There may be no more pure and shining symbol of the universal human longing for justice and mercy than the Ladies in White of Cuba. These are the wives, mothers and sisters of imprisoned human rights activists who refuse to accept that in this day…
I can’t help it. When I’m in Washington, D.C., and I walk past a monument to some brave fallen soldiers, a statue of a brave revolutionary war hero, or a momentous sepia toned document, I’m deeply moved. Like any American, I’m proud to be associated…
Yes, the pope believes there’s solid scientific consensus supporting the theory of climate change. In his new encyclical, “Laudato Si,” he covers that in a few terse paragraphs. But the encyclical is so much more than that. It’s beautiful and thought-provoking, coming at the question…
“…my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day … And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! … Sister Moon and the stars … our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us …” Upon his election, Cardinal Bergoglio surprised the world by taking the…
This weekend I met a Spanish missionary who has for the last three years been working in Bolivia, primarily with homeless orphan children and teenagers. We had a fascinating discussion about Pope Francis and his upcoming visit to the United States which helped to clarify…
It’s official! El Papa Francisco will be visiting the United States for the very first time in October 2015. He will be attending the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, which will be a huge rally in support of the family, an institution that has…
Among the wealth of books published about Pope Francis, Catholics are still looking for the ultimate biography. So far, most — if not all — have fallen short. You could say “the ultimate” biography will only be written when his pontificate is completed. But a…
Gay people have “gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community,” according to a Vatican report released Monday that stunned both LGBT advocates and traditional marriage proponents with its “welcoming” language. The report, a midterm summary of this month’s Extraordinary Synod of Bishops, stopped…
Pope Francis will be making his first visit to the U.S. next year. He’ll be attending a big convocation in Philadelphia. Go to www.worldmeeting2015.org and open the colorful web page announcing the Catholic World Meeting of Families. The theme is “The Family Fully Alive.” And right next…
Pope Francis on Monday pledged zero tolerance and pleaded for forgiveness from a group of sex abuse victims invited to the Vatican. This was the first meeting of its kind during Francis’ papacy, and during his homily the pontiff decried the “toxic” effect that decades…
