What does a leader do with an unexpected second act?
Michael J. O’Loughlin
Michael J. O’Loughlin is national correspondent at America and author of Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
For L.G.B.T. Catholics, Pope Francis’ civil unions remarks matter—even if church teaching hasn’t changed
For gay Catholics who remember the dark days of the AIDS epidemic, when their friends and partners were shunned by families and church leaders, the pope’s words may strike a strong emotional chord.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Where homosexuality is still illegal, Pope Francis has thrown a lifeline to L.G.B.T. Catholics
“It definitely will save lives, especially in countries where there is active persecution of L.G.B.T.Q. people.”
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Pope Francis declares support for same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope
Gay couples deserve legal protections for their relationships, Pope Francis said in a new documentary.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Sister Simone Campbell, of ‘Nuns on the Bus’ fame, to step down as head of Network
Sister Campbell, the social justice activist made famous by headlining “Nuns on the Bus” tours, announced she will step down from her post leading Network Lobby this March.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
New poll: Support for Donald Trump takes a hit among white Catholics
Just three weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 election, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. leads among Catholic voters in the United States.
Posted inFaith, Interviews
Some Catholics took glee in Trump’s Covid diagnosis. Do they need to go to confession?
More than a few people struggled with uncharitable feelings about the president’s illness. How should Christians deal with schadenfreude?
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Hours before Trump’s positive Covid test, candidates stay somber at virtual Al Smith Dinner
Though the fundraising dinner normally serves as an opportunity for candidates to employ self-deprecating humor and take a break from the intensity of campaigning, both Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden refrained from jokes this year.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Explainer: Amy Coney Barrett’s relationship with People of Praise
Speculation that President Trump will name Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court has revived interest in her charismatic Catholic group. Michael O’Loughlin looks at the history—and the myths—of People of Praise.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
In-person classes boosts enrollment for some Catholic schools, but that won’t save them all.
With many public schools still in virtual mode, parents are taking a new look at Catholic education. But Michael O’Loughlin reports that the reprieve from declining enrollment may be temporary.