Each day between now and the May 7 conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, John Allen is offering a profile of a different papabile, the Italian term for a man who could be pope. There’s no scientific way to identity these contenders; it’s mostly a matter of weighing reputations, positions held and influence wielded over…
Christiane Laudage (KNA) The conclave begins on May 7. In the past, it was a race against time for the cardinals to get to Rome on time. One US cardinal was only successful on his third attempt. The cardinals have already arrived in Rome and many of them attended the funeral of Pope Francis. Today,…
The conclave to elect the new Pope is scheduled to begin on May 7. The date has been confirmed. A new Pope will be elected. The Vatican issued the following statement on Monday, April 28. All cardinals who had not reached the age of 80 at the time of Pope Francis’ death are eligible to…
Each day between now and the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, on a date yet to be set, John Allen is offering a profile of a different papabile, the Italian term for a man who could be pope. There’s no scientific way to identity these contenders; it’s mostly a matter of weighing reputations, positions…
Historically, the time had once again been ripe for a religious man in the papal office. And the Jesuit Francis obviously wanted this to continue in the near future. Jorge Mario Bergoglio has brought many superlatives to papal history from his native Argentina: he was the first Latin American, the first Argentinian, the first pope…
The Catholic Church in Germany has published instructions for the blessing of remarried and homosexual couples. According to the authors, this is in the spirit of the late Pope. Nevertheless, there is criticism. Germany now has rules on how remarried divorcees and homosexuals can be blessed in church. As announced by the German Bishops’ Conference…
Pope Francis was laid out in an open coffin in St Peter’s Basilica for three days. The funeral service and burial followed on Saturday. Every detail of the long ceremony has been organised. The funeral service and burial of a pope follow strict rules that have been changed again and again over the centuries. Most…
Pope funerals are more than just religious ceremonies. They create rare encounters – even between leaders of conflicting states. What potential does the funeral of Pope Francis have? “The funeral of a pope is no ordinary event,” says historian René Schlott. It is a religious and at the same time highly political moment, staged on…
Cardinal Schönborn from Vienna, himself a candidate for decades and recently retired, formulates requirements for the next pope. And reveals how he personally experienced the late Francis. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn from Vienna does not believe that anyone is suitable for the papacy for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. It would be too much of a challenge…
Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has led tributes to Pope Francis who died on Monday morning, describing him as “a faithful shepherd” whose papacy was “a profound gift to the Church and world”, extending condolences on behalf of Ireland’s bishops and faithful. Archbishop Martin spoke of his personal humility and his unwavering commitment…
John L. Allen Jr.
Renata Milán Morales
Chai Brady