Pope Says Capitalism Is Failing

Staff / Truthdig Jul 8, 2009 In the spirit of the poignant critiques of capitalism made popular by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI has written a scathing letter just in time for the capitalist G-8 economic summit in Italy that demands we find a "profoundly new way of understanding business enterprise." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope’s Nazi Ties Questioned — Again

Staff / Truthdig May 13, 2009 It was just the second day of his Holy Land Tour 2009, but unsurprisingly, the presence of Pope Benedict XVI in Israel stirred up more static on Tuesday -- this time over his personal wartime history. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope Bringing Baggage to the Holy Land

Staff / Truthdig May 5, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI is heading for Jerusalem soon as part of his tour of the Holy Land, and although he occupies the same vaunted position as his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict's own history, along with that of the church, carries a charge that could present challenges during his visit. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope: Condoms Don’t Help in Fight Against AIDS

Staff / Truthdig Mar 18, 2009 On his way to his first visit to Africa, Pope Benedict XVI told attendant members of the press that he believes encouraging condom use not only doesn't help in the fight against AIDS, but actually worsens the situation. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope: Homosexuality Is Unnatural

Staff / Truthdig Dec 23, 2008 Pope Benedict XVI on Monday called for the protection of traditional heterosexuality, comparing the Catholic church's role in defending the family to saving the rain forests. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Satirist Finds the Pope Is Off-Limits

Staff / Truthdig Sep 12, 2008 Jokes about religion often play with the boundaries of tolerance and taste, but they don't always carry the consequences that Sabina Guzzanti now faces. The Italian actress could go to jail for upsetting the powers that be with a satirical zinger about the pope and two gay devils. Dig deeper

Pope: ‘Insatiable Consumption’ Depleting Earth’s Resources

Staff / Truthdig Jul 18, 2008 Pope Benedict XVI hit a green note Thursday, pontificating (har har) about the environment to a crowd of pilgrims at the Roman Catholic Church's youth festival in Sydney, Australia, and making good on his eco-friendly nickname, "the green pope." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Benedict’s Discomforting Message

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Apr 18, 2008 The pope came to the U.S. as a quiet but forceful critic of "an increasingly secular and materialistic culture." Almost any American who paid attention to his sermon Thursday had to be uncomfortable because all of us are shaped by the very forces he was criticizing. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

‘Daily Show’: Dubya Meets ‘Legs Benedict’

Staff / Truthdig Apr 18, 2008 In this "Daily Show" special feature, "Blessed Week Ever," Jon Stewart surveys the American media's scintillating coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit, from brilliant observations about the pope's "gentle" ways to the glory of his White House visit, and offers his own take on just what President Bush might have said upon first meeting the pontiff. Popemania! Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope Preaches About America’s Hope and Pain

Staff / Truthdig Apr 17, 2008 Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass Thursday in a venue different from his customary surroundings, leading a service at the Washington Nationals baseball stadium on the latest stop of his American tour. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Coming to America

Staff / Truthdig Apr 15, 2008 The pope is set to land Tuesday for a whirlwind visit to America, his first since assuming the mantle of the Roman Catholic Church. A spokesman has indicated that Benedict XVI will address the church's sex abuse scandal, a topic around which protests are expected. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Pope Goes Green for Christmas

Staff / Truthdig Dec 25, 2007 During his midnight Christmas mass at the Vatican on Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI paid special attention to what he called the "ill-treated world" and our "selfish and reckless exploitation" of energy. He's not just all talk: it turns out the Vatican bought carbon credits this holiday season to offset emissions. It's just a little present to the world from the biggest little city in Italy. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )