VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter

John L. Allen Jr. | Jul. 19, 2013

ROME Let’s be clear: Francis’ first overseas trip July 22-29 to Brazil for World Youth Day almost certainly will be perceived as a runaway hit. He’ll likely draw large and enthusiastic crowds, his freewheeling and warm style should play as well on the road as it does in Rome, and his palpable concern for the poor should strike deep chords in a society where social justice is an idée fixe.

Moreover, amid a summer of discontent, Brazilians seem hungry for a good story to tell about themselves. When the final word is in, the dominant headline will probably be something like: “Francis brings peace and wins hearts.”

More problems within the Vatican bank

A nasty war of words erupted Friday in Rome in the wake of an explosive piece in the newsmagazine L’Espresso, charging that…