Georgia Bulletin

Vatican City

• Wikileaks: Vatican Emerges as Key Global Player

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published January 6, 2011

  If there’s one clear conclusion that can be drawn from the Vatican-related WikiLeaks disclosures, it’s that the United States takes the Vatican and its diplomatic activity very seriously. In memo after memo in recent years, officials of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See have reported back to Washington on the impact of papal trips, […] Full Story

• Pope’s 2011 Calendar Holds Full Slate Of Events

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published January 6, 2011

  For Pope Benedict XVI, the 2011 calendar already holds a full slate of meetings, liturgies and foreign trips. What’s not on the calendar—at least so far—is a special “year of” or a “year for.” In 2008-2009, the pope declared a Year of St. Paul. He designated 2009-2010 the Year for Priests. Perhaps 2011 will mark […]

• Pope Deplores Deadly Attacks On Christian Churches

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published January 6, 2011

  Pope Benedict XVI deplored a series of deadly attacks against Christian churches and other targets around the world at Christmas time. The pope appealed for peace Dec. 26 after bombs went off in churches in the Philippines and Nigeria, killing or wounding several worshipers. In Pakistan, a suicide bombing against a World Food Program depot […]

• Pope Names 24 New Cardinals, Two From U.S.

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published October 28, 2010

  Pope Benedict XVI named 24 new cardinals, including two from the United States: Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, head of the Vatican’s highest tribunal, and Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington. The pope announced the names at the end of his weekly general audience Oct. 20 and said he would formally install the cardinals during a […] Full Story

• As All Saints Day Nears, Pope Canonizes Six

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published October 28, 2010

  Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed six new saints, including an Australian nun and a Canadian brother, calling them “shining examples” of holiness and the power of prayer. Thousands of pilgrims from Australia applauded and waved their national flags after the pope pronounced the formula of canonization Oct. 17 in St. Peter’s Square for Blessed Mother Mary […]

• Pope calls for less “Vatican-centric,” more socially conscious church

  

  By FRANCIS X. ROCCA, Catholic News Service
  Published July 8, 2010

  VATICAN CITY (CNS)—In his latest wide-ranging interview, Pope Francis said that he aimed to make the Catholic Church less “Vatican-centric” and closer to the “people of God,” as well as more socially conscious and open to modern culture. He also revealed that he briefly considered turning down the papacy in the moments following his election […] Full Story

• Pope says focus on morality can obscure Gospel message

  

  By FRANCIS X. ROCCA, Catholic News Service
  Published May 27, 2010

  VATICAN CITY (CNS)—In a lengthy and wide-ranging interview with one of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis spoke with characteristic frankness about the perils of overemphasizing Catholic teaching on sexual and medical ethics; the reasons for his deliberate and consultative governing style; and his highest priority for the church today. The pope’s remarks appeared in an […] Full Story

• Pope to youth: Go against culture; share your joy, hope

  

  Published January 7, 2010

  VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Fight off a drug- and alcohol-pushing culture and other hazardous trends sweeping across today’s world, Pope Francis told young people. “In life, there will always be people who will make you offers to slow or impede you on your way. Please, go against the current. Be courageous,” he said. He also asked for […]

• SSPX Bishop Told To Disavow Holocaust Statements

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published February 12, 2009

  The Vatican said a traditionalist bishop who has minimized the full extent of the Holocaust must disavow his positions before he will be accepted into full communion with the church. A Vatican statement Feb. 4 said Pope Benedict XVI did not know about the controversial statements by British-born Bishop Richard Williamson when he lifted the […] Full Story

• Pope Assures New U.S. President Of His Prayers

  By CINDY WOODEN, CNS
  Published November 13, 2008

  Pope Benedict XVI sent a personal message to President-elect Barack Obama Nov. 5, congratulating him and offering his prayers for Obama and for all the people of the United States. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said that because the message was addressed personally to Obama the Vatican did not plan to publish the full […]

• Next Pope To Face Challenges Over Priests, Mission

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published April 5, 2007

  Although Pope John Paul II leaves behind a legacy of pastoral accomplishments, his successor will also face a number of challenges in areas of church governance, missionary strategies and priestly ministry. The challenges are expected to loom large in the cardinals’ daily discussions ahead of the conclave, where they will assess church priorities and begin […] Full Story

• Vatican Moves From Pen And Parchment To DVDs, Web

  By JOHN THAVIS,CNS
  Published December 15, 2005

  Two hundred years ago, popes communicated with pen on parchment, in documents and letters secured with sealing wax. Today, Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings and speeches are flashed around the world in real time on the Internet, and he is the star of the Vatican’s own Web site. He gives interviews to Vatican Radio, and many […]

• Archbishop Gregory To Attend Synod On Eucharist

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published September 29, 2005

  Pope Benedict XVI presides in October over the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, an assembly that will review liturgical issues, emphasize the importance of Sunday Mass and mark the close of the “Year of the Eucharist.” More than 250 bishops from every continent, including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta, will attend the Oct. […] Full Story

• In Majestic Mass Pope Reaffirms Unity With Bishops

  By CAROL GLATZ, CNS
  Published July 7, 2005

  In a solemn ceremony welcoming new archbishops from around the world, including Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the importance of bishops’ unity with the Holy See and their common agreement with the Christian faith. The doctrine and faith of the church form “virtually one single family” that expresses “the same faith […]

• In Homily, Pope Vows To Lead People To Christ

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published April 28, 2005

  In the first homily of his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI said his primary mission was to lead people out of the modern desert of empty values, alienation and injustice toward the light of Christ. Speaking April 24 to some 350,000 people who spilled out of St. Peter’s Square, the pope said he took seriously the […]

• From Hardliner To Humble Shepherd: Pope Looks To Transform Perception

  By JOHN THAVIS, CNS
  Published April 28, 2005

  For more than 23 years, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s public image was that of a brilliant but strict guardian of Catholic orthodoxy, a man who did not hesitate to crack down on errant theologians or risk offending other religions if doctrinal clarity was at stake. Until recently, most people in Rome discounted the idea that he […] Full Story

• Pope Benedict XVI Formally Begins Ministry

  By CINDY WOODEN, CNS
  Published April 28, 2005

  In a liturgy rich with symbols and promises, Pope Benedict XVI formally began his ministry as head of the universal church, and Catholics from around the world pledged their love and obedience to him. The morning of April 24, Pope Benedict, elected April 19, walked down to the tomb of the martyred St. Peter in […]

• Pope Benedict One Of Most Respected Theologians

  By CNS
  Published April 21, 2005

  As the guiding light on doctrinal issues during Pope John Paul II’s pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI was one of the most respected, influential and controversial members of the College of Cardinals. Since 1981 the 78-year-old Pope Benedict—regarded as one of the church’s sharpest theologians—has headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican […]

• Pope’s World Mission Sunday Message Published

  By CAROL GLATZ, CNS
  Published April 21, 2005

  In his last message published to the world, Pope John Paul II called on the faithful to be “generous evangelizers” by fighting injustice and poverty while spreading the Gospel. On April 15 the Vatican released the pope’s annual World Mission Sunday message, which was written in six languages, including Chinese. The message was signed by […]

• Last Memorial Mass For Pope John Paul II

  By CINDY WOODEN, CNS
  Published April 21, 2005

  Dressed in the white and gold vestments of the Easter season, the world’s cardinals ended the official nine-day mourning period for Pope John Paul II with an April 16 Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgy was celebrated by 78-year-old Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, […]