Although overtly campaigning to be pope is discouraged and would be counterproductive, the cardinals do a lot of politicking in private prior to the conclave.
Thomas J. Reese
Thomas J. Reese, S.J., is a senior analyst for Religion News Service. Previously he was a columnist at The National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) of America.
Posted inFaith
This Holy Week, Christ is being crucified around the world
All over the world, Christ is again being crucified in the bodies of human rights lawyers and journalists who stand up for justice in the face of criminality, whether from gangs or governments.
Posted inFaith, News
Three ways Pope Francis should fix the procedures for papal illness, death and elections
The pope needs to prepare for his inevitable decline and death.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Vice President Vance: Thank you for making headlines about the bishops’ care for immigrants
Thanks to the vice president, the national press may finally realize that the Catholic bishops care about something other than abortion.
Posted inFaith
Pray for President Trump—even if you hate him
Praying for the president does not mean that you endorse everything he says and does. All should pray for him and the country, even those who hate him.
Posted inFaith, Signs Of the Times
What this Jesuit has learned about faith, mortality and gratitude as I approach my 80th birthday
“I can no longer kid myself that death is a distant reality,” Father Thomas Reese, former editor in chief of America, writes.
Posted inFaith, Vantage Point
From 1984: How are bishops selected?
In 1984, then-associate editor Thomas J. Reese, S.J., explained in depth how bishops are selected—from the initial vetting process to final confirmation by the pope and the bishop himself.
Posted inFaith, Signs Of the Times
Laypeople should have a greater voice in choosing their bishop
Members of the Synod on Synodality called for giving lay people “a greater voice in choosing bishops.” What would that look like in practice?
Posted inFaith, News
Five political takeaways from the 2024 election
Kamala Harris did worse with women, Hispanics and young people than did the Democratic candidates in the last two presidential election.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Canon lawyers and theologians aim to make synodality more concrete
Pope Francis preaches about synodality, but the canon lawyers are showing us how to make it more than a pious wish that can be ignored by pastors and bishops who prefer to stick to the old ways.