The organization of the universal Catholic Church has a precise hierarchy, but there is no such thing as a “vice pope,” who steps in when the reigning pontiff is traveling abroad, ill or under anesthesia. Although hospitalized since July 4, when he underwent a three-hour surgery on his colon, Pope Francis is still the supreme Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Pope’
Europe reels but Pope does not have Coronavirus
Thursday, March 5th, 2020
Coronavirus fever has hit the press, with outright statements that Pope Francis has the COVID-19 strain of the virus. Francis, who has been coughing during several recent appearances, cancelled public events and his attendance at a week-long spiritual retreat to mark the start of each Lenten season. The Vatican has confirmed, however, that the pope Read more
10 official titles of Pope Francis
Thursday, August 22nd, 2019Initially, there was no particular title that distinguished the leader of the Catholic Church. Over time the pope has gained many different titles that reflect different aspects of his ministry. Read more Related Posts:”Same old, same old is suicide”, pope saysPope Francis to Bishop Bätzing: We don’t need 2 evangelical…God ‘does not disown any of Read more
One pope is quite enough
Thursday, May 2nd, 2019
We are living in a unique moment in church history with an ex-pope, properly credited for having the courage to resign when the problems he faced became overwhelming, living within the Vatican walls. The resignation is best interpreted as Benedict XVI’s act of generosity toward the church. The graciousness Francis has displayed toward his predecessor Read more
Pope urges youth: give Church an earful
Thursday, February 22nd, 2018Pope Francis wants young people to go online and give the Catholic Church an earful. His invitation is for young people all over the world. Their views will add to those of young Catholics meeting in Rome next month. Read more Related Posts:Pope asks young Catholics to be society’s critical…Pope Francis asks Catholics to pray Read more
Pope Paul VI, prophet
Thursday, November 30th, 2017
This coming July, we will mark the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s deeply controversial encyclical letter Humanae Vitae. I won’t bore you with the details of the innumerable battles, disagreements, and ecclesial crises that followed upon this text. Suffice it to say that this short, pithily argued letter became a watershed in the post-conciliar Catholic Read more
Yes, Popes do have a sense of humour
Thursday, November 2nd, 2017What comes to mind when you think of requirements for someone who is to become the pope? A strong prayer life? Wisdom? Leadership skills coming out of their ears? How about a sense of humour? Many popes have had great senses of humour. Read 13 humorous Papal quotes. Related Posts:Nostalgia is the ‘siren song of Read more
Even popes can get spooked by an eclipse
Monday, August 21st, 2017
ROME – On August 21, a large part of the United States will witness one of the most stunning and awe-inspiring spectacles offered by nature: A total eclipse of the sun. Those who will be looking up on the path of totality, where the eclipse is best visible, will watch as the light turns gradually Read more
The teens who serve the Pope inside the Vatican
Monday, May 22nd, 2017
It’s not every day you find a group of young men, ranging from 15 to 18, who willingly make a three-year commitment to wake up at 6:30 a.m. every Sunday morning to pray and study in the house of the pope. “The boys’ willingness to come in the first place is a sign of a Read more
Check your perspective before you check the facts
Thursday, May 11th, 2017
To be Catholic in a post-Christian age is to suffer many misconceptions. One example is the idea of papal infallibility. Many assume the doctrine requires Catholics to hold that the Pope makes no mistakes. But the actual terms of papal infallibility is narrowly defined. So much so that it hardly ever applies. In fact, there Read more