Father Antonio Spadaro Archives

New edition of Jesuit journal proves Vatican’s ‘all in’ on Chinese courtship

May 17, 2020

No matter people may think, the Vatican is moving full-steam ahead in its courtship of Beijing, with the ultimate prize remaining full diplomatic relations, a secure legal standing for the church, and partnerships on the global stage. That’s hardly a policy that began with Pope Francis, but it’s been shared fully by every pontiff since the Communist takeover in 1949.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope endorsement of journal’s controversial articles shines light on his view of U.S.

Sep 27, 2019

Pope Francis has endorsed a controversial view of the United States presented in two articles in a prominent Jesuit journal. Like them or not, if you want to understand the pope’s relationship with America, you need to read them.

By Charles Collins

In season of synods, Italy may be next to see if pope’s gamble pays off

Sep 21, 2019

The press for a synod of the Italian Church is coming from the Primate of Italy himself, meaning the pope, and his closest allies.

By John L. Allen Jr.

If Francis wants to mediate US/Iran, his best odds may be with Tehran

May 23, 2019

Here’s the irony of the present moment: One can assemble a powerful case that the Vatican under Pope Francis actually would stand a better chance of moving the needle with Iran than the U.S. if it wanted to mediate the current conflict.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Drama unleashed by pope cover-up allegation probably isn’t over

Sep 2, 2018

Though questions have been raised about the credibility of an accusation by a former papal ambassador in the U.S. that Pope Francis brushed off warnings about ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the drama probably isn’t over yet.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Clash heats up between Italy’s populist government, the Church

Jul 31, 2018

Three high profile Catholic magazines in Italy criticized the leader of the populist party Northern League, Matteo Salvini, for his controversial stances against immigrants and minorities.

By Claire Giangravè