(Perspectives Weekly: Catholic Update with John Thavis premiered Friday, May 6th on S+L TV.) Things are always happening at the Vatican and throughout the Catholic world that warrant discussion and analysis.  One of the most widely respected commentators or “Vaticanistas” is John Thavis, former Rome Bureau Chief for Catholic News Service.   Thavis retired from his CNS position in 2012 to devote himself full time to writing.  His 2013 book “The Vatican Diaries” became a New York Times best-seller.  His latest book, “The Vatican Prophecies” investigates supernatural signs, apparitions, and miracles in the modern age.  But his popular writing hasn’t removed him completely from the Catholic news scene.  In this episode of Perspectives: The Weekly Edition, guest-hosted by Sebastian Gomes, Thavis analyzes some important current events in the life of the Catholic Church with clarity and objectivity typical of his renowned journalistic career.  Topics discussed include: Pope Francis’ recent exhortation on the family (Amoris Laetitia), Francis’ solidarity visit to the refugees in Lesbos, Greece, Bernie Sanders’ surprise invitation to the Vatican and implications of the US presidential campaign for the Church.