Ross Douthat and Austen Ivereigh, two of the most prominent commentators on 21st century Catholicism, shared a stage for the first time to engage in a high-level conversation on the Francis papacy.
Pope Francis
In-Flight Wedding on Papal Plane Met All Requirements
When Pope Francis convalidated the marriage of two flight attendants in the air, the story sent waves of turbulence through the Catholic blogosphere, but the Holy Father did not make the decision on the fly.
Pope to Investigate Chilean Bishop
Pope Francis asked a longtime expert in handling abuse allegations to gather new information in Chile concerning Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno.
Pope Apologizes for Word Choice on Sex Abuse Crisis
Pope Francis apologized to victims of clergy sex abuse, saying he unknowingly wounded them by the way he defended a Chilean bishop accused of covering up abuse by his mentor.
The Pope In Chile
Photos from Pope Francis’ trip to Chile
The Pope In Peru
Photos of Pope Francis’ trip to Peru
Pope Touched All Bases in Chile, Peru
Pope Francis tackled politically charged issues during his weeklong visit to Chile and Peru, decrying human trafficking, environmental destruction, corruption and organized crime in speeches before audiences that included political leaders.
In-Flight Nuptials: Pope Didn’t Glide Over Church Requirements
Pope Francis’ decision to convalidate the marriage of two flight attendants in the air sent waves of turbulence through the Catholic blogosphere, where respected canon lawyers and pastors raised serious questions about the pope sending a message that marriage wasn’t so serious.
Pope Francis Defends Airborne Wedding, Insisting the Couple Was Ready
Pope Francis has defended his decision to perform an airborne wedding while flying over Chile, saying the two flight attendants were properly prepared for the sacrament and that refusing them might have meant they would never get around to being married in the Church.
Pope Francis Regrets Word Choice on Abuse in Chile, but Stands by Contested Bishop
Returning to Rome from a sometimes contentious six-day trip to Latin America, Pope Francis said he regretted the language he used along the way regarding sexual abuse victims who have accused a Chilean bishop of covering up their abuse, but did not back down from his support for that bishop.