The Holy See, lacking a territorial agenda, plays a unique role around the world today, and its diplomacy remains as relevant to humanity in the 21st century as it has been in the past.
After Pope John XXIII died, Paul VI used three encyclical letters to defeat the conciliarism of Vatican II, and advance papal absolutism in areas like indulgences, celibacy, and birth control.
Pope Francis resembles Pope John XXIII more than any other pope of the past 50 years, and signs are positive he will be a shining example for interreligious dialogue and social justice.
In his actions on the world stage the conservatism of Pope Francis will overshadow his radicalism, but he has shown a radical side by taking the name of St. Francis of Assisi.
Catholicism is comprised of two churches—a church of doctrines and a church of devotion—and Benedict XVI’s resignation may prove to be the most significant event in the struggle between the two.
The election of Pope Francis is obviously significant for millions of Roman Catholics all over the world, but its importance for international relations is not immediately apparent.
It is important to understand the larger issues implicit within the controversy caused by Pius XII’s failure to condemn the Holocaust, such as the ongoing search for identity in the Church.
The global revelations about the inadequate response by the Catholic hierarchy to sexual abuse of children by clergy is a wake-up call for everyone. When the largest church in the world harbors child predators as the hierarchy has, it is a strong signal that children are at risk in all circumstances. They are.
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