Vatican In Transition
Church has no room for power struggles, says pope
Pontiff warns against them but admits they have existed since Church began
What is the Charismatic Renewal and what does the pope think of it?
The movement is less controversial than it may at first appear
Exorcists claim the pope freed a boy from demons
Pope's caring touch on a disabled boy after Sunday's Mass seen as extra significant
Pope laments a world where homelessness and hunger is not news
A crowd of 200,000 is delighted by Pope's wide ranging talk
Pope takes another swipe at the global 'cult of money'
"Not to share one's goods with the poor is to rob them"
Supernatural 'signs' in the conclave led to pope's election
Cardinal Schönborn says voting was driven by the Holy Spirit
It's not good to get too comfortable, warns the pope
Pope praises new saints who forsook comfort to serve others
Pope comes face to face with women religious
"You're mothers, not spinsters," he says in warm and cordial meeting
Protestants declare themselves 'very optimistic' about Pope Francis
Catholic archbishop and head of state Angela Merkel address German Protestant gathering
If we can't have women priests, how about women cardinals?
This radical proposal has been mooted by Cardinal Dolan among others
Once again, Pope Francis lambasts the pursuit of profit
“My thoughts turn to all who are unemployed, often as a result of a self-centred mindset bent on profit at any cost”
Former pope is welcomed back to the Vatican
Pope Francis was on hand to offer a warm greeting to Pope Emeritus Benedict on his return
When will the media decide they don't like the pope after all?
In one writer's view, liberal expectations of the pope are bound to be disappointed
Calm down says Vatican as reform rumors swirl
Pope expresses surprise at being misquoted and misrepresented in reports
The confessional is not a dry cleaner's, says Pope Francis
Congregation encouraged to "never masquerade before God"
Has Pope Francis made it OK for priests to hug children?
Fr James Martin reflects on a subject that troubles many priests
Reform of the curia? It's been in need of it for centuries
Scathing criticisms in a 1931 document could still hold true today
Pope stresses workers' dignity after Bangladesh disaster
Prayers and condolences offered at Sunday Mass
Pope unblocks S. American martyr's cause for sainthood
Oscar Romero's left-wing political leanings had impeded his canonization
Evangelize with humility not imperialism, says Pope
Preaching the gospel requires humility, service, charity and brotherly love
The Church is not an NGO, warns Pope Francis
The pope had a direct message for employees of the Vatican's Institute for Religious Works
Pope prays for two kidnapped Syrian bishops
Earlier reports that the bishops have been released have proved unfounded
One of pope's closest friends urges him to make celibacy optional
Clelia Luro married a man who had been a Catholic bishop
Pope Francis urged to appoint more women and fewer Europeans
Members of new papal advisory team make recommendations on key posts
It's goodbye to another Vatican bonus
Extra payment withdrawn from cardinals who oversee Vatican bank
Grumbles in the Curia as traditional 'new pope' bonus is canceled
Could this be the start of a Vatican shake-up?
Friend of Francis says he will open files on 'Hitler's Pope'
Long running speculation over Pius XII and the Nazis may be put to an end
Pope Francis and reform of the US sisters: what's next?
Let's not jump to conclusions, says Father James Martin
Practice what you preach, pope warns
Inconsistency between what pastors say and what they do "is undermining the Church's credibility"
Pope Francis agrees, US sisters need reform
The return of this emotive issue could provide the pope's first controversy
The reforms start here
Pope Francis picks eight-man advisory board, only one of them an existing Vatican official
How was the view from the balcony?
Cardinal Tauran, who announced Pope Francis to the world, talks about that night and his work for interreligious dialogue
Pope speaks out on the dangers of gossip
At his early morning Mass, Pope Francis extolled the virtues of meekness
Pope inspires packed churches and more confession visits
The new pope has definitely brought with him a feelgood factor.
Pope calls for "decisive action" on child sex abuse
In 2011, the Vatican asked all bishops' conferences to submit guidelines on tackling sex abuse; a quarter have yet to respond.
Pope's sister wanted Cardinal Scherer to win the election
A long, fascinating, sometimes funny and sometimes moving interview with a very interesting woman.
Soccer fan and tango aficionado; pope's pastimes revealed
Earlier interviews from Argentina tell us about the pope's likes and interests.
Pope Francis stresses importance of women in the Church
"This is very encouraging," says leading female theologian.
Pope's careful embrace for boy with cerebral palsy
A wonderful moment in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday
Turin shroud makes rare appearance on live TV
The Easter weekend showing was requested by Pope Emeritus Benedict and preceded by a few words from Pope Francis.
The miracle of Easter is upon us once again
A very happy Easter to one and all from everyone at ucanews.com
Pope observes Christ's passion by washing inmates' feet
First Holy Thursday ceremony of its kind performed by a pope in prison
A close-up on Pope Francis, with one of his oldest friends
As his publisher, Claretian Father Gustavo Larrazabal got to know then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio well.
How much can the pope achieve in the time he has available?
It's widely expected that the pope will bring in some sweeping reforms. But where will he begin and how much will he be able to do?
