Topic: The Roman Catholic Church

In interviews, new Pope Francis confirms commitment to poor

Pope Francis stumbles (video), Vatican criticizes 'left-wing' media campaign

Pope Francis stumbles stepping down from a chair, but recovers. The Vatican was less worried about that stumble, and more concerned about media coverage of the role of Pope Francis during Argentina's 'Dirty War.'

How European Catholics see Pope Francis

The more devout and orthodox the believer, the more likely they are to welcome the pope, but even liberal Catholics are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Backchannels The UN document on women that has terrified Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt has teamed up with Iran, Russia, and the Vatican to oppose a UN draft proposal on reducing violence against women on moral grounds.

Can Pope Francis' focus on poor attract 'indifferent Catholics' back to church?

While questions surround how Pope Francis dealt with Argentina's Dirty War, it is his involvement in the slums of Buenos Aires that is expected to guide his leadership of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

Will Jesuit identity help Pope Francis repair 'fractured church'?

The Catholic Church is getting not only its first Latin American pope, but its first Jesuit leader. He hails from an order known for outreach and fresh thinking.

Pope pays hotel bill: Pope Francis sheds luxuries of previous popes

Pope Francis paid his hotel bill and thanked the staff this morning, just one of many signs that he wants a simpler lifestyle than his predecessor, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis signals core mission – returning Catholics to the church (+video)

In his first blessing from the Vatican balcony, Pope Francis spoke of the 'evangelization' of Rome, a clear sign he would carry on the 'New Evangelization' legacy of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Not Less than Everything

A group of Catholic writers profile "religious realists" through history.

Election of Pope Francis fuels hopes for Catholic reform (+video)

The election of Francis is being interpreted as a victory for reform-minded cardinals, and may herald sweeping changes for the scandal-beset Catholic Church.

As Catholics worldwide welcome Pope Francis

A Christian Science perspective.

Global News Blog Pope Francis: A prelate who has preached against 'huge inequities'

The first pope from Latin America has highlighted in recent years the region's yawning gap between rich and poor. 

Pope Francis emerges to cheers of 'Viva il Papa'

The selection of Jorge Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, to be the next head of the Catholic Church electrified Rome.

Global News Blog Why Pope Francis is something of a surprise

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina - now Pope Francis - was not widely considered the top candidate heading into this week's conclave.

Pope Francis: First Latin American pope in Catholic history

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to be the new pope of the Roman Catholic church. Pope Francis is the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. 

Habemus Papam? No. In the meantime, more papal speculation

Cardinals in Rome remain locked in deliberations to determine the next leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

After three votes in Rome, no pope chosen yet

Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel for the third time Wednesday. Cardinals voted twice Wednesday morning and two more votes are expected in the afternoon.

L.A. archdiocese settles sex abuse cases for $10 million

The archdiocese of Los Angeles, its former leader Cardinal Mahony, and an defrocked priest have agreed to pay $10 million to settle four child sex abuse cases.

First round of Vatican voting: Black smoke says no pope yet

The cardinals took their first vote today for a new pope, but black smoke billowing above the Vatican's Sistine Chapel signaled the cardinals have not yet reached a majority.

Energy Voices Papal conclave: Will cardinals elect another 'green pope'?

Pope Benedict XVI espoused environmental justice and renewable energy in his nearly eight years as pontiff. Will the cardinals choose another 'green pope' to follow Pope Benedict XVI?

Africa Monitor Why an African pope might not signal change of course for the church

There have been popes from Africa before and Catholicism on the continent is currently characterized by deep social conservatism.

An American pope? What could help, or hinder, two cardinals' chances.

The US cardinals' experience dealing with the sex abuse crisis is seen alternately as a strength and a weakness. But other factors make any American a dark horse candidate to be the next pope.

Who's on the short list to be the new pope?

As the cardinals seal themselves away in St. Peter's Basilica to begin their deliberations over the next leader of the Catholic Church, a handful of frontrunners have emerged.

What are the chances of an American pope? This time, not zero (+video)

Until recently, American candidates faced unease about US hegemony. With the end of the cold war and decline in American power, a couple of US cardinals are getting serious attention. 

Sistine Chapel chimney installed, Vatican prepares for new pope

On Saturday the chimney that signals the election of a new pope was installed on the top of the Sistine Chapel. Pope Benedict XVI's personal seal and fisherman's ring were also destroyed as the cardinals prepare for the start of the conclave Tuesday.