Why Did a Progressive Pope Use a Gay Slur? Why Did a Progressive Pope Use a Gay Slur?
Given Francis’s apparent embrace of LGBTQ people, many found his use of the offensive term frociaggine confounding—blame fragile masculinity.
Jun 11, 2024 / Michael F. Pettinger
The Vatican’s Bewildering New Declaration The Vatican’s Bewildering New Declaration
It’s raised controversy with its unfortunate treatment of trans people. But its own arguments support their right to self-determination.
Apr 16, 2024 / Michael F. Pettinger
The Pope Wants Us to Talk About Sexuality and Climate Change The Pope Wants Us to Talk About Sexuality and Climate Change
In his new text and recently convened synod, he’s encouraging dialogue. It’s going to take a lot of work.
Oct 11, 2023 / Michael F. Pettinger
The Pope Delivers a Clear Message in the Democratic Republic of Congo The Pope Delivers a Clear Message in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Francis’s visit sought to address violence and corruption in the Central African state. The violent and the corrupt lined up for an audience.
Feb 6, 2023 / Hugh Kinsella Cunningham and Nicolas Niarchos
The Simple, Profound Message of Pope Francis’s New Encyclical The Simple, Profound Message of Pope Francis’s New Encyclical
Amid the pandemic and worsening marginalization, we have to get better at doing one thing: listening.
Oct 14, 2020 / Sister Simone Campbell
The Vatican Sex-Abuse Summit Was Never Going to Undo the Harm The Vatican Sex-Abuse Summit Was Never Going to Undo the Harm
The left welcomed the pontiff because he was anti-authoritarian—but that’s exactly why the summit was a disappointment.
Feb 28, 2019 / Michael F. Pettinger
The Passing of Dom Paulo, Cardinal Arns, a Liberation Theology Titan The Passing of Dom Paulo, Cardinal Arns, a Liberation Theology Titan
He stood up courageously against Brazil’s dictatorship and supported the “preferential option for the poor.”
Feb 1, 2017 / Lawrence Weschler
One Year Later, Pope Francis’s Message Endures One Year Later, Pope Francis’s Message Endures
The rise of Donald Trump is a direct threat to the pope’s message of compassion and openness.
Sep 28, 2016 / Richard Trumka
Why Sanders Skipped Clooney and Visited the Vatican Why Sanders Skipped Clooney and Visited the Vatican
Sanders’s hope for a moral economy is amplified at the Vatican.
Apr 19, 2016 / Katrina vanden Heuvel
Bernie Sanders Went to Rome to Discuss the Immorality of Unfettered Capitalism Bernie Sanders Went to Rome to Discuss the Immorality of Unfettered Capitalism
Here’s the full text of the speech he delivered at the Vatican.
Apr 17, 2016 / John Nichols