Papacy
Conclave
D.D. Emmons Comments Off on Conclave
Few events on the world stage create more attention than a papal election. People everywhere, Catholic and non-Catholic, are riveted by the news as they watch the Church transition from one Vicar of Christ to another. Everyone waits anxiously for the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel that indicates a new pope has been chosen Read More
Pope Gregory XV (r. 1621-23)
D.D. Emmons Comments Off on Pope Gregory XV (r. 1621-23)
Often slighted by Church historians, Pope Gregory XV, who died 400 years ago this year, had a remarkable reign while on the Chair of Peter. Although he was pope from only 1621 until his death in 1623, the programs he implemented have impacted both the Church and the faithful of every generation. Alessandro Ludovisi, who Read More
In Memoriam: Pope Benedict XVI
D.D. Emmons Comments Off on In Memoriam: Pope Benedict XVI
By the time this article is published, there will have been thousands of such pieces written about Pope Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022. Most of the words will be positive, but there will be writers (and speakers) that attack the man who served as the Roman pontiff for eight years. Some will Read More
Honoring Pope Benedict XVI
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Honoring Pope Benedict XVI
Upon hearing of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, I found myself drawn to praying the Office for the Dead. The antiphon for the Invitatory Psalm states, “Come, let us worship the Lord, all things live for him.” In looking back at the life of this humble servant, it is evident that this man Read More
‘Urbi et Orbi’
D.D. Emmons Comments Off on ‘Urbi et Orbi’
Urbi et orbi is a Latin term meaning to the city (urbi) and to the world (orbi); the term goes back to the Roman Empire. Today, the words describe a rare and solemn blessing issued by the pope. Immediately upon being elected, as well as at the end of his Easter and Christmas messages, the Read More