“White Smoke Rising: The Ancient Traditions of Papal Election”
A Close Look at Tradition & Modernity in the Papal Election The papal election has its roots in the early Christian church, when choosing leaders was frequently a group …
Category: Curiosity
“Pope Francis’s Progressive Vision: A Legacy Assessment”
Since being elected in 2013, Pope Francis—who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina—has become a revolutionary figure in the Catholic Church. His progressive outlook during his …
“Social Media and the Papacy: Communication Challenges for the Next Pope”
Social media has become a transformative force in the modern communication landscape, changing the way that people and organizations engage with the public. This digital revolution has affected the …
“Young Catholics and the Papal Transition: What They Hope For”
Young Catholics’ Views on the Importance of the Papal Transition The change of the pope is a historic occasion that has a profound effect on the Catholic community, especially …
“Power Centers in the Vatican: Who Influences a Papal Election”
Many people view the Vatican, the spiritual hub of the Roman Catholic Church & a sovereign city-state, as a stronghold of religious authority. Beneath its calm exterior, though, is …
“Synodality After Francis: The Future of Church Governance”
Derived from the Greek word “synodos,” which means “together on the way,” synodality is a Catholic Church governance model that prioritizes participation & collective discernment among all Church members. …
“How a New Pope Could Reshape Vatican-China Relations”
A thorough examination of the relationship between the Vatican & China The history of the Vatican-China relationship is complicated & begins with the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in China …
“Comparing Conclaves: How Pope Francis’s Election Differed from His Predecessors”
The Importance of Papal Conclaves An important milestone in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, papal conclaves signify the change of leadership in one of the most illustrious …
“Nine Days of Mourning: The Novendiales Tradition After a Pope’s Death”
A Comprehensive Look at the Novendiales Tradition The Roman Catholic Church’s funeral customs and commemoration of death are the foundation of the Novendiales tradition, also known as the nine …
“Cardinals to Watch: The Next Generation of Papal Contenders”
It is possible that a new pope will be elected as the Catholic Church negotiates the challenges of the twenty-first century. Pope Francis, who is currently in office, has …