Articles by Andrea Gagliarducci
How much time does it take to reform the Vatican? A lot
Apr 16, 2015 / 23:02 pmAlready two years into the reform process of the Roman Curia, progress might seem slow. But cardinals on the Pope's advisory council say efforts – which may soon include new “super” congregations – are moving forward at a normal pace.
Papal blessings for Asia Bibi’s family, as death sentence still looms
Apr 15, 2015 / 14:13 pmPope Francis has blessed the family of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, as they continue to work for her release.
A dark, tense history: behind Turkey's protest of the Holy See
Apr 14, 2015 / 11:25 amPope Francis' comments on the extermination of Armenian Christians in early 20th century Turkey prompted a strongly worded criticism from the Turkish Foreign Ministry and led to the withdrawal of Turkey's ambassador to the Holy See. But what's the full story?
Kasper is not the 'Pope's theologian,' says leading African cardinal
Apr 9, 2015 / 16:08 pmA top African cardinal says that German cardinal Walter Kasper – who's stirred controversy over his views promoting Communion for the divorced and remarried – does not necessarily represent Pope Francis' theological stance.
Three weeks as an Islamic State captive – one woman tells her story
Mar 31, 2015 / 03:02 amThe woman was just 19 years old when she was captured by militants from the Islamic State. Caring for her young son and pregnant with her second child, she was separated from her husband and told she would be forced to marry an Islamic State fighter.
Pope's delegation offers comfort, communion to Iraqi refugees
Mar 28, 2015 / 17:00 pmHoping to awaken the world conscience on Iraq, a Pontifical delegation traveled to Erbil and Dohuk to foster local communion and shed light on the dramatic plight of Christians in the country.
Palestinian president may visit Vatican a second time for canonization Mass
Mar 26, 2015 / 01:04 amNearly a year since taking part in a prayer for Middle East peace in the Vatican Gardens, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has been invited to the Vatican a second time, for the canonization Mass of two Palestinians.
A new hope: the Church of Naples after Pope Francis' visit
Mar 23, 2015 / 23:08 pmPope Francis’ visit to Naples on Saturday fostered the commitment of the local Church to combat corruption and to continue work on the ground that has already born much fruits in the city's peripheries, according to an official.
A feisty Pope Francis slams corruption, unemployment in Naples
Mar 21, 2015 / 04:39 amAddressing the crowds in Naples' notorious outskirts of Scampia, Pope Francis gave a verbal slap to corrupt leaders who exploit local laborers, charging that they “cannot claim to be Christian.”
Vatican archives shed light on tragedy of Armenian genocide
Mar 20, 2015 / 10:14 amAhead of Pope Francis’ Mass commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, newly released historic documents confirm the Holy See’s broad commitment to helping the Armenian people at a time when few others would.
Use of force is a last resort against Islamic State – Vatican diplomat
Mar 17, 2015 / 17:03 pmBy presenting a joint statement to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council to support Christians and other communities in the Middle East, the Holy See has fostered a new diplomatic approach to protect communities and raise the international focus on a top issue.
Holy See's hospital works to help inmates re-enter society
Mar 14, 2015 / 05:59 amOn Holy Thursday, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass for inmates at the Rebibbia New Complex Prison in the suburbs of Rome. But the Vatican’s concern for those at the prison does not stop there.
Journalist blasted for lying in confessional, recording priests' answers
Mar 13, 2015 / 03:01 amThe confessional is one of the most private and privileged places in the world. So when an Italian journalist violated the bond of trust between penitent and priest, the Archbishop of Bologna decried her “grave lack of respect” for all Catholics.
Curia reform may include an office for negotiations in the Secretariat of State
Mar 11, 2015 / 17:08 pmThe Vatican Secretary of State suggested Wednesday that an ‘office for pontifical mediation’ may established within the ranks of the Secretariat of State, in order to function as a link between the on-the-ground commitment of papal diplomacy and its commitment within international institutions.
Italian bishop to offer Good Friday Way of the Cross meditations at Colosseum
Mar 10, 2015 / 23:08 pmThe bishop who preached the final Lenten spiritual exercises for St. John Paul II has been chosen to prepare meditations for the Way of the Cross to be celebrated on Good Friday at the Colosseum before Pope Francis.
How did the Vatican respond to the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI?
Mar 10, 2015 / 03:01 amThe 1915 torpedoing of the passenger liner RMS Lusitania, which galvanized anti-German sentiment in the US during World War I, was much-discussed at the top of the Vatican's ranks, revealing the Holy See's approach to current events and its place in international diplomacy.
Italy's bishops help the poor through a 'Loan for Hope' microcredit
Mar 5, 2015 / 00:08 amThe Italian bishops conference relaunched on Monday its microcredit initative for families and small businesses, a program first begun in 2009 in response to the global financial crisis.
Cardinal Pell's Vatican economy office gets new statutes
Mar 4, 2015 / 17:05 pmStatutes for the Vatican's three finanical oversight bodies were released earlier this week, largely consolidating the influence of the Secretariat for the Economy and its prefect, Cardinal George Pell.
New statutes for economic reform are in effect at the Vatican
Mar 2, 2015 / 21:51 pmStatutes of the Vatican Council for Economy, Secretariat for the Economy, and General Auditor went into effect March 1, having been signed Feb. 22 by Msgr. Bryan Wells, assessor of the Secretariat of State.
Will there be an ecology department at the Roman Curia after reform?
Feb 28, 2015 / 06:08 amAn upcoming presentation of a Vatican-sponsored Pan-Amazonia Network may shed light on how a possible curial office for human ecology would work, if curial reform is shaped as it was presented at the Feb. 12 consistory.