Largely forgotten today, Ignaz von Döllinger was one of the most widely respected Catholic intellectuals of his day.

The blueprint for Pope Francis' pontificate has from the very first instant been Vatican II.

Unlike the other synods held since the Second Vatican Council, the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to discuss the family, held in Rome last October, sparked widespread interest. It did so for two reasons. First, the open and lively debate in the synod contrasted starkly with the muted

Ross Douthat rsquo s article in the nbsp New York Times on Sunday sounded the alarm Pope Francis through his Synod on the Family has brought the church to the edge of a precipice If the synod continues on its present trajectory it will ldquo sow confusion among the church rsquo s orthodox adhere

From John W. O'Malley, S.J.: Francis lives the council's message in word and deed.

The first question asked of Pope Francis in the widely reported impromptu press conference on July 28 during the flight home from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro was, not surprisingly, related to the Roman Curia: “What type of reform do you have in mind?” In his reply, the pope first m

Who was the last pope to step down from his office? How many popes have resigned?

Ten sure-fire ways to mix up the teachings of Vatican II.

In These Pages: From November 19, 1983

Select 'America' articles by the Georgetown University historian