Pope chooses simple guesthouse over papal apartment
The pope has said he is quite comfortable in the shared Catholic guesthouse he has used since arriving for the Conclave.
Pope's eagerness to meet the people is a headache for the security men
From NBC World News, March 22
As style gives way to substance, the pope faces five big challenges
From the National Catholic Reporter, March 22
Pope switches Holy Thursday plan: will hold Mass in a jail
Pope Francis has made yet another break with tradition.
'The first shall become last, and the last first'
Servants of the poor in front row at pope's installation
Business in Rome gets a boost from the new papal appointment
From the National Catholic Reporter, March 21
Pope Francis affirms his commitment to ecumenism
The pope also held out a hand of friendship to people who follow no religion.
Francis starts papacy with plea for the poor
At least 150,000 throng St Peter's Square for pope's installation
Pope Francis' attendance at World Youth Day confirmed
Brazilian cardinal was personally assured by the pope himself.
An eloquent silence that echoes in Asia
The pope showed how we and the Church can live and serve the same way
On video: what does Argentina think about the pope's past?
Several have sprung to the pope's defense while others attempt to discredit him for his actions during Argentina's days of repression.
Pope tells Argentinians to help poor instead of coming to Rome
From the National Catholic Register, March 18
Pope breaks with tradition to bless a guide dog
Once again, the pope has indicated that his tenure is likely to be markedly different to his predecessors'.
Pope Francis will set the Church's vision beyond Rome
Cardinals say he has urged them to 'come out of ourselves' and focus on 'material and spiritual poverty'
The debate begins: in Argentina's dark days, whose side was Pope Francis on?
From The Telegraph, March 15
What's the connexion between the conclave and FC Barcelona?
An extraordinary football-related coincidence.
Italian bishops send congratulations to the wrong cardinal
Vatican watchers say the erroneous message sent to Cardinal Scola is indicative of a sorry state of affairs among the Italian 'grandees.'
Day one: pope hops on a bus and stops to pay his hotel bill
The first few hours of the papacy began in a remarkably down-to-earth way.
"Habemus Papam," and the pilgrims in St Peter's Square react with joy
From the National Catholic Register, March 14
Humble Argentine Jesuit assumes the mantle of St. Peter
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio becomes Pope Francis
See the pope's first speech on video
Newly appointed Pope Francis I speaks to the crowds in St Peter's Square
Habemus Papam: Francis
Jesuit Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina becomes first non-European pontiff in a millennium
We know who the contenders are. But do we know what made them contenders?
From National Catholic Reporter, March 13
Leading Catholics say what they would do if they were pope
Four prominent Catholics answered this tantalizing question. Here we present the response from Father James Martin, SJ.
Filipino would make ideal modern-day pope, say those who know him
Cardinal Tagle shows his very human side
Update: No pope after third round of voting
Cardinals to reconvene for two rounds of voting on Wednesday afternoon
Cardinals enter Sistine Chapel as conclave begins
Some analysts predict 'white smoke' before the end of the week
The 'tough guy' option: electing a pope who will act as a sheriff
From Religion News Service, March 12
Shrouded in mystery: the recipe for the Sistine Chapel's white smoke
From the New York Times, March 12
Hans Küng talks Vatican reform with CBC's Michael Enwright
A long serving, free thinking, controversial theologian talks about the need for a 'Vatican Spring.' With link to the radio interview.
Spokesman stays tight lipped, but it seems there may be a front runner
From Huffington Post Religion, March 11
The Church must not kid itself that the abuse crisis is over
At least five of the cardinals who will vote in the conclave have a record of handling abuse cases that is less than exemplary.
Vatican Conclave to start on March 12
Electronic jamming devices will be employed to curb information leaks and outside contact
The conclave was going to be on March 11. Then it wasn't. Now, what's the holdup?
From the Washington Post, March 8
Could Dolan be coming up on the rails? Plus more on SNAP and Vatileaks
From National Catholic Reporter, March 8
From signal jamming devices to a stove for white smoke, the Sistine Chapel gets ready
From ABC News, March 7
Abuse victims' group posts list of men they don't want to see as pope
From the SNAP website, March 7
Forget Vatileaks, focus on why Catholics are leaving, says Czech cardinal
From La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, March 7
US cardinals explain the pope hunting process (just before they were gagged)
From Vatican Insider/La Stampa, March 7
The Vatican follows an Italian style of politics that doesn’t even work in Italy
From The Guardian, March 7
Tension at conclave: US cardinals told to stop meeting press
"They got slapped down," says one observer. "They were a convenient scapegoat."
Two Asian cardinals still haven't arrived at conclave
Jean-Baptiste Pham of Vietnam and John Tong Hon of Hong Kong are among five voting cardinals who have not yet reached Rome.
The crazies as well as the cardinals pour into Rome
With the conclave ahead, excitement is building - as is the number of eccentrics around St Peter's Square.
Cover-up cardinal says Vatican told him to be at conclave
Retired Cardinal Mahony, stripped of his duties for his part in a large scale abuse cover-up, has expressed amazement at suggestions that he should not attend the papal election.
