Catholic News

Tip O’Neill, U.S. Speaker from the Reagan-era, once said that “all politics is local.” It may also be said that the experience of the Church is local, but there is much more to the Catholic Church. A universal, worldwide Church is a big Church. Most Catholics experience living the faith in their homes and at their local parishes.

By Emily Woodham Staff Writer Editor’s note: The following is a first-person account of ICR staff writer Emily Woodham’s recent trip to the Vatican. Sunlight broke through billowing gray clouds as icy winds blew through St. Peter’s Square on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 26. Tens of thousands of people from around the world streamed in through the Vatican security lines to see Pope Leo XIV in Pope Leo XIV waves from his popemobile. (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) a general audienc

Cindy Wooden started her journalism career at the Idaho Catholic Register. Her career took her to Rome more than 30 years ago, where she is now Rome Bureau Chief for Catholic News Service.