Pope Bringing Baggage to the Holy Land

Staff / Truthdig May 5, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI is heading for Jerusalem soon as part of his tour of the Holy Land, and although he occupies the same vaunted position as his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict's own history, along with that of the church, carries a charge that could present challenges during his visit. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Obstinance Only

Mike Luckovich / Truthdig Mar 23, 2009 Dig deeper

Pope Admits Vatican’s Mistake in Holocaust Controversy

Staff / Truthdig Mar 14, 2009 The Vatican is about to become a more Web-savvy institution, according to Benedict XVI. The pope issued a public statement Friday acknowledging that the Holy See failed to investigate the background of Holocaust-denying British Bishop Richard Williamson before formally welcoming him back into the Church's good graces in January. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

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 )

‘Holocaust Bishop’ Ordered to Recant

Staff / Truthdig Feb 4, 2009 With a media-dubbed moniker that doesn't look good for either party, the "Holocaust Bishop" -- a British bishop recently un-excommunicated by the pope -- is being told by the Vatican to recant his views after news broke that he "believe[s] there were no gas chambers [during World War II]." 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 )

Pope: Homosexuality Is Unnatural

Staff / Truthdig Dec 23, 2008 Pope Benedict XVI on Monday called for the protection of traditional heterosexuality, comparing the Catholic church's role in defending the family to saving the rain forests. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.S. Refuses to Back U.N. Gay Rights Measure

Staff / Truthdig Dec 19, 2008 The issue of gay rights was not just front-and-center on a national scale in news and politics this week; it was also a topic of concern for the United Nations General Assembly. Unfortunately, the U.S. didn't exactly blaze the trail for civil rights in that arena either. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Satirist Finds the Pope Is Off-Limits

Staff / Truthdig Sep 12, 2008 Jokes about religion often play with the boundaries of tolerance and taste, but they don't always carry the consequences that Sabina Guzzanti now faces. The Italian actress could go to jail for upsetting the powers that be with a satirical zinger about the pope and two gay devils. Dig deeper

‘Angels and Demons’ Not Welcome at the Vatican

Staff / Truthdig Jun 17, 2008 It would appear that the pope is not a Dan Brown fan. The Vatican has refused to allow star Tom Hanks and director Ron Howard to film scenes from author Brown's "Da Vinci Code" prequel, "Angels and Demons," on its holy territory. 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 )

We May Not Be Alone, Says Vatican

Staff / Truthdig May 14, 2008 The pope's chief astronomer has written an article in the Vatican newspaper that argues that intelligent beings "created by God could exist in outer space." The article, "Aliens Are My Brother," is likely a move by the Vatican to strengthen its scientific credentials, bringing science and religion closer while maintaining papal control over the entire universe. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )