World
G-8 disappoints Syrian rebels, makes progress on corporate tax evasion
Leaders of the G-8 agree on a plan to clamp down on money launderers, illegal tax evaders and corporate tax avoiders, while pushing for immediate peace talks on Syria.
Global-related Mar 6, 2013
The Vatican needs a mystic to be the next pope
by Timothy Shriver
There’s no need to rehash the recent disastrous track record of the all-male Roman Catholic hierarchy. The sordid abuse of children by priests, the sinister coverups, the callous treatment of nuns, the deaf ear turned toward Catholics who happen to be gay or divorced ...
Editorial Mar 3, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI bows out
Big problems — from child sex-abuse cases to Vatican politics — probably proved too much for an aging academic theologian like the outgoing pope.
Global-related Feb 27, 2013
Five myths about picking a pope
by Thomas J. Reese
Misconceptions abound about how 117 cardinals, gathering from across the globe inside the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, will elect a new pope next month.
Politics & Diplomacy Feb 26, 2013
For China's Catholics, new pope is a cause for hope
by William Wan
Of the long list of problems the next pope will inherit once the white smoke rises in Rome, few on the diplomatic front can rival the bitter, intractable relationship between the Vatican and the Chinese government. The two powers have long battled for control ...
World Feb 23, 2013
As Africa rises, Europe loses grip on Catholic power base
by Afua Hirsch
The muted light of an African sunset filters into the high, pointed roof of Christ The King church in Accra, a wide, understated building just metres away from the seat of government in Ghana's capital city.
World Feb 22, 2013
Pope considers new election rules and date
Pope Benedict XVI may enact a new law governing the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope amid continued uncertainty over when the voting can begin. The Vatican’s spokesman said Wednesday he didn’t know for sure if the law would address the timing of ...
World Feb 13, 2013
Church scrambles after pope's exit bombshell
Pope Benedict XVI says he will resign this month because of his advancing age in a fast-changing world, becoming the first pontiff in 600 years to step down of his own free will. The 85-year-old said Monday he will step down on Feb. 28 ...
World Feb 13, 2013
Pope leaves legacy of impartial governance
by Jason Horowitz
Yes, Pope Benedict XVI came into the Vatican with the reputation as God’s Rottweiler. Yes, he was an archconservative who seemed to care a lot more about liturgical orthodoxy than the plight of the church’s progressives. Yes, he never escaped the shadow of the ...
World Feb 13, 2013
History has seen popes deposed, flung into jail
Pope Benedict XVI, who stunned the world Monday with the announcement he will resign on Feb. 28 because his age is impairing his ability to govern, is the first pontiff to step down in almost 600 years. In 2,000 years, only one pope has ...