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
A man waves a Colombian flag in Bogota, Colombia, in this 2015 file photo (CNS photo/John Vizcaino, Reuters).
Politics & Society Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis can play “a fundamental role” in bringing peace to Colombia, professor says
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 06, 2017
‘I hope that we overcome the fratricidal conflict that has marked the history of our country for two centuries.’
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis in Colombia, Day 1: President Santos welcomes pope, greets media 
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 06, 2017
“This trip is special because it is a visit to help Colombia to continue forward on the path of peace.”
A man works on a mosaic of Pope Francis on a wall outside Hogar San Jose children's home in Medellin, Colombia. The pope will visit the home Sept. 9 during his five-day visit to Colombia. (CNS photo/Luis Eduardo Noriega, EPA)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis is going to Colombia this week. Here's what you need to know
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 05, 2017
Colombia has been torn by armed conflict since 1964, and drug-trafficking related to cocaine production is a major problem.
Faith Vatican Dispatch
How the Vatican is encouraging dialogue between Russia and the West
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 01, 2017
The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, visited Russia from Aug. 20 to 24, upon an invitation from Russian state and church authorities.
Steam rises from the cooling towers of a nuclear power station in Nogent-Sur-Seine, France. (CNS photo/Charles Platiau, Reuters)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew urgently appeal for global action on climate change
Gerard O'ConnellSeptember 01, 2017
While their message is a general appeal, it would seem to be addressed to the administration of President Trump, which has taken the decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.
CNS photo/Paul Haring
Faith Vatican Dispatch
In new book, Pope Francis says he consulted a psychoanalyst, speaks about the women in his life
Gerard O'ConnellAugust 31, 2017
In an extended interview, the pope shares hitherto unknown aspects of his personal life and his vision of the world.
Pope Francis greets Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Myanmar, during a private audience at the Vatican May 4 (CNS photo/Paul Haring).
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis will visit Myanmar and Bangladesh in November
Gerard O'ConnellAugust 28, 2017
Francis will be the first pope to visit Myanmar, a majority Buddhist country of some 55 million people
Pope Francis raises the Book of the Gospels as he celebrates Holy Thursday chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 13.
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis: Jesus made Peter and his successors, the bishops of Rome, the center of communion in the church
Gerard O'ConnellAugust 27, 2017
His words would appear to be a gentle but firm reminder especially to the minority of Catholics who are challenging his authority.
Faith Dispatches
Pope Francis says with magisterial authority: the Vatican II liturgical reform is ‘irreversible’
Gerard O'ConnellAugust 24, 2017
The reform of the liturgy introduced by Vatican II is here to stay.
A woman places a candle by floral tributes for the victims of an attack at Turku Market Square on Friday, in Turku, Finland, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva via AP)
Faith Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis: Pray to God to free us of the “inhuman violence” of terrorism
Gerard O'ConnellAugust 20, 2017
“We carry in our hearts the pain of the acts of terrorism that in these last days have caused numerous victims.”