http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 26 May 2013 11:43:01 +0200 Sun, 26 May 2013 11:43:01 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-vatican-financial-oversight-director-rene-bruelhart-a-889560.html#ref=rss René Brülhart, 40, has been the director of the Vatican's Financial Information Authority (FIA) for nearly half a year. The Swiss lawyer and former head of Liechtenstein's financial intelligence unit is on a mission to clear the Vatican Bank of all suspicions of money laundering and other illegal financial transactions. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:08:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-vatican-financial-oversight-director-rene-bruelhart-a-889560.html René Brülhart, 40, has been the director of the Vatican's Financial Information Authority (FIA) for nearly half a year. The Swiss lawyer and former head of Liechtenstein's financial intelligence unit is on a mission to clear the Vatican Bank of all suspicions of money laundering and other illegal financial transactions. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/global-hopes-for-catholic-reform-high-with-election-of-pope-francis-a-889459.html#ref=rss There are a number of firsts associated with the election of Pope Francis, including that of shunning some of the pomp of the papacy. But the list of expectations that have been placed on his shoulders is even longer. Will he be able to lead the Catholic Church out of crisis? Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:34:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/global-hopes-for-catholic-reform-high-with-election-of-pope-francis-a-889459.html There are a number of firsts associated with the election of Pope Francis, including that of shunning some of the pomp of the papacy. But the list of expectations that have been placed on his shoulders is even longer. Will he be able to lead the Catholic Church out of crisis?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-pope-francis-must-decentralize-to-strengthen-church-a-889554.html#ref=rss The Catholic Church is out of touch with believers, and risks losing more of the flock if it fails to reform. An important step would be giving national churches more power to suit the needs of their individual congregations. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:02:17 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-pope-francis-must-decentralize-to-strengthen-church-a-889554.html The Catholic Church is out of touch with believers, and risks losing more of the flock if it fails to reform. An important step would be giving national churches more power to suit the needs of their individual congregations. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/a-profile-of-the-saint-who-inspired-pope-francis-a-889156.html#ref=rss At a time when the Catholic Church was sinking into opulence and pomposity, a powerful religious countercurrent formed in the High Middle Ages: beggar-monks like Francis of Assisi, who preached abstinence and humility. A profile of the religious leader who has become the new pope's namesake. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:22:59 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/a-profile-of-the-saint-who-inspired-pope-francis-a-889156.html At a time when the Catholic Church was sinking into opulence and pomposity, a powerful religious countercurrent formed in the High Middle Ages: beggar-monks like Francis of Assisi, who preached abstinence and humility. A profile of the religious leader who has become the new pope's namesake.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/pope-francis-had-dubious-role-in-argentine-military-dictatorship-a-889061.html#ref=rss While much of Argentina celebrates the election of their countryman Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope, others accuse him of having played a dubious role in Argentina's military dictatorship. There are prominent voices on both sides of the debate. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:54:50 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/pope-francis-had-dubious-role-in-argentine-military-dictatorship-a-889061.html While much of Argentina celebrates the election of their countryman Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope, others accuse him of having played a dubious role in Argentina's military dictatorship. There are prominent voices on both sides of the debate.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-review-on-election-of-jorge-mario-bergoglio-as-pope-a-888875.html#ref=rss The Catholic Church has elected its first pope from Latin America, but does that mean that the Vatican is ready to head in a new direction? German editorialists on Thursday hope so. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:38:15 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-review-on-election-of-jorge-mario-bergoglio-as-pope-a-888875.html The Catholic Church has elected its first pope from Latin America, but does that mean that the Vatican is ready to head in a new direction? German editorialists on Thursday hope so.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/argentina-celebrates-choice-of-cardinal-bergoglio-as-pope-francis-a-888838.html#ref=rss Germans went crazy went Joseph Ratzinger was chosen as pope in 2005. On Wednesday, it was Argentina's turn, with crowds gathering at a Buenos Aires cathedral and chanting in celebration. T-shirts bearing the slogan "I come from the end of the earth" appeared almost immediately. