‘America’ is covering its 10th papal conclave this week—and while the technology has changed, the content remains much the same.
James T. Keane
James T. Keane is a Senior Editor at America.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
The history of the Sistine Chapel—where cardinals will choose the next pope
The papal conclave will take place as usual in the hallowed space of the Sistine Chapel. What is the history of this famous church and its artistic treasures?
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Remembering Peru’s literary master, Mario Vargas Llosa
Mario Vargas Llosa’s long literary life established him as a monumental figure in Spanish-language literature and Latin American history.
![20160811T1325-1001-CNS-POPE-SYRIAN-REFUGEES [web]](https://i0.wp.com/www.americamagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20160811T1325-1001-CNS-POPE-SYRIAN-REFUGEES-web.jpg-388895.jpg?resize=770%2C480&ssl=1)
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Pope Francis the bookworm
Pope Francis was a great lover of literature: He peppered his homilies, talks and even encyclicals with literary references from Dostoyevsky, Proust, Hopkins, Dante and more, and he also encouraged his flock to read broadly and often.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
‘The Great Gatsby’ got a bad review in America. A century later, how do we see F. Scott Fitzgerald?
F. Scott Fitzgerald was not a favorite of America’s editors for many years, but they all read ‘Gatsby.’ Everyone reads ‘Gatsby.’
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Why the Council of Nicaea still matters—1,700 years later
What happened at Nicaea in A.D. 325? And why is that still so important for Christian churches today?
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Seven decades in the classroom: The teaching legacy of Ladislas Orsy, S.J.
In a long life as a priest, teacher and scholar, Ladislas Orsy, S.J., left an impressive legacy at his death last week at the age of 103.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
Here’s to all the Shadrachs, Meshachs and Abednegos
A Reflection for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent, by James T. Keane
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
‘Only baseball and love are eternal.’ Reflections on our national pastime
Sports hasn’t always been the most popular topic among America’s editors and contributors—unless it was the Grand Old Game, baseball.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
Is it enough to just be a good person?
A Reflection for Friday of the Third Week of Lent, by James T. Keane