A pontificate begins
VATICAN CITY - Perhaps St. Francis — who wrote poetically of Brother Sun praising God — provided the weather for Pope Francis on the day of his inaugural Mass. After two weeks in Rome where the weather was wet, overcast and dreary, the sun shone brightly on St. Peter’s Square as the Holy Father began his Petrine ministry on March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, patron and protector of the universal Church.
Church of the poor
“Oh, how I wish for a Church that was poor and for the poor!”
Our new Pope is a servant of God unafraid to speak the truth
The Catholic Church teaches that the selection by cardinals of a new pope is guided by the Holy Spirit. Despite this teaching, many pundits (including some Catholics who should know better) prepared lists of favourites, debated frontrunners, discussed the pros and cons of each and sometimes even proposed odds.
- By Ian Hunter
Humility, humour and simple kindness in Francis
Like most everyone, I’ve been fascinated and delighted with the election of Pope Francis. His simple, gracious acts during his first days on the job bode well for the Church.
- By Robert Brehl
Benedict the innovator
Liberals in the Church never warmed to the papacy of Benedict XVI.
Montreal ruling strikes blow for religious freedom
With all eyes fixed on Rome, it’s not surprising that Paula Celani’s moment of victory in a Montreal courtroom has gone almost unheralded.
Whatcott case leaves troubling concerns
The recent Supreme Court of Canada decision in the case of anti-gay advocate Bill Whatcott provided troubling answers to some questions concerning free speech but improved the language of a provincial human rights code and slightly raised the bar for future cases.
Pope Francis
White smoke that billowed March 13 from the Sistine Chapel chimney heralded more than the election of Pope Francis.
Benedict brought back biblical theology
Before we receive a new pope, it is worthwhile to consider the impact of the pontificate itself.
A Lenten message from a mother
March, always a special month, is set to be one to remember this year. Forever a part of Lent and leading up to the holiest days of the year, March can also be a tease for Canadians: warm spring sunshine on the face one day followed by snow and sleet the next.
- By Robert Brehl