Father Antonio Spadaro Archives

Pope says synod used ‘parliamentary logic’ when debating married priests

Sep 4, 2020

When it comes to the private notes of a pontiff, the world usually has to wait until they’ve died to have access to them, but Pope Francis this week made some of his personal notes public.

By Inés San Martín

Pope may feel some heat as debate over “homotransphobia” law grows

Jul 19, 2020

Both supporters and opponents of a bill criminalizing expressions of “homotransphobia” cite the pope, supporters often pointing to “Who am I to judge?” while opponents appeal to the pope’s criticism of “gender theory” and his insistence that marriage is a bond between a man and a woman.

By John L. Allen Jr.

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.