Pope Leo XIV: A Less Reformist Version of Francis? Pope Leo XIV: A Less Reformist Version of Francis?
All signs point to the newly elected pontiff’s continuing in much the same vein as his predecessor, but with a more moderate approach.
May 9, 2025 / Pablo Castaño Tierno
All Options Are Open in the Papal Conclave All Options Are Open in the Papal Conclave
The next leader of the Catholic Church is unlikely to be either a progressive reformer or a hard-line conservative.
May 7, 2025 / Pablo Castaño Tierno
A Pope Who Prays for Palestine A Pope Who Prays for Palestine
Pope Francis, who is in daily contact with Gazans, has consistently called for an end to the Israeli assault and for Palestinians and Israelis to be able to live in peace.
Apr 20, 2025 / John Nichols
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
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
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
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
Amid the pandemic and worsening marginalization, we have to get better at doing one thing: listening.
Oct 14, 2020 / Sister Simone Campbell
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
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