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/argentina-celebrates-choice-of-cardinal-bergoglio-as-pope-francis-a-888838.html Germans went crazy went Joseph Ratzinger was chosen as pope in 2005. On Wednesday, it was Argentina's turn, with crowds gathering at a Buenos Aires cathedral and chanting in celebration. T-shirts bearing the slogan "I come from the end of the earth" appeared almost immediately.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/profile-of-new-pope-francis-a-888809.html#ref=rss Few would have predicted it, but Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now pope, and the first South American and Jesuit to hold the office. Although Francis is known as an ascetic, humble intellectual with the courage to decry corruption and poverty, his past is not immaculate. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/profile-of-new-pope-francis-a-888809.html Few would have predicted it, but Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now pope, and the first South American and Jesuit to hold the office. Although Francis is known as an ascetic, humble intellectual with the courage to decry corruption and poverty, his past is not immaculate. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/conclave-elects-jorge-mario-bergoglio-as-266th-pope-a-888750.html#ref=rss Cardinals at the conclave in the Vatican on Wednesday voted to elect the first non-European pope in over 1,000 years. Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina will go by the name of Pope Francis. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:44:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/conclave-elects-jorge-mario-bergoglio-as-266th-pope-a-888750.html Cardinals at the conclave in the Vatican on Wednesday voted to elect the first non-European pope in over 1,000 years. Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina will go by the name of Pope Francis. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/catholic-bishops-in-rome-air-grievances-ahead-of-conclave-a-888357.html#ref=rss As the conclave to select Benedict XVI's successor begins at the Vatican on Tuesday, conservatives and liberals among top Catholic bishops agree: The church needs a renewal. Who should lead that reform, however, is the subject of intense debate. Much dirty laundry has been aired in recent days. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/catholic-bishops-in-rome-air-grievances-ahead-of-conclave-a-888357.html As the conclave to select Benedict XVI's successor begins at the Vatican on Tuesday, conservatives and liberals among top Catholic bishops agree: The church needs a renewal. Who should lead that reform, however, is the subject of intense debate. Much dirty laundry has been aired in recent days.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/profile-of-german-fake-bishop-ralph-napierski-who-snuck-into-vatican-a-887203.html#ref=rss Ralph Napierski is an enigma. The fake bishop who snuck into a meeting of cardinals in the Vatican this week is no stranger to public stunts -- including sex toy advocacy -- but rarely gives interviews. Is he a joker, a church critic or a thwarted cleric? Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:55:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/profile-of-german-fake-bishop-ralph-napierski-who-snuck-into-vatican-a-887203.html Ralph Napierski is an enigma. The fake bishop who snuck into a meeting of cardinals in the Vatican this week is no stranger to public stunts -- including sex toy advocacy -- but rarely gives interviews. Is he a joker, a church critic or a thwarted cleric? ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-imposter-sneaks-into-vatican-as-fake-bishop-a-886950.html#ref=rss German church officials on Tuesday distanced themselves from the man who infiltrated a meeting of cardinals at the Vatican by masquerading as a bishop, saying he can't be trusted. This isn't the first time the self-proclaimed bishop and "Jesus yoga" proponent has caused a kerfuffle. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:36:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-imposter-sneaks-into-vatican-as-fake-bishop-a-886950.html German church officials on Tuesday distanced themselves from the man who infiltrated a meeting of cardinals at the Vatican by masquerading as a bishop, saying he can't be trusted. This isn't the first time the self-proclaimed bishop and "Jesus yoga" proponent has caused a kerfuffle. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/castel-gandolfo-history-of-the-summer-residence-of-the-pope-a-886181.html#ref=rss Pope Benedict has withdrawn to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is chosen. But few know that the papal summer residence of almost 400 years has a curious history, serving as a hideout for Jews, delivery ward and target for paparazzi. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/castel-gandolfo-history-of-the-summer-residence-of-the-pope-a-886181.html Pope Benedict has withdrawn to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is chosen. But few know that the papal summer residence of almost 400 years has a curious history, serving as a hideout for Jews, delivery ward and target for paparazzi.