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 leaves his general audience
Faith News
Pope Francis: Priests proven to have abused minors cannot appeal
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 21, 2017
Pope Francis promised "zero tolerance" in his remarks to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Newlyweds are seen on top the Empire State Building in New York City, 2015 (CNS photo/John Taggart, EPA).
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis redirects mission of John Paul II institute on marriage, family
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 19, 2017
The mandate for the new institute has “Amoris Laetitia” as its lodestar.
Politics & Society Vatican Dispatch
Vatican diplomat to the U.S. recalled amid child pornography investigation
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 15, 2017
A Vatican priest working in the Holy See's embassy in Washington has been recalled after U.S. officials flagged possible violations of child pornography laws.
Pope Francis greets people near the Talitha Qum homeless shelter in Cartagena, Colombia, Sept. 10. The pope cut his head in the popemobile when it braked suddenly. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Politics & Society Vatican Dispatch
Most Colombians agree with Pope Francis’ call for peace, professor says
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 14, 2017
“I believe that we who want peace are in the majority, even if it is imperfect.”
Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil, pictured in an undated photo, was kidnapped in Yemen March 4, 2016, in an attack in which four Missionaries of Charity were killed. (CNS photo/courtesy of Salesians)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Indian priest kidnapped in Yemen in 2016 has been freed
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 12, 2017
The government of Oman assisted in finding and rescuing Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil.
Pope Francis answers questions from journalists
Politics & Society
Pope Francis says DACA repeal not “pro-life” and refutes climate change deniers
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 11, 2017
Pope Francis said that being pro-life included being pro-family in the case of Dreamers, and strongly argued for listening to scientists on climate change.
Faith Dispatches
Pope Francis in Colombia, Day 5: Pope, in farewell appeal to Colombians says, “Be slaves of peace forever.”
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 10, 2017
The motto for Francis’ visit was, “Let us take the first step.”
Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass at Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin, Colombia, Sept. 9. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis in Colombia, Day 4: Do not be afraid of renewal, pope says in Medellín
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 09, 2017
“The church in Colombia is called to commit itself, with greater boldness, to forming missionary disciples.”
Politics & Society Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis in Colombia, Day 3: On 'sacred ground' of suffering, pope prays for reconciliation
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 08, 2017
The pope's third day in Colombia included a Mass for 600,000 and a prayer service with victims from both sides of the half-century armed conflict,.
Politics & Society Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis in Colombia, Day 2: Defend life, promote peace, pope tells Colombians
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 07, 2017
“Jesus scatters and destroys all this darkness with the command he gives to Peter” to “put out into the deep sea.”