Pope Benedict XVI
Essay
The Economic Vision of Pope Francis, a Pontiff for the Poor
When Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement, most evaluations of his pontificate prominently featured the adjective “conservative.” Yet, this same pope, as well as his …
By Michael Sean Winters
Essay
Theology Has Consequences: What Policies Will Pope Francis Champion?
Now that the smoke has cleared from St. Peter’s Square, the future of the Roman Catholic Church is on the minds of many. Catholics are …
By Mary E. Hunt
Essay
Why We Wait for a Non-European Pope
As Pope Benedict steps down this week, speculation stirs that the next pontiff could be a man of color or from outside Europe. And while …
By Tiffany Stanley
Essay
A Brief History of Papal Resignations
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, announced for February 28, is an action virtually without precedent. No pope has resigned in modern times. No pope …
By Daniel Bornstein
Report
The Nuns Not on the Bus
Last April, the Vatican issued an 8-page document addressed to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the major association of American nuns. The “doctrinal assessment” …
By Mark Oppenheimer
Essay, Profile
The Difference a Century Makes: A Tale of Two Ryans
This past Saturday, as Mitt Romney introduced his running mate Paul Ryan, the loudest applause erupted when he said, “A faithful Catholic, Paul believes in …
By Maria Mazzenga
Essay
American Sisters Haven’t Strayed. The Vatican Has.
In April, the Vatican censured the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCRW), a body that represents more than 80 percent of American sisters. After a …
By Amy Koehlinger