Was Shakespeare a Catholic? Vatican newspaper says Yes

CWN - November 18, 2011

The Vatican newspaper has entered into a lively literary debate, saying that the works of William Shakespeare show that the author was a Catholic.

L’Osservatore Romano reviewed a new film, Anonymous, which examines the popular theory that the works of Shakespeare were actually penned by the Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. An accompanying article, citing many references to Catholic thought within the plays, concludes: “His identity may be open to discussion but not his faith.”

L'Osservatore notes that because of fierce anti-Catholic persecution, Shakespeare was forced to conceal his religious beliefs. Although the historical William Shakespeare was duly registered in an Anglican parish, the report notes that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, agrees that the author of the plays was "probably" a Catholic.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($34,725 to go):
$80,000.00 $45,274.82
43% 57%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 1 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: thyorison9036 - Nov. 19, 2011 6:42 AM ET USA

    Gertrude is definitely an allusion to St Gertrude of Nivelles, patron saint of mentally ill people (especially those with a rat phobia), travellers, pilgrims, souls in purgatory, and graves. Please see http://www.thyorisons.com/#Gertrude_Garden (Gertrude in the Garden) and http://www.thyorisons.com/#Rebirth (The Rebirth of Hamlet)

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child 14 hours ago
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood 18 hours ago
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8