The election of a new pope is always an exciting moment for the Church and the world. After weeks of uncertainty, it seems there is good reason to celebrate the election of Pope Francis I, and to congratulate and offer support to him in the immense task ahead. The excitement of the election of a Read more
A conclave which began with no clear front-runner has come to a unexpected and surprisingly quick conclusion, Cardinals electing Jeorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope. He has taken the name Francis. Archbishop Bergoglio is a man who gave up his official house for a small apartment, he cooks his own meals, and travels to work by Read more
Wellington Catholics say the surprise selection of Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina as new pope is a sign of new ideas being brought into the troubled church establishment. The news was broken to Wellington’s Catholics during morning mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. A messenger entered the chapel and handed a piece of paper with Cardinal Read more
Election of new Pope brings great joy for NZ Catholic Church New Zealand Catholic Bishops awoke this morning to the message ‘Habemus Papem’ we have a Pope and the presentation of newly elected Pope Francis with joy, and excitement. “We’ve been prayerfully watching the Conclave and awaiting an announcement of a new Pope with hope Read more
In these last lead-up days to the Conclave, some Cardinals have voiced their opinion on the state of the Church and the qualities required in a leader of the Church for the coming years. The point of view of one voting Cardinal which wasn’t expressed in these days, but was reported at the Synod of Read more
When atheist magician Penn Jillette got into an argument over the Catholic Church with Catholic TV host Piers Morgan, Jillette ended up defending the pope and the Church against Morgan’s criticisms. Jillette, part of the Penn & Teller illusionist team, is the author of Every Day is an Atheist Holiday and God, No! Morgan, former Read more
I’ve lived for fifteen years in Rome – though not consecutively. But I’ve had the rather unique experience of being in Rome for the passing of four popes: Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and now Benedict XVI. The atmosphere at each of these moments could not be more different. Paul VI’s funeral Read more
Pope Benedict has withdrawn to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is chosen. But few know that the papal summer residence of almost 400 years has a curious history, serving as a hideout for Jews, delivery ward and target for paparazzi. In the late evening of Aug. 6, 1978, a heavy iron chain was pulled across Read more
Pope Benedict’s last words and gestures are worth noting. Take four of his last decisions, for example. 1) Nine months after the sacking of the President of the scandal-ridden Vatican bank, he appoints a new President: a lay man and a non-Italian. 2) He appoints a man of promise to a diplomatic post in a Read more
There was “absolute silence” this morning when the Pope told cardinals that he decided to resign, according to Mexican prelate Monsignor Oscar Sanchez, who witnessed his resignation. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the pope took his decision “aware of the great problems the church faces today”. His decision showed “great courage” and “determination”, Lombardi said. Lombardi Read more