Free Republic

EXCLUSIVE: Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong is challenging the decision—communicated to the Cardinals in a letter earlier today—to hold the first meeting of the General Congregations of the College of Cardinals tomorrow morning (Tuesday, April 22) at 9am at the Vatican. His short statement, just sent to me for immediate release, states: “Cardinal Zen would like to know why the first session of the General Congregations has to start so early. How are the old men from the peripheries supposed to arrive on time? There is the kind word [in the letter] reminding them that they are not obliged...

Cardinals will gather in Rome to elect successor to Pope FrancisHe was the great disruptor to some and the radical modernizer the Roman Catholic Church desperately needed to others. The remarkable — and at times turbulent — 12-year papacy of Pope Francis, who died Monday, was marked by ambitious reforms, internal division and global controversy. In the coming days, cardinals from every corner of the Catholic world will begin the process of electing a successor. In the Sistine Chapel, under the magnificent Last Judgment painted by Michelangelo half a millennia ago, 137 cardinal electors will convene and begin casting their...

With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is preparing for a transition that will determine its direction for the foreseeable future. As the first Latin American pope, Francis brought significant change as Bishop of Rome, focusing on social justice, environmental issues and a more inclusive Church. Now, the College of Cardinals prepares to gather at the Vatican for a conclave that will shape the Church's future. Their choice won't just name the next leader of 1.37 billion Catholics—it will set the course for doctrine, transparency and the Church's outreach to its flock. Will the next...

ROME, February 14, 2013 – On the evening of an unremarkable Thursday in Lent, at 8 p.m. on February 28, Joseph Ratzinger will take the step that none of his predecessors had dared to take. He will place upon the throne of Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Which another will be called to take up. There is the power of a revolution in this action that has no equal even in centuries long ago. From that point on, the Church enters into unknown territory. It will have to elect a new pope while his predecessor is...

On Feb. 10, the world was shocked to hear that Pope Benedict would step down from his Papal office on Feb. 28, and become the first leader of the Catholic church to resign from office in over 500 years. However, speculation for his replacement is already under way, and the front runner to become the next Pope has strong ties to the creation of a global economic system, as well as being a prime candidate to an ancient Catholic prophecy suggesting he would help lead the world into a new order. “The front runner to be the next pope...

ROME — A day after Pope Benedict XVI stunned Roman Catholics by announcing that he would resign at the end of the month, the Vatican disclosed new details about his physical well-being on Tuesday, saying he had been fitted with a heart pacemaker a decade ago but that had not influenced his decision to become the first pope in almost 600 years to step down. The disclosure about the device, whose existence was not widely known, came as the Vatican grappled with a series of logistical questions raised by a decision that gave Benedict just 17 days to wind up...