The pope’s words emphasized his humility and belief that simple acts of devotion could unite the church. His illness has made the appeal more urgent than ever.
Tag: John Paul II
Anxious Prayers as Pope Francis Lingers in Critical Condition
Eleven days after the pope was hospitalized, speculation is mounting and prayers for his recovery verge on a vigil.
Francis Is in the Hospital. What Happens When a Pope Dies?
Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow time for mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.
Wanda Poltawska, 101, Who Forged a Friendship With a Future Pope, Dies
She survived gruesome medical experimentation at the Ravensbrück concentration camp to become a psychiatrist — counseled by the priest who would become John Paul II.
O’Connor Was a Lonely Voice for Change, Until Ireland Changed With Her
Sinead O’Connor shocked her strongly Catholic country when she tore up the pope’s picture. But the Church’s sexual abuse scandals made Ireland more secular, and more understanding of her criticisms.
Polish Leaders Hope Defense of a Dead Pope Propels Them to Re-election
Criticism of John Paul II, the canonized, Polish-born pope who is a national hero, has fueled anger that the governing party wants to turn into votes.
Visiting Congo, Pope Francis Embraces the Poor and Exploited
The Central African country is wracked by war, poverty and environmental plunder — and it may be the future of the Catholic Church.
Benedict’s Death Leaves Catholic Conservatives Bereft
Even after his resignation as pope, traditionalists invoked Benedict’s name and sought to draw him into internecine ideological wars. Now he is gone.
Benedict XVI, First Modern Pope to Resign, Dies at 95
He defined a conservative course for the Roman Catholic Church, but his papacy was noted for his struggle with the clergy sexual abuse scandal and for his unexpected resignation.
Pope Francis Issues New Vatican Constitution
The document stipulates that baptized lay Catholics, including women, can lead departments and increases institutional efforts to protect minors.