Cardinals want to be briefed on secret ‘Vatileaks’ report
Pope Benedict had intended for the dossier to seen only by his successor, but there are suggestions that the cardinals want sight of it.
The tailor who has dressed every pope since 1922
This article is combined with a video from Rome Reports
Bets being taken on rank outsiders and the new pope's name
The odds on the next pope choosing the name Benedict are 5,000/1, with Leo favorite at 4/1. The atheist Richard Dawkins is given a 666/1 chance of being elected.
Discord and wire tapping revelations as pope flies out
On the day the pope officially ended his tenure, revelations emerged of wire tapping in the Vatican.
The habit-wearing Capuchin who may just be the next pope
Archbishop O' Malley lives a truly simple, monastic life and has proved himself to be a supremely effective and fearless pastor and administrator.
In full: Pope's farewell speech to 150,000 in Rome
The Pope's closing speech alluded to the Gospel story of Jesus and the apostles encountering stormy waters in the Sea of Galilee. There is also a link to a report on the event at the foot of this article.
Pope Benedict's post-resignation title announced
The pope, who is now preparing to move temporarily to the Castel Gondolfo residence, will be known as pontiff emeritus.
A close-up look at exactly how the conclave works
The Vatican's secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts has carefully explained the papal voting procedure to reporters. At the foot of this article there is also a link to an excellent visual guide to how the conclave works.
One thing you can bet on: the new pope will not have a beard
The history and evolution of papal beards explored and discussed.
Rev James Martin tells us why he should be pope
Father Martin has come up with 12 reasons why he should be the one elected.
Building a new Church on old foundations
Pope's successor is likely to continue Vatican's China policy
Vatican mulls hurried changes to papal election rules
Bringing forward the papal election date would require a change in canon law which the pope may effect.
How would business experts advise a new pope?
Catholicism, first and foremost, is a faith. But looking at it as a business that needs some changes offers an interesting perspective.
Benedict's resignation was an act of humility
Now it's time to see if the Vatican is willing to reciprocate
Pope's successor could inherit a civil war in the church
The divide between conservatives and liberals will reignite with the next pontiff
Pope Benedict's resignation prompts conspiracy theories and concerns over Communist hardliners
China Catholics see a 'storm brewing' in the Church
Pedophilia scandals weigh on body to elect next pope
Victim's advocates call for exclusion of electors linked to cases of sexual abuse
Pope was "deeply disheartened" months before resigning
"I'm an old man and I've lost my strength," the pope told his biographer last summer.
US nuns hope new pope will understand "ordinary folks"
The nuns, who had widely reported problems with Pope Benedict's administration, hope for more input and regular meetings with senior Church leaders.
Has the pope fired a parting shot at the Vatican elite?
Since resigning, Pope Benedict has lambasted the media and made remarks that seem aimed squarely at the machinations in the Vatican that came to light via "Vatileaks."
Conclave date may be brought forward, says Vatican
With a firm date yet to be announced, there seems to be a growing inclination to open the conclave sooner rather than later.
Opinion: the next pope should come from Africa
Catholicism's center of gravity is shifting south and in Africa it is vibrant and booming. Should this be reflected in the choice of next pope?
Standing ovation at pope's first post-resignation audience
A packed crowd cheered wildly as the pope thanked them and asked for their continued prayers.
Resignation was all about growing old in a fast changing world
The writer says that "the Pope’s gesture was almost an act of surrender before the world which is changing at a rhythm which a man born in 1927 could never have imagined," and asks if it always has to be this way.
Own goal as cardinal admits interest in being next pope
Cardinal Turkson may have damaged any ambitions he harbored about the papacy.
Vatican spokesman gives new details on pope's resignation
Father Lombardi talked about the pope's medical condition and his plans for the immediate and longer term future.
Vatican's top Chinese official laments resignation
Announcement 'left me stunned' says Savio Hon Tai Fai
Resignation: roundup of comment from around the world
Here is a digest of comment, analysis, opinions - both positive and negative - and facts about the Pope's resignation.
Resignation: what will Pope Benedict do after he leaves?
The pope will be faced with a question that no pope has had to answer for the last 600 years.
Resignation: who are the front runners for the next pope?
Will the papacy remain within Europe or will it go to an American, African or even Asian candidate?
- Introducing the Pope Name Predictor
- We don't know who the new pope will be but we can guess at his new name
- Live pictures from St Peter's Square
- See the camera trained permanently on the Sistine Chapel chimney
- Get your own Habemus Papam alarm
- An email or text message to tell you the moment the pope is elected
- When to watch for the white smoke
- Your detailed guide so you don't miss it
- Download a free app with all the latest conclave news
- With links for downloading to iPhone/iPad/iPod and Android devices
- What the bookmakers say
- The latest betting odds and changes, updated daily Monday-Friday.
- Things you didn't know you didn't know
- Some fascinating facts about the history of the conclave
- Thank You Pope Benedict XVI: 26 Quotes from World Leaders
- A collection of tributes from political and religious leaders worldwide
- Who will be the next pope?
- Close-up on four of the leading contenders