Articles by Andrea Gagliarducci
Decreases in religious life could prompt canon law reform
Nov 2, 2013 / 05:39 amIn the context of a discussion on the exodus of religious and priests, the heads of the congregation for religious have said that Pope Francis is open to a reformation of the Code of Canon Law.
Pope was concerned interview could be misunderstood, writer says
Oct 31, 2013 / 15:03 pmAccording to a Catholic writer in Italy, Pope Francis was aware that his reported words in an Oct. 1 interview published in “La Repubblica” could be misunderstood, and took measures concerning this.
Curia reform may increase Congregations, reduce Pontifical Councils
Oct 30, 2013 / 11:31 amPope Francis' reform of the Roman Curia is expected to produce a new document regulating the body, and to reduce the number of Pontifical Councils, while increasing the number of Congregations.
Franciscan reform seen in Papal Charities office appointment
Oct 16, 2013 / 15:02 pmPope Francis' Oct. 12 appointment of Monsignor Diego Ravelli as office chief of the Office of Papal Charities rounds out the bureau which delivers charity to the poor in the name of the Roman Pontiff.
Historian: Catholic Church pivotal in rescue of Roman Jews
Oct 16, 2013 / 03:24 amThe efforts of the Catholic Church were undoubtedly decisive in the escape of most of Rome's Jews during World War II, according to a Jewish historian and columnist of “L’Osservatore Romano.”
Vatican implements state of the art financial transparency efforts
Oct 15, 2013 / 14:33 pmThe Holy See's new anti-money laundering law signals that the Vatican is clearly taking the path to full financial transparency, according to the director of the state's Financial Information Authority.
Debate over reforming synod of bishops stretches back decades
Oct 10, 2013 / 23:10 pmThe vision of reforming the synod of bishops, an effort undertaken by Pope Francis, goes back to at least Pope Paul VI, who had even broader ideas for the synod, according to a leading Vatican analyst.
Francis continues papal tradition of dialogue with media
Oct 6, 2013 / 05:56 amWhile it has drawn much attention, the interview Pope Francis gave to the prominent Italian journalist Eugenio Scalfari is not the first of its kind in the history of the Church, but part of a tradition stretching back to “Good Pope John.”
Holocaust survivor thanks Pope for Church's aid in WWII
Oct 5, 2013 / 04:57 amThe last living person whom the Bishop of Assisi saved from being killed during the Holocaust met with Pope Francis yesterday, thanking him for the Church's role in protecting her people.
Seeking transparency, Vatican Bank issues first annual report
Oct 3, 2013 / 23:10 pmThe Vatican Bank confirmed a commitment to full financial transparency Oct. 1 by publishing its first Annual Report.
Like Benedict, Pope Francis doesn't want Church of 'moralists'
Sep 26, 2013 / 01:08 amWhile Pope Francis’ mention of the Church’s priorities in a recent interview grabbed worldwide attention, few remember that Benedict XVI said substantially the same thing seven years ago.
Pope to be invited to address European Parliament
Sep 24, 2013 / 23:04 pmAt an Oct. 11 audience with the Pope, European Parliament president Martin Schulz is expected to formally invite Pope Francis to address the legislative body of the European Union.
Recent Vatican appointments dominated by diplomats, say observers
Sep 24, 2013 / 10:50 amAccording to Vatican observers, a Pope Francis “revolution” in the Roman Curia began Sept. 21, when a series of appointments and confirmations at the curia's top ranks changed the face of the Pope’s collaboration team.
Vatican source says Cardinal Bertone chose to resign early
Sep 10, 2013 / 11:21 amOutgoing Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, chose to step down in advance of his anticipated replacement date after going undefended against accusations of corruption, according to a Vatican official.
Pope Francis carries forward papal commitment to peace
Sep 7, 2013 / 05:35 amIn calling for a day of fasting and prayer for peace on Sept. 7, Pope Francis is following a long tradition of Popes showing a deep commitment to peace.
Major appointments awaited after cardinals' October meeting
Aug 24, 2013 / 15:02 pmDespite rumors about the supposedly imminent appointment of a new Secretary of State, Pope Francis will not be making any major appointments before October, Vatican insiders maintain.
Benedict XVI's students will meet to discuss God, secularism
Aug 21, 2013 / 09:22 amThe annual meeting of Benedict XVI's students from his time at the University of Regensburg will gather next week to discuss “the question of God,” though the former Pope will not be joining them.
Minor appointments by Pope Francis signs of Curial reform
Aug 16, 2013 / 16:56 pmA series of seemingly minor appointments may be the forerunners of a Pope Francis “revolution” in the Roman Curia, centered on the Pope who prefers to maintain a small circle of persons around him.
Pope tells nuns that they are like Mary, opening heaven
Aug 15, 2013 / 23:07 pmWhile visiting a convent of Poor Clare nuns yesterday, Pope Francis said that “a consecrated woman is a little like the Virgin Mary,” one of the nuns related to Vatican Radio.
Suspended Vatican accountant linked to suspect spiritual group
Aug 15, 2013 / 01:02 amThe Vatican accountant who was recently suspended for allegedly trying to smuggle $26 million had been part of a group known as “The Flock,” which has supposed Mafia connections.