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Voices
Gerard O’Connell

Gerard O’Connell is America’s Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.

@gerryorome
Articles by Gerard O’Connell
Pope Francis touches a statue of Mary and Jesus after crowning it during Mass at Lobito beach in Iquique, Chile, Jan. 18. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
FaithVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis establishes a universal feast day for Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Church
Gerard O’Connell
The Memorial will celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost in churches throughout the world.
rchbishop Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, speaks at a news conference to present the document "Placuit Deo" at the Vatican March 1 (CNS photo/Paul Haring).
FaithVatican Dispatch
Vatican congregation rejects modern forms of old heresies
Gerard O’Connell
Today’s letter reflects a somewhat different style and spirit than Benedict XVI’s “Dominus Iesus.”
Politics & SocietyNews
Pope calls for immediate end to the violence in Syria
Gerard O’Connell
February has been one of the most violent months in the seven years of conflict.
Asia Bibi's husband and her daughter Eisham arrive in the Vatican prior to a private meeting with Pope Francis. (Credit: Vatican News)
Politics & SocietyNews
Pope Francis prays with victims of religious persecution
Gerard O’Connell
The pope said Rebecca Bitrus and Asia Bibi are models for a society that today has ever more fear of suffering.
Faith
Pope Francis revives lapsed commission on sex abuse
Gerard O’Connell
Pope Francis has appointed 16 members (eight men and eight women) to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
FaithVatican Dispatch
Facing criticism on handling of sex abuse, Pope Francis reveals he meets victims regularly
Gerard O’Connell
Pope Francis “normally” meets with victims of abuse on Fridays, and “sometimes this is known and sometimes it is not known.”
Politics & SocietyVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis, U.S. bishops offer prayers after another act of “horrifying evil” in Florida school shooting
Gerard O’Connell
“With God’s help, we can remain strong and resolute to resist evil in all its manifestations.”
FaithVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis sees hope for peace in North and South Korea’s Olympic collaboration
Gerard O’Connell
This makes one hope for a world in which conflicts are resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual respect, as sport also teaches.
Pope Francis talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a private meeting Feb. 5 at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Alessandro Di Meo via Reuters)
FaithVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis and Turkey’s President Erdoğan discuss refugee issues, status of Jerusalem
Gerard O’Connell
In the period in between their two meetings, the Turkish leader squashed a weak attempt at a coup and has imprisoned thousands of opponents.
FaithVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis calls for day of prayer and fasting for peace, especially for the DRC and South Sudan
Gerard O’Connell

Pope Francis has called for a "special day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world" on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, particularly for peace in the conflict-stricken nations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. He invited Catholics and other Christians as well as followers of other religions and people of good will to join in this event.