Author Archives: John Thavis

Bishop Zavala resigns after disclosing he is father of two children

Posted on January 4, 2012 by John Thavis

Bishop Gabino Zavala (CNS photo/Bob Roller) Click here for updated story. VATICAN CITY — Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala has resigned after disclosing to superiors that he was the father of two children. The Vatican announced the bishop’s resignation … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS | 46 Comments

He knew the importance of words

Posted on December 13, 2011 by John Thavis

VATICAN CITY — I first met Cardinal John Foley on the tarmac of Andrews Air Force Base in March 1984. Of course, he wasn’t a cardinal then. He was editor of The Catholic Standard and Times, the newspaper of the … Continue reading →

Posted in clients, CNS, Vatican | 1 Comment

Archbishop Dolan to Pope Benedict: Grace and mercy still abound

Posted on November 28, 2011 by John Thavis

ROME — Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York addressed Pope Benedict Saturday on behalf of the bishops of New York state, telling the pope that God’s grace and mercy are as abundant among Catholics today as they were in … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS, Vatican | 14 Comments

Vatican will welcome Christmas with carols this year

Posted on November 28, 2011 by John Thavis

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is planning to sing its way into the Christmas season this year, with a chorus and orchestra leading Christmas carols at the annual unveiling of its Nativity scene. The hour-long evening ceremony Dec. 24 will … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS | Comments Off

U.S. priest at doctrinal congregation named new nuncio to Ireland

Posted on November 26, 2011 by John Thavis

VATICAN CITY — It’s official: as reported by the Irish press two days ago, Pope Benedict XVI has named U.S. Msgr. Charles J. Brown, a longtime official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as the new apostolic … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS | 1 Comment

Addressing U.S. bishops, pope defends church’s response to sex abuse crisis

Posted on November 26, 2011 by John Thavis

VATICAN CITY — In a speech today to U.S. bishops, Pope Benedict XVI defended the church’s “honest efforts” to confront the priestly sex abuse scandal with transparency, and said its actions could help the rest of society respond to the … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS | 3 Comments

Did Cardinal Bertone really ‘disown’ the document on economic reform?

Posted on November 11, 2011 by John Thavis

UPDATED Monday, Nov. 14: Vatican Secretariat of State reviewed and corrected the document ahead of publication; see sixth paragraph below. VATICAN CITY — Our Italian colleague Sandro Magister, usually an insightful commentator on all things Vatican, stirred things up with … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS | 13 Comments

Vatican calls for global authority on economic issues

Posted on October 24, 2011 by John Thavis

UPDATED STORY: Vatican document calls for global authority to regulate markets VATICAN CITY — A Vatican document called for the gradual creation of a “world political authority” with broad powers to regulate financial markets and rein in the “inequalities and distortions … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS, Vatican | 11 Comments

Pope, on plane to Germany, says abuse scandal has driven some from church

Posted on September 22, 2011 by John Thavis

ON THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO GERMANY — Pope Benedict XVI met with reporters this morning aboard the papal plane to Germany. He answered four questions: one in German and three in Italian. The pope was asked about the number of … Continue reading →

Posted in CNS, papal trip, sex abuse | 5 Comments

Tough Vatican statement on illegitimate Chinese ordination

Posted on July 4, 2011 by John Thavis

UPDATE: Vatican condemns illegitimate ordination of bishop in China VATICAN CITY — The Vatican today issued a tough statement on the recent ordination of a Chinese bishop without papal approval, saying the prelate has no right to govern the diocese. … Continue reading →