Very few Catholics today are familiar with the writings of French convert Léon Bloy. Among other things, it is very likely that the term “politically incorrect” was coined in reference to him. During his first homily, Pope Francis quoted Bloy: “When one does not confess Jesus Christ, I am reminded of the expression of Léon [...]
It seems like all my conversations over the past 24 hours have revolved around this mysterious new Pope of ours. “Apparently he cooks his own meals.” “Did you hear he actually used to take the bus to work; even when he was a cardinal?” “Wait…he only has one lung?!” I’d be lying if I said [...]
I cannot say that Pope Francis is my friend; but I am honored to say I know him well. I first met him many years ago in Buenos Aires in 1993, less than a year after his predecessor, Cardinal Antonio Quarracino, rescued him from the ecclesiastic exile he was confined to by his congregation, the [...]
Let me introduce you to the most persistent bird in the history of the world. Definitely does NOT help that he is white. A co-worker commented: “Well, it’s probably toasty warm…”
We have plans to spend the next however many days it takes (1 more, by my official bracket position) making twice daily pilgrimages to St. Peter’s Square to smoke watch with a couple thousand of our best friends. Today’s itinerary has been completely designed around trips to the Square at noon and at 7:30, in [...]
The identity of Pope Benedict XVI’s successor is still unknown. Yet we can say with confidence that the next Pope will mark a shift to a younger generation. It’s likely the next Pope will even be a ‘Baby Boomer’ born after World War II. Pope Benedict reigned with such apparent vigor and such undeniable mental [...]
Black smoke Tuesday – and suspense continues for the elderly mother of Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn. Eleonore Schoenborn, 92, recently told a local newspaper that she hopes her son will not be elected pope because she will miss him. U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s youngest brother, Patrick, expressed similar sentiments in a recent interview. “A question [...]
Now that the conclave has started, it is anyone’s guess as to how long it will last or who will emerge from the Sistine Chapel as our next Holy Father. In the meantime, here are some infographics to give you a better idea of what’s going on as the cardinals begin voting. (Click on any [...]
In 2005, while covering the conclave that elected Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, I told Laurie Goodstein at the New York Times: “Do not underestimate the power of the microculture that is generated among the cardinals when they are together. The kind of reflections that end up influencing them are completely unpredictable.” In other words, for [...]
As I write, we are watching the procession of cardinals into the Sistine Chapel. They are praying the Litany of Saints, and will soon pray the Veni Creator Spiritus. If you care to pray along with them, the booklet containing the prayers is available here from the Vatican. It is all in Latin, so a [...]
