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The best in Catholic news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Between popes, a time of speculation and suspense
The period immediately following a pontificate is one of excited speculation, more or less loose, about the identity of the next pope.
Sede Vacante Photo Gallery
These Photo’s show the events of Pope Emeritus Benedict’s resignation from the Holy See on Feb 28 and the beginning of Sede Vacante where the Holy See is considered to be vacant.
Popular Cardinal at forefront of making faith intelligible
A prominent voice at the Vatican in the run-up to the papal election, Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi is a biblical scholar who can quote just as easily from Sufi poets, Dante and Danish philosophers as he can from sacred Scripture.
Today’s cardinal-electors slightly older than group in 2005 conclave
Retired U.S. Cardinal Bernard F. Law, former archbishop of Boston, sits with other cardinals before the start of Pope Benedict XVI’s final general audience on Feb. 27 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. PHOTO: CNS/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters
Canonist explains ‘rigid, highly formal’ rules for electing pope
The voting by cardinals to elect the next pope takes place behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, following a highly detailed procedure that underwent major revisions by Blessed John Paul II and a small, but very significant change, by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Pope and the Philistines
Benedict XVI’s papacy has been one of imagination and urbanity hampered by bureaucracy, writes Tracey Rowland
Nigerian cardinal’s brother says he could have chosen any career path
Around their hometown of Kabba in the state of Kogi, Nigeria, Michael Onaiyekan is known these days not by his own name but as “aburo cardinal,” or brother of the cardinal. He chuckles to consider — but doesn’t dismiss — the notion that within a few weeks his name in Kabba might, just might, become “aburo pope,” brother of the pope.
Pope Benedict prompted ecumenical friendships even as dialogue slowed
Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate was marked by strong ties of friendship and esteem with the leaders of the world’s Orthodox and Anglican Christians, but his papacy also coincided with a difficult time in the search for full Christian unity.
New York’s Cardinal Dolan: Happy warrior of the new evangelization
Popes are elected by members of the College of Cardinals, not by the general Catholic population and certainly not by the media. Yet Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan’s presence on practically every journalist’s list of potential next popes bespeaks a real and important influence among his peers.
Curial reform ‘reasonable priority’ to help new pope, says US prelate
Since Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation Feb. 11, various commentators on church affairs — and also some church leaders — said that reforming the Roman Curia needs to be a priority of the next pontiff.
