The paradox of Pope Francis
What does it mean for a pope today if he bravely takes the name of Francis? The concerns of the 13th-century saint must be taken seriously.
What does it mean for a pope today if he bravely takes the name of Francis? The concerns of the 13th-century saint must be taken seriously.
In somewhat muted tones, some are asking if Pope Francis will be like Pope John XXIII, a beloved figure among many for his decision to open the Second Vatican Council.
Rome dispatch: Pope Francis' first Sunday as pontiff stressed both mercy and a knack for personally engaging with an audience.
How did Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio get to 77 votes so quickly? Here's some insider knowledge the cardinals have provided.
Pope Francis has been busy since his election, and he has used his activity to further the image of a warm, simple pastor.
The Roman Catholic church has its first Latin American pope: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, now to be known as Pope Francis.
Pope Francis may write his first encyclical, a high and authoritative letter from the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, on poverty, several Italian media outlets are reporting.
Additionally, the new pontiff may give his signature to an encyclical being completed on faith by the retired Pope Benedict XVI.
While new popes have been known to complete encyclicals begun by their predecessors, Italian Bishop Luigi Martella has said the retired pope is still working on the document, which Francis has then agreed to sign and promulgate.
Now let’s see if I have this straight.
The Jesuit, Jorge Bergoglio, gets elected pope.
He takes the name “Francis,” after the founder of the Franciscan order, St. Francis of Assisi.
The Jesuit pope, in his first major appointment, names a Franciscan, Father José Rodriguez Carballo, the head of the Franciscan order and president of the Union of Superiors General (USG), the umbrella group for representatives of men's religious orders, to be secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious.
Pope Francis has possibly de-emphasized a number of the formal titles normally taken by the leader of the Roman Catholic church, choosing instead to list himself first by the basic title "Bishop of Rome" in the Vatican's annual directory.
The directory, known as the Annuario Pontificio, lists the Vatican's official information regarding church leaders and dioceses throughout the world. Release of the 2013 edition was delayed following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation in February and Francis' election in March.
At his daily homily Wednesday, Pope Francis said Catholics should work with all who do good, including atheists. He also said it is "blasphemy" to think you can kill in the name of God.