At first glance, it would seem that buying rosaries and listening to the pope cry out passionately against war have little to do with each other.
Conclave Diary
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
Prepare to be surprised by the next pope
It’s hard to describe the mood in Vatican City right now. There is great expectation and excitement but also a sense of unease.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
Praying for the cardinal electors as the conclave begins
For these next days of waiting, first and foremost for the cardinals in conclave and then also for all of us: Come, Holy Spirit, bringing wisdom, discernment and patience.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
A day before the conclave, the field is wide open
The conclave opens tomorrow, and the energy around the Holy See Press Office is alarmingly calm.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
What name will the next pope take—and what will it mean?
The choice of a papal name is said to be the new pope’s first important decision.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
The pope is not the point
Whoever is elected as the next pope, one thing is certain: The church does not belong to him.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
From king to the world’s pastor: How will the next pope change the style of the papacy?
The role of the pope is in a process of conversion from worldly monarch to world’s priest.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
Some cardinals are attacking Pope Francis. He would have welcomed it.
Pope Francis welcomed criticism—as long as it was not made behind his back.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
The people of God trust in the Holy Spirit to pick the next pope. I should, too.
The people of God see the bishop of Rome as a teacher, but they also unquestionably see him as a father.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
Father James Martin: The truth about the conclave? Nobody knows anything.
Much of what you hear about who the next pope will be, spoken with enormous confidence by people in the know, is often completely contradictory.