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Does Pope Leo XIV represent continuity or change?
From Rome Fr Benedict Kiely and Damian Thompson react to the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the successor to Pope Francis. The first American…
1 year, 2 months ago
Conclave: who is likely to succeed Francis?
The papal conclave is due to begin on Wednesday 7 May to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
As host Damian Thompson says, Rome – and the entire Church…
1 year, 2 months ago
What can we expect from the papal conclave?
Earlier this year Dr Kurt Martens, Professor of Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, joined Damian Thompson on Holy Smoke to unpack what …
1 year, 2 months ago
Pope Francis dies – what will his legacy be?
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died.
The Argentinian, the first Latin American – and the first Jesuit – to lead the Church, …
1 year, 3 months ago
Easter special: in praise of faithful dissent, a conversation with Nigel Biggar and Mary Wakefield
The Easter issue of the Spectator includes two provocative articles exploring aspects of Christianity.
Nigel Biggar, Regius professor emeritus of mor…
1 year, 3 months ago
Was Simeon of Jerusalem the first Christian in recorded history?
In Luke's Gospel, an ancient inhabitant of Jerusalem named Simeon meets Mary and Joseph when they bring Jesus to be presented at the Temple on the 40…
1 year, 3 months ago
The tin ear of Justin Welby
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is back in the news following his interview this week with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. The intervi…
1 year, 3 months ago
A sick Pope and a paralysed Vatican: who is actually running the Catholic Church?
A greatly enfeebled Pope Francis is now living in enforced isolation in a suite at his Santa Marta residence that has been converted into hospital ac…
1 year, 3 months ago
Christianity, culture wars and J.D. Vance: a conversation with James Orr
James Orr was living the life of a young, high-flying lawyer when, after a few drinks at a New Year's Eve party, he asked for signs that God existed.…
1 year, 4 months ago
Conclave – what really happens when a pope dies?
The film Conclave has picked up a host of awards across all the major ceremonies so far, including at the Screen Actors Guild, the Golden Globes, and…
1 year, 4 months ago