Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Inside the VaticanDecember 13, 2018
Pope Francis visits Il Messaggero daily newspaper office in Rome Dec. 8.Pope Francis visits Il Messaggero daily newspaper office in Rome Dec. 8. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) 

This week before “Inside the Vatican” goes on break, we are giving you a round-up of this year’s top Vatican news—and digging into the questions that remain about these stories going into the new year.

We examine whether Pope Francis’ document on holiness “Gaudete et Exsultate” has had an impact beyond its short appearance in the news cycle. We also look at the open questions from this year’s sexual abuse scandals in both the United States in Chile—and ask when those questions might finally be answered.

We also cover whether worrying developments in China will affect this year’s major provisional deal between the Vatican and the People’s Republic, and we discuss how the Vatican plans to follow up on the Synod on Young People.

Gerry and I also share some the stories we wish had gotten more attention in 2018.

“Inside the Vatican” will be on a Christmas break until Jan. 8. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the entire team!

Read more:

Overlooked stories of 2018:

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

“We were once leaders in petroleum and gas research; now we’re becoming leaders in green hydrogen and carbon capture. This isn’t just a technological shift; it’s a spiritual one.”
Gerard O’ConnellMay 22, 2025
A cardinal reflects on his experience of the conclave
The Vatican News site published the warning after a 36-minute “deep fake” —A.I.-generated—video of Pope Leo was posted on YouTube.
A week into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV—the first U.S.-born pope—hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell take stock of the emerging contours and dimensions of his leadership.
Inside the VaticanMay 22, 2025