Gay and celibate, he’s the official face of gay Catholicism
No issue may pose as much risk to Francis' popular appeal as the Church's approach to gays and lesbians. And no one knows the perils better than Ron Belgau.
View ArticlePope Francis’ impact on Cuba, and its Church, is already being felt
With slow yet sure steps toward religious liberty increasingly visible on the island, the pope's visit could encourage many who denied their faith for fear of persecution to return to the Church.
View ArticleFrancis will find a Catholic Church in Cuba immersed in social work
After decades of conflict with Cuba's Communist-run government, the Catholic Church has quietly established itself as practically the only independent institution with any widespread influence on the...
View ArticleA look at the prominent US churches Pope Francis will visit
When Pope Francis visits the US in September, he'll make stops at important churches that have drawn the faithful and the curious for decades.
View ArticlePart 3: Although of many styles, Catholic schools face similar challenges
Today’s Catholic schools seem to have their feet in two worlds: They are steeped in long-standing tradition, while seeking ways to adapt to current needs.
View ArticlePope Francis souvenirs: Cheesy, snuggly, silly, solar-powered, and charitable
Creative and commercial attempts to cash in on Pope Francis' upcoming US visit this month know (almost) no limits.
View ArticleThis pope is keeping hope for change alive
The so-called “Francis Effect” lives on for those of us dissenting Catholics who feel welcomed by a pope for the first time in half a century.
View ArticlePope Francis’ address to US bishops could be consequential
If the pope’s tough speeches to bishops during past apostolic visits are any indication, US bishops should prepare for more than just a papal pep rally.
View ArticleLook for a ‘Francis effect’ at the voting booth, not in the pews
The voting booth may be the best indicator of a "Francis effect" — signs Catholics are considering the pope in their political decisions, according to a new survey from Faith in Public Life.
View ArticlePope Francis’ rapturous US welcome belies a historic anti-Catholic past
The idea that a pope could arrive in the United States to fanfare and adulation, especially from leading American politicians, was once unthinkable.
View ArticleIs the Francis honeymoon finally over? Actually, no
There's a fascination with the apparently mythical decline and fall of Francis. But polls show that the pope may not be as divisive or as upsetting to the public as he is to the pundits.
View Article‘Pope Plan’ transforms Havana, a city known for decay
A whirlwind of renewal has hit the capital city, leaving people indignant that the government renovates only when a pope is about to arrive.
View ArticleMy husband and I are on different schedules. Should we choose sleep or sex?
Sex is a sacred act within a marriage, according to the Church. And as a boss of mine used to say, “You can sleep when you’re dead.”
View ArticlePope asks his Council of Cardinals to help him choose good bishops
Pope Francis has asked his international Council of Cardinals to study the way the Church vets, identifies, and appoints bishops around the world.
View ArticleSecret Service: No credible threats against Pope Francis
The Secret Service said the security was "unprecedented" in scale, largely because of the enormous swath of the East Coast that must be secured.
View ArticleA guide for Americans to ‘decoding’ Pope Francis
No matter what language Francis is speaking, there are key words that are part of his standard stump speech. They all have precise meanings to him, but they can be unclear to others. Here's what they...
View ArticlePope Francis picks Ground Zero for interfaith healing
The service at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum will reinforce the idea that Francis is a father to more than just Catholics.
View ArticleWomen see change in Pope Francis’ words, if not his actions
A panelist who spoke about women's place in the Church used Edith Stein’s life to illustrate her points during a breakout session at the World Meeting of Families.
View ArticlePhotos: Pope Francis visits the US
Pope Francis has landed on US soil for the first time in his life – and President Obama was there to greet him.
View ArticleWho’s that cute priest following the pope around?
He's been at the pope's side, walking slightly behind him, whispering in his ear, everywhere Francis has gone on this US trip, from his speech at the White House to a lunch for the homeless at Catholic...
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