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pope-benedict-xvi-holds-final-audience-at-the-vatican-a-885918.html#ref=rss With over 150,000 spectators at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI held his last general audience, telling followers that his decision to resign from the papacy has filled him with "a profound serenity." Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pope-benedict-xvi-holds-final-audience-at-the-vatican-a-885918.html With over 150,000 spectators at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI held his last general audience, telling followers that his decision to resign from the papacy has filled him with "a profound serenity." ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-catholic-leaders-approve-morning-after-pill-in-rape-cases-a-884982.html#ref=rss In a significant reversal just one month after two Catholic hospitals refused to treat a victim of sexual assault, Germany's bishops on Thursday approved the use of the "morning-after pill" in rape cases. German commentators say the step doesn't go far enough. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:18:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-catholic-leaders-approve-morning-after-pill-in-rape-cases-a-884982.html In a significant reversal just one month after two Catholic hospitals refused to treat a victim of sexual assault, Germany's bishops on Thursday approved the use of the "morning-after pill" in rape cases. German commentators say the step doesn't go far enough.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/catholic-church-searches-for-renewal-and-a-new-pope-a-884043.html#ref=rss With Pope Benedict XVI's resignation drawing closer, the struggle for power in the Vatican has gotten underway in earnest. The church badly needs to reform itself, but with Ratzinger lurking in the shadows, will it be able to? <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/catholic-church-searches-for-renewal-and-a-new-pope-a-884043.html With Pope Benedict XVI's resignation drawing closer, the struggle for power in the Vatican has gotten underway in earnest. The church badly needs to reform itself, but with Ratzinger lurking in the shadows, will it be able to? By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/theologian-hans-kueng-discusses-the-future-of-the-catholic-church-a-884080.html#ref=rss Progressive Catholic theologian Hans Küng, whose authority to teach Catholic theology was rescinded by the Vatican in 1979, spoke to SPIEGEL about the challenges facing the next pope and the need for reform of the Catholic Church. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:40:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/theologian-hans-kueng-discusses-the-future-of-the-catholic-church-a-884080.html Progressive Catholic theologian Hans Küng, whose authority to teach Catholic theology was rescinded by the Vatican in 1979, spoke to SPIEGEL about the challenges facing the next pope and the need for reform of the Catholic Church.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-catholic-and-protestant-churches-sell-off-church-buildings-a-883054.html#ref=rss Dwindling church attendance and dire financial straits are forcing the Catholic and Protestant Churches in Germany to sell off church buildings en masse. Some are demolished, while others are turned into restaurants or indoor rock climbing centers. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:57:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-catholic-and-protestant-churches-sell-off-church-buildings-a-883054.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-say-pope-benedict-failed-to-reform-church-a-882874.html#ref=rss Pope Benedict XVI is nothing if not conservative. He spent the last eight years battling against relativism and individualism -- before breaking with tradition and taking a step that no pope has made for over 700 years. German commentators say his papacy failed to introduce much-needed reforms. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:57:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-say-pope-benedict-failed-to-reform-church-a-882874.html Pope Benedict XVI is nothing if not conservative. He spent the last eight years battling against relativism and individualism -- before breaking with tradition and taking a step that no pope has made for over 700 years. German commentators say his papacy failed to introduce much-needed reforms.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/benedict-resignation-could-be-good-news-for-german-catholics-a-882734.html#ref=rss Germany celebrated when Joseph Ratzinger was chosen pope in 2005. Eight years later, however, many are glad to see him go. He was a deeply polarizing figure in his native country and blocked the Catholic Church from launching a badly needed renewal. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:57:35 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/benedict-resignation-could-be-good-news-for-german-catholics-a-882734.html Germany celebrated when Joseph Ratzinger was chosen pope in 2005. Eight years later, however, many are glad to see him go. He was a deeply polarizing figure in his native country and blocked the Catholic Church from launching a badly needed renewal.]]>