Monthly Archives: March 2013

Francis and Benedict: strong contrast in styles conceals essential continuity

Posted on March 22, 2013 by

Pope Francis has already defined a fresh approach to the Petrine ministry, one that stresses simplicity, directness and the pastoral nature of the papacy, as well as an explicit identification with the poor. “Everything Francis does, however banal, is now … Continue reading →

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Text of Pope Francis’ address to diplomats, 22 March 2013

Posted on March 22, 2013 by

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Heartfelt thanks to your Dean, Ambassador Jean-Claude Michel, for the kind words that he has addressed to me in the name of everyone present. It gives me joy to welcome you for this exchange of … Continue reading →

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Text of Pope Francis Inauguration Mass homily

Posted on March 22, 2013 by

[This is the text of the homily given by Pope Francis at the Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate, 19 March 2013] Dear Brothers and Sisters, I thank the Lord that I can celebrate this Holy Mass for the … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis’ Inaugural Mass: a guide

Posted on March 19, 2013 by

[From Austen Ivereigh in Rome*. NB The Mass booklet can be viewed or downloaded here.] Today’s Mass of Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome, beginning 9.30am local time (8.30 UK) and expected to last two hours, … Continue reading →

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The Pope’s programme: radical simplicity, geared to mission

Posted on March 17, 2013 by

[From Austen Ivereigh in Rome] Massimo Franco, writing in Corriere Della Sera, believes that “the era of the Pope-King and of the Vatican court is over”. While he was still in the Sistine Chapel, his aides had set up a throne-like … Continue reading →

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Text of Pope Francis address to media

Posted on March 16, 2013 by

[The following is the text of Pope Francis’ address to journalists in the Pope Paul VI Hall at the Vatican this morning] At the beginning of my ministry in the See of Peter, I am pleased to meet all of … Continue reading →

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Cardinal Napier and the criminality of sex abuse

Posted on March 16, 2013 by

An interview with BBC Radio Five Live by Cardinal Wilfred Napier of Durban, South Africa, has been widely interpreted as having implied that paedophilia is a sickness, rather than a crime. The original interview, with Stephen Nolan, last Friday night, is here. … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis: how the quiet man fooled an army of pundits

Posted on March 15, 2013 by

[From Austen Ivereigh in Rome] In the days since the thrilling election of Pope Francis, the story of how he came to be elected – and why it was not predicted by most Vatican-watchers – can now be told with … Continue reading →

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How the conclave makes the pope — and why we should rejoice

Posted on March 12, 2013 by

The time for discussions – often intense – over the needs of the Church and the times is over. Now the cardinals enter the conclave to choose who, among them, should take the helm. Putting together information shared with journalists … Continue reading →

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The new evangelisation: building bridges with a clear offer

Posted on March 10, 2013 by

Ask almost any cardinal what the priorities are for the next pope, and he’ll likely include the “new evangelisation” in his list. The term is a little bewildering for many journalists covering the conclave; John Allen here provides a useful … Continue reading →

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