Opinion | Pope Leo XIV May Be a Stern Teacher for American Catholics

Opinion | Pope Leo XIV May Be a Stern Teacher for American Catholics

As a Jesuit, I felt sure 12 years ago that there was no real chance the cardinals would elect a Jesuit pope. As an American, I felt sure six days ago that there was no real chance they would elect someone from the United States. Today, I am overjoyed at having a terrible track record … Read more

Decoding the Vatican: Key Terms in the Papal Transition

Decoding the Vatican: Key Terms in the Papal Transition

The transition from one pope to the next can be a mystifying time for those who aren’t familiar with the workings of the Roman Catholic Church — and even to some who are. The process is governed by centuries-old rules and traditions that come with their own vocabulary, much of it in Latin. The election … Read more