“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”
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
In major reform, Pope Francis issues new regulations on awarding contracts in the Vatican
Pope Francis said the aim of the decree is to “reduce in a significant way the danger of corruption” in the awarding of contracts.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
In his Pentecost homily, Pope Francis asks Christians to reject narcissism and pessimism
On Pentecost Sunday, Pope Francis proclaimed the unity guaranteed by the Holy Spirit: “we are not bits of confetti blown about by the wind, rather we are irreplaceable fragments in his mosaic.” Gerard O’Connell reports.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope tells priests of Rome to ‘keep hope alive’ in transition from lockdown to ‘new normality’
Writing to priests in Rome and across the world, Pope Francis offered encouragement but warned against the ‘temptation’ to ignore the wounds of the pandemic. America correspondent Gerry O’Connell reports from the Vatican.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis opens path to beatification for the founder of the Knights of Columbus
The pope also announced plans to canonize Charles de Foucauld, César de Bus and Maria Domenica Mantovani.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis: ‘I share the impatience’ to bring about Christian unity
“One thing is certain,” Pope Francis writes. “Unity is not chiefly the result of our activity, but a gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, unity will not come about as a miracle at the very end. Rather, unity comes about in journeying.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis announces year of reflection on “Laudato Si’” and prays for Catholics in China
Francis called for reflection on the encyclical in which he “sought to draw attention to the cry of the earth and of the poor.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Arturo Sosa remembers his predecessor, Adolfo Nicolás
Father Nicolás “was not the kind of leader who says, ‘I am the one who knows everything.’ He really trusted in people, and he listened.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis advocates renewal of the Pontifical Mission Societies
The church’s mission “is the work of the Holy Spirit and not the consequence of our ideas and projects,” the pope said.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
The Vatican objects to Israeli plan to annex Palestinian territory
“The Holy See is following the situation closely and expresses concern about any future actions that could further compromise dialogue.”