Pope Francis

Pope Francis leading the weekly general audience in Vatican City.

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

Pope Francis gives Regina Coeli address on Easter Monday.

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

Pope Francis presides with the College of Cardinals for the opening of the General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on October 4, 2023, in Vatican City.

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

Pope Francis and President Felix Tshiekedi address a crowd

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 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

Pope Francis at the Vatican

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

Cardinal Arns

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

Pope Francis addresses Congress

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

Bernie Sanders leaves the Vatican

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 leaves the Vatican

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

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