Vatican

Interview

Papacy in Transition

James P. McCartin interviewed by Bernard Gwertzman

The surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has given rise to speculations that the next pontiff to lead the Catholic Church will hail from the developing world, says expert James P. McCartin.

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Backgrounder

U.S.-Vatican Relations

Authors: Lee Hudson Teslik and Toni Johnson

U.S.-Vatican relations remain uneven following Joseph Ratzinger's accession as Pope Benedict XVI, particularly as the Obama administration pursues a more liberal social agenda.

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Analysis Brief

Putting out Papal Fires

Author: Lee Hudson Teslik

The Vatican’s sale of centuries-old documents detailing the demise of the Knights Templar comes alongside broader public policy initiatives of the Holy See.

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Analysis Brief

The Pope and Islam

The pope infuriated Muslims worldwide with remarks suggesting Islam lacked a basis in "reason." On Sunday he offered a rare apology, but some Islamic groups are skeptical and protests continue in several Muslim countries.

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