Articles by Andrea Gagliarducci
In Syrian monastery, priest who escaped ISIS sees signs of hope
Nov 27, 2016 / 06:48 amThe fourth-century saint Mar Elian’s relics survived the Islamic State’s destruction of the Syrian monastery that bears his name, and a priest who escaped captivity says these are among the signs of hope for Syria.
So what is a consistory, anyway?
Nov 18, 2016 / 15:26 pmIn a simple rite this Saturday, 17 prelates will receive a red biretta from Pope Francis and thus join the College of Cardinals.
Islamist extremism is a major religious freedom threat. But not the only one.
Nov 15, 2016 / 17:30 pmReligious freedom is under threat worldwide from phenomena like Islamic “hyper-extremism,” but there are also other dangers, a new report from Aid to the Church in Need says.
'Beloved' Syria's new cardinal a sign of the Pope's closeness
Nov 15, 2016 / 06:08 amVatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said that Francis’ decision to give a red hat to the longtime papal envoy to Syria is a sign of the Pope’s closeness to the Church and people on the ground amid the country's dire situation.
Vatican bishop lays out 'roadmap' for dialogue with Islam
Nov 8, 2016 / 00:18 amThere is a roadmap for dialogue with Islam, and its three landmarks are peace, justice and education, says a leading bishop on the subject.
What can Vatican-China relations learn from Vietnam?
Nov 2, 2016 / 23:01 pmAmid reports of a possible agreement concerning the appointment of Chinese bishops, it is useful to look at the Church’s relations with Vietnam as a possible model for the development of relations between China and the Holy See.
For EU's religious freedom envoy, Middle East is key arena
Oct 26, 2016 / 23:08 pmThe genocide of Yazidis and Christians in the Middle East and the refugee crisis should be a priority for Europe, the EU special envoy for religious freedom has said.
What's the thought behind Pope Francis' choices for cardinals?
Oct 12, 2016 / 23:08 pmWith the Consistory of Cardinals in November, Pope Francis will shape the College of Cardinals to give the widest representation to the countries of the world and to minimize the possibility of encouraging any sort of careerism.
Pope Francis and China – attempts for a thaw?
Oct 5, 2016 / 02:03 amImproved Holy See relations with China are a major effort of this papacy, with an ongoing focus on disputes appointment of bishops and diplomatic recognition of neighboring Taiwan.
Georgian Catholics started from zero. What's next after the papal visit.
Oct 3, 2016 / 15:05 pmThe tiny community of the Catholic Church in Georgia was barely surviving just decades ago. Now it has an opportunity to regenerate itself following Pope Francis' model of the “Church of consolation,” the local Catholic bishop has said.
In Georgia visit, Pope finds a country of Christian tensions
Sep 30, 2016 / 15:13 pmPope Francis on his visit to Georgia will find a country where dialogue among Christians is particularly difficult, with cool relations between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the country’s tiny Catholic minority.
For the Council of Cardinals, curia reform is an experiment in flexibility
Sep 26, 2016 / 23:08 pmHow does Pope Francis carry forward the reform of the Roman Curia? Gradually, step by step, by trial and error, according to Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano, who serves as secretary of the Council of Cardinals.
What is the 'beating heart' of the Church? The Eucharist
Sep 20, 2016 / 23:08 pmThe Eucharist is the source of mercy and the beating heart of the Church, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco of Genoa has said.
Church unity with a global focus: lessons from 'bishop school'
Sep 20, 2016 / 05:02 amThe Vatican holds a special seminar series each year for new bishops to help them learn their new role.
In Hungary, anti-Christian persecution prompts government action
Sep 12, 2016 / 23:08 pmThe Hungarian government has established a new office on the persecution of Christians to address both persecutions of Christians in the Middle East and the subtle forms of discrimination some Christians face in Europe.
As Ukraine conflict continues, Christians seek unity and peace
Sep 3, 2016 / 04:50 amTo overcome conflicts, to fight hatred with goodness, to make Ukraine a free and European country: these are the tasks of the Catholic Church in Ukraine, according to a priest with knowledge of the situation.
Mother Teresa's global impact at center of UN exhibit
Aug 28, 2016 / 17:05 pmMother Teresa’s tireless work for the poor and her relevance for global affairs will be featured at the United Nations, whose New York headquarters will host several events on her life as an unprecedented tribute to a saint of the Catholic Church.
Coming soon: a meeting between Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury
Aug 24, 2016 / 23:24 pmPope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, will meet in Rome Oct. 5 to celebrate First Vespers in the Basilica of San Gregorio al Celio.
What's it like to be a persecuted Christian? This exhibit shows you
Aug 19, 2016 / 14:45 pmA teddy bear, a diploma, a menu – items owned, achieved and touched by Christians who were brutally killed in attacks this year – are on display in an exhibit aimed at drawing people into a visceral experience of the persecuted faithful.
Benedict XVI's students to discuss spiritual crisis in Europe at annual meeting
Aug 19, 2016 / 05:04 amThe annual meeting of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's former students will discuss Europe's spiritual crisis during their gathering later this month, according to the group's organizer.