Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903, led the church into the modern world, emphasizing its moral authority beyond national boundaries. He defended the rights of working people and affirmed the value of science.
Continue readingTag: Church
The New Pope Might Be Something Like the Old Pope
With the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the College of Cardinals sent a clear message of continuity with the reformist agenda of his predecessor, Pope Francis. But despite Leo’s reputation as having a quieter, more disciplined …
Continue reading
‘He Checked All the Boxes.’ Pope Leo XIV Overcame a Liability — Being American.
Before he was chosen, Robert Francis Prevost had the papal seal of approval from his predecessor, Francis, who put him in one of the top jobs in the Roman Catholic Church.
Continue reading
Cardinal Erdo of Hungary Is a Favorite of Conservatives to Become Pope
The archbishop is a standard-bearer for those in the church who favor a return to traditional rules and doctrine after Pope Francis.
Continue reading
Days Before Conclave, Cardinals in Rome Pitch Messages to the Pews
Some papal contenders offered hints in Sunday Masses at what kind of pope they might want, or want to be.
Continue reading
Francis Opened Discussions to Those Outside the Church Hierarchy. This Cardinal Would, Too
Cardinal Mario Grech comes from Malta, but is known to cardinals around the world for his role as the secretary general of an advisory body of bishops.
Continue reading
These Contentious Issues Could Determine Who Becomes the Next Pope
As cardinals gather to elect Pope Francis’ successor, they are facing debates over whether the church most needs change or constancy.
Continue reading
What Happened to the Francis Revolution?
How will history judge Pope Francis’ legacy? It seems reasonable to predict that for many progressive Catholics and others who hoped he would prove to be a revolutionary, his papacy will be remembered as a disappointment. Although Francis …
Continue reading
Pope Francis’ Legacy in the U.S.: A More Open, and Then Divided, Church
Months into his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis was asked about gay priests, and he responded, “Who am I to judge?” Across the United States, Catholics and non-Catholics alike took a collective gasp. For years the Roman Catholic Church in the United …
Continue reading