News
Rain, cold, can’t keep faithful, curious away from conclave smoke-watch
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A second day of rain and cold couldn't keep thousands of people from pouring into St. Peter's Square to keep their eyes on a tiny chimney high atop a tiled roof.
U.S. responsibilities to Iraq many on 10th anniversary of 2003 invasion
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The top political leaders in Iraq, themselves rivals, joined to support the new Chaldean Catholic Archbishop in Baghdad. But the religious leaders in that region of the Middle East placed the problems confronting Iraq squarely on the shoulders of the United States. "The U.S. invaded and occupied, so they're responsible for the situation," agreed Bishop Richard E. Pates, representing the U.S. Catholic bishops.
St. Patrick’s Day steps off with Mass before big parade
St. Patrick’s Day was officially observed a bit early in Philadelphia on Sunday, March 10 with a Mass -- where else? -- at St. Patrick’s Church near Rittenhouse Square. Of course, the huge parade followed. Past, present and future were the themes of Archbishop Charles Chaput’s homily at the early morning Mass, and the past had special resonance because the annual celebration is really about honoring heritage.
Burning ballots, and the ultimate “permanent record”
A message from the Vatican spells out what happens to the recorded tally of each vote in the papal conclave, even though the ballots themselves -- and other items -- are burned.
How a pope is chosen
Vatican Information Service released the following statement March 13: What do the voting ballots for electing a Pope look like? How are the votes counted? Can Cardinal electors who are sick still cast a vote? The Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis” (UDG) responds to these and many other questions. It was promulgated by Blessed John […]
New pope likely to celebrate installation Mass March 19, spokesman says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Mass for the installation of a new pope could be celebrated March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church. The new pope also would likely recite the Angelus March 17 with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square.
More black smoke on morning of conclave’s first full day
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- More black smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at 11:40 a.m. March 13, which seemed to indicate the 115 cardinal electors failed to elect a pope on their second and third ballots.
Black smoke: No new pope on first evening of conclave
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Despite the rain, thousands of people filled St. Peter's Square after dark March 12, the first evening of the conclave, to witness the black smoke that signaled the Catholic Church's 115 cardinal electors had failed, as expected, to elect a pope on the first ballot. The smoke started billowing out of the chimney on the Sistine Chapel at 7:41 p.m. (The cardinals will convene again in the chapel March 13 at 4:30 a.m. EDT to vote in the second and if necessary, subsequent ballots until a new pope is chosen. Stay with CatholicPhilly.com as we report on the latest from the conclave.)
Diocese, other Catholic entities withdraw appeal of ruling on lawsuit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Nashville and seven other Catholic entities operating in the diocese have withdrawn their appeal of a judge's dismissal of their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal government's mandate to provide health insurance coverage for artificial contraception and other services the church teaches are immoral.
Speculation, suspense: Italian media rife with papal predictions
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Online betting and trending sites were not the only outlets posting their papal predictions. Italian newspapers are historically the boldest and most confident in their daily speculations and conclave scenarios.