Pope exposes confidential details of past conclaves and settles scores with Pope Benedict XVI’s aide
Vatican City AP Pope Francis has exposed the political “maneuvers” used to sway votes during the two most recent elections of popes, while denying he is planning to reform the process for future conclaves, in a book-length interview published Tuesday. The revelations are contained in The Successor: My Memories of Pope Benedict XVI, in which the Argentine […]
Pope Francis accepts resignation of conservative African cardinal
Vatican CityRNS Pope Francis on Saturday accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah, head of the Congregation for Divine Worship, which oversees worship and sacraments. Sarah was among the last outspoken conservative prelates named to a position of influence by Pope Benedict XVI. “I am in God’s hands. The only rock is Christ. We will […]
Vatican urges return to in-person Mass as soon as possible
Vatican CityAP The Vatican said Saturday it was “necessary and urgent” to return to in-person Masses as soon as anti-coronavirus measures permit. The head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, Cardinal Robert Sarah, said in a letter to bishops conferences that virtual liturgies, while useful, were no replacement for the real thing. He said physical presence […]
Retired Pope Benedict promotes priestly celibacy in new book, suggesting rift between two popes
Vatican CityRNS Former Pope Benedict XVI, who once vowed to remain hidden from the world after resigning, is once more speaking out. In a new book, set for release in February, the retired pontiff champions priestly celibacy at a time when his successor, Pope Francis, is considering allowing more married men to be priests. His […]