Editor’s note: The historic interview with Pope Francis (Am. 9/30) has generated a great deal of dialogue in the church and in society at large. We asked several writers to offer their reactions to the pope’s words. Selections from these responses are printed below. The full versions of
John W. O’Malley
John W. O'Malley, S.J., the author of The First Jesuits and What Happened at Vatican II, died on Sept. 11, 2022 at the age of 95. He first began writing for America in 1972 and brought his skills as a historian to bear on topics as diverse as Vatican II, the sexual abuse scandal and the presidency of Barack Obama.
Posted inFrom Our Archives
A Vatican II Pope: Francis lives the council’s message in word and deed
From John W. O’Malley, S.J.: Francis lives the council’s message in word and deed.
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Is Reform Possible?: Historical and theological perspectives on the Roman Curia
The first question asked of Pope Francis in the widely reported impromptu press conference on July 28 during the flight home from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro was, not surprisingly, related to the Roman Curia: “What type of reform do you have in mind?” In his reply, the pope first m
Posted inFaith
Hello, I Must be Going: A history of papal resignations
Who was the last pope to step down from his office? How many popes have resigned?
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Misdirections: Ten sure-fire ways to mix up the teachings of Vatican II
Ten sure-fire ways to mix up the teachings of Vatican II.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Behind Closed Doors
The diaries of Yves Congar, the single most important theologian of Vatican II.
Posted inFaith
The Jesuits’ Congregation: A Historical View: From November 19, 1983
In These Pages: From November 19, 1983
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Historian and Critic: An archive of articles by John W. O’Malley, S.J.
Select ‘America’ articles by the Georgetown University historian
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Were Medieval Universities Catholic?: Lessons for higher education today
Lessons for higher education today
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Were Medieval Universities Catholic?: The question is easier to ask than to answer.
The question is easier to ask than to answer.