Vatican
The life and legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff. He was also the first to choose the name Francis, dedicating his life to working with the poor and society’s outcasts. Global leaders have expressed their condolences as the Vatican arranges his funeral for Saturday.
American nuns get an unexpected olive branch from the Vatican
American nuns have come in for sharp criticism in the past from Vatican officials. But the Catholic Church’s latest report on nuns in the US offered praise instead, a welcome change at a time when American religious orders are growing older and more cash-strapped.
The Catholic Church changed only its tone on gays, but that’s still a big deal
Catholic bishops meeting at the Vatican have suggested the church “welcome home” gays and lesbians. While the church leaders are not supporting same-sex marriages, the synod is striking a historically open note on gays, divorce and other culture-war issues.
You’d better watch where you walk the next time you visit the Vatican
The Vatican is dense with art and history — every arch, piece of art and ceiling has a story to tell. But so do the floors, which are easy to miss. Whether paved with marble from the Coliseum or sporting mosaics from ancient villas, the floors of the Vatican have much to tell.