John L. Allen Jr. was staff writer, Vatican correspondent and senior correspondent for NCR from 1997 until 2014 when he joined Cruxnow.org. 

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Women; the old guard; pope v. pope; graffiti; and All Things Catholic

All Things Catholic: When Pope Francis says he wants a greater role for women, his ideas seem to have little to do with office-holding of any sort.

Francis taps reformer for financial cleanup

John Allen in Rome: Pope Francis has replaced a cardinal who headed the financial watchdog agency launched under Benedict XVI with a bishop associated with reform.

'Francis revolution' rolls on in both symbols and substance

The "Francis revolution" continued in January with personnel shuffles, policy signals and gestures reinforcing the pope's vision of a more merciful church.

Francis puts usury into mix of social justice concerns

John Allen in Rome: It's clear Pope Francis meant what he said about usury during his general audience Wednesday morning.

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