Voices
Gerard O'Connell, Associate Editor/Vatican Correspondent

Rome-based associate editor Gerard O’Connell is responsible for planning and producing America’s coverage of the papacy, Vatican affairs and Rome events. He writes a weekly column in the print edition of America called “Vatican Dispatch” and files reports

@gerryorome
Articles By Gerard O'Connell
Pope Francis celebrates Mass on the feast of Corpus Christi June 18 outside Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran. (CNS/Tony Gentile, Reuters)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis appoints Italian biblical scholar as secretary of the C.D.F.
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 18, 2017
In less than three weeks, Pope Francis has reshuffled the top leadership of the C.D.F.
Faith Dispatches
Exclusive interview: Antonio Spadaro on his article about ‘The Ecumenism of Hate’ in the U.S.
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 14, 2017
The editor of the Jesuit review La Civiltà Cattolica speaks on the alliance between “fringe” Catholics and evangelical fundamentalists.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, former Vatican secretary of state, walks during the Good Friday service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 25. (CNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Vatican charges former Bambino Gesu Hospital officials with misusing funds to refurbish Cardinal Bertone residence
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 13, 2017
Money destined for “Pope's hospital” allegedly went toward renovating the former secretary of state’s apartment.
A tapestry of new St. Teresa of Kolkata is seen as Pope Francis leaves his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sept. 7. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Faith Dispatches
Pope Francis recognizes fourth path to sainthood
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 11, 2017
The pope is opening the way to recognize as saints those who act in ways they know will lead to their certain death.
Young people talk during a conference in Rome April 6. The conference was in preparation for next year's Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment and World Youth Day in 2019. (CNS photo/courtesy Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Cardinal Farrell: Time to implement Vatican II’s teaching on the laity
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 07, 2017
As head of a new Vatican department, Cardinal Farrell is in a position to bring lay people into positions of leadership in the church.
Politics & Society
Pope to G20 Leaders: To stabilize the world economy, you must resolve conflicts and the problem of migrations
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 07, 2017
Pope Francis offered words of hope and encouragement, telling the G20 leaders that, while there are no immediate adequate solutions, “it is possible, though, to set in motion processes that can offer solutions."
Pope Francis is accompanied by Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan as he greets the crowd outside the cathedral in Milan March 25. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis accepts Scola’s resignation, appoints native son Delpini to Milan
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 07, 2017
Those who know Bishop Delpini well describe him as “a very spiritual man, humble but not submissive, a great worker, far from the profile of a manager-bishop, very attentive to the personal relationship with priests.”
Cardinal Gerhard Müller greeting Pope Francis during the 2014 synod on the family. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Faith News
Pope Francis appoints Spanish Jesuit Ladaria to replace Müller at CDF
Gerard O'ConnellJuly 01, 2017
This appointment ensures that the C.D.F. is rowing with and not against the pope on key issues, including the interpretation of “Amoris Laetitia,” synodality and cooperation with the commission for the protection of minors.
Faith News
Update: Vatican to announce that Pope Francis has not reconfirmed Müller as head of C.D.F.
Gerard O'ConnellJune 30, 2017
After initial silence from the Vatican in response to news that Müller would not be reconfirmed, an official statement is expected at noon in Rome on July 1.
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Cardinal Pell professes innocence on sex abuse charges
Gerard O'ConnellJune 29, 2017
Cardinal Pell will return to Australia to appear in court at a hearing scheduled for July 6.