal Son’s ‘elder brother’ in annual address
Pope Francis’ message to the Roman Curia has often been challenging, even provocative, and this year’s address was no exception.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Pope Francis puts Matteo Ricci on path to sainthood
The great Jesuit missionary to China, Matteo Ricci, was declared “Venerable” by Pope Francis today, the first step on the path to canonization.
Posted inFaith, News
Cardinal Ouellet announces lawsuit against woman who claimed sexual assault
In a stunning move, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, 78, has filed a lawsuit for defamation against a Canadian woman for making “unfounded accusations of alleged sexual assault” against him.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis accepts resignation of top Vatican economy official, appoints lay man to role for first time
As the new prefect, Maximino Caballero Ledo becomes the second lay man to hold a top position in the Vatican.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Ukraine, abortion, racism, women’s ordination: Highlights from America’s interview with Pope Francis
Pope Francis called for overcoming polarization in the life of the Catholic Church in an exclusive interview with America magazine.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Pope Francis appoints a father of two to No. 2 spot at Vatican family office
The appointment of Gleison De Paula Souza as secretary means that now three out of the four senior positions of responsibility at the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life are held by laypeople.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis on World Day of the Poor: Do not listen to ‘prophets of doom’ but instead ‘light candles of hope.’
In his homily for the sixth World Day of the Poor, the pope advised Christians not to yield to resignation but instead to “seize opportunities” to spread the Gospel and help the weakest.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis received Father James Martin in private audience for the second time
Pope Francis received James Martin, S.J., for the second time in private audience in the papal library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace this morning, Nov. 11.