Holocaust-Denying Bishop’s Apology Falls Flat at Vatican

Staff / Truthdig Feb 28, 2009 The powers that be at the Vatican (at least the earthly variety) are even more upset with Bishop Richard Williamson now that he has apologized. After drawing outrage last month when he claimed that no Jews died in gas chambers during the Holocaust, he made an apology this week. The papacy found it inadequate, to say the least. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jewish Council Splits With Vatican Over Holocaust Denials

Staff / Truthdig Jan 30, 2009 The Central Council of Jews in Germany has come to an impasse with the Roman Catholic Church after Pope Benedict XVI reintegrated four bishops into the Vatican's fold, including British cleric Richard Williamson, who has taken a revisionist stance on the Holocaust in recent public statements. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Our Lady of the Immaculate Musical

Staff / Truthdig Jun 11, 2008 The Virgin Mary is becoming a stage diva, and she's counting Pope Benedict XVI as one of her biggest fans. A pope-endorsed musical, "Mary of Nazareth," is about to debut at the Vatican's own concert hall later this month. By definition, this'll hardly be a racy production, but -- bonus! -- Alma Manera, the performer picked to play Jesus' mother, was once a Miss Italia contestant! Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

A Papal Primer on Global Diplomacy

Staff / Truthdig Apr 19, 2008 Pope Benedict XVI's latest major stop on his U.S. tour took him to the United Nations, where he held forth about the need to prioritize human rights for all and pointed out how the majority of power to impact global events still remains in the hands of very few key players. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope: Only Catholics Go to ‘Church’

Staff / Truthdig Jul 11, 2007 In a move that strikes some as proprietary ecclesiastical politics, the Vatican released a statement Tuesday claiming that the Catholic Church is the only Christian organization eligible to use the term church to describe itself. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope Assails World Leaders Who Lie

Staff / Truthdig Jan 4, 2006 Pope Benedict XVI, in his World Day of Peace speech Jan. 1, had more than a few choice words for world leaders who use lies to incite their citizens towards violence. more (hat tip: Stephen Rivers) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )