Catholic Studies publication

In the silence of Holy Saturday, the Church ponders the good news that some considered a folly and others a stumbling block, but that nonetheless changed the world.

Drawing on thirty years of experience throughout the Catholic world, from its humblest parishes to its highest levels of authority, EPPC Distinguished Senior Fellow George Weigel proposes a deepening of faith-based and mission-driven Catholic reform that touches every facet of Catholic life.

Pope Francis’s acceptance of the cross that is the papacy was an act of humble obedience by a man who had bent his will to the divine will for over a half-century.

St. Francis of Assisi was uncompromising in his love for the poor. He was equally uncompromising in his fidelity to the Church in all her teachings. Expect the same from Pope Francis.

The Church’s concern for the environment extends beyond the usual “green” issues to our own human nature. When we misunderstand creation, we misunderstand both God (who is Creator) and man (who is part of creation).

Those who want the Gospel to shape the world will be supported by the new pontiff.

EPPC Distinguished Senior Fellow George Weigel spoke to Catholic News Service about the challenges of the Catholic Church in Latin America weeks before the election of an Argentine pope.

EPPC Distinguished Senior Fellow, George Weigel recently discussed his new book, the future of the church, and the challenges facing a new pope with author, journalist, commentator and Catholic scholar Michael Novak.

A commitment to doctrinal orthodoxy and a commitment to social justice and serving the true needs of the poor are often mistaken for contradictory goals. In truth, each is the necessary condition of the other, and Pope Francis is a man who embodies both.

Pope Francis is a keenly intelligent, deeply holy, humble, and shrewd man of the Gospel. He knows that he has been elected as a reformer, and the reforms he will implement are the reforms that will advance the New Evangelization. The rest is detail: important detail, to be sure, but still detail.

There are unique dynamics shaping the 2013 conclave–and, ultimately, the selection of the next bishop of Rome.

Things happen inside conclaves, away from the world and the buzz, that can shape papal elections–and pontificates–in surprising ways. The conclave of 2013 has its own unique framework, within which those unexpected intra-conclave dynamics will emerge and play themselves out.