VIEWS

There comes a time in the life of every parent of a teenager or college student that you have The Discussion. High school and college-age kids — even the nicest of them — will at eventually come smack up against a parent’s prohibitions.

An hour after the white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the world learned the name of the man who was elected to be the 265th successor to St. Peter: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Jesuit cardinal of Buenos Aires. He chose the name Francis.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was the obvious, leading candidate to succeed John Paul II. There is no such clear frontrunner in 2013.

My nephew with a masters in theology from a Catholic university and I were trying our best to have a meaningful discussion while fishing. Which is harder than you might think when they’re biting.

Joseph Ratzinger proved himself a man of surprises. What did he accomplish, and what was left undone, over a pontificate of almost eight years?

Editor’s Note: On the occasion of the Year of Faith, the following is the second in a series of “letters” from a demonic supervisor...

There’s a peace that comes over you when you’ve made your peace with God — a peace that the world cannot destroy.

Adult converts to the faith like my own father can often tell you an exact time when they heard God’s call to follow Him, and how it brought such wondrous changes for good.

Known for his surprises, nobody saw Pope Benedict's resignation coming.

With filial affection and deep gratitude, I greet you in my own name and the name of my Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares and all the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Phoenix, and I assure you of our best wishes and prayers as you prepare for retirement from the duties of the Petrine ministry.