More U.S. Protestants are satisfied with the sermons and music they hear at services than Catholics, according to a Pew Research study. Catholics also feel less connected to their fellow congregants.
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, Short Take
Will the US bishops discuss Catholics’ top priorities at their June meeting?
The U.S. Catholic bishops are meeting in Orlando, Florida, next week for three days of prayer and business. If you were asked by your local bishop what topics they should discuss, what would you suggest?
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Pope Francis is fighting for peace in Ukraine. Here’s how NATO and the US can help his cause.
The pope’s refusal to cheer either side in this war gives him credibility as mediator.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
We know what the resurrection did to Jesus. But what has it done to us?
When we listen to the resurrection stories during the Easter season, we often focus on what happened to Jesus. But it’s probably more important to look at what the resurrection does to the disciples.
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics & Society
Silicon Valley Bank, Catholic social teaching and libertarian hypocrisy
Catholic social teaching has always acknowledged a role for government regulation of the economy. The economy is to promote the common good, not benefit owners and investors alone.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis wants to end the liturgy wars. I fear his new letter on the Eucharist won’t help.
Pope Francis’s latest apostolic letter neglects to address the needs of the vast majority of Catholics, who accept the Novus Ordo but still do not fully understand the Eucharist.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis is remaking the College of Cardinals—and setting the stage for the eventual election of his successor
With the appointment of 16 new cardinal electors, Pope Francis continues remaking the College of Cardinals with an emphasis on the person rather than the location of the bishop.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Cardinals should use ranked-choice voting when it’s time to elect the next pope
Before he dies or retires, Pope Francis needs to make changes in the process of electing a new pope to avoid the possibility of a deadlocked conclave.
Posted inFaith, News
Five rules for disagreeing with the pope — and still being a good Catholic
Let’s be honest: We are all cafeteria Catholics. The real question is how we avoid a food fight in the cafeteria.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis needs to tell the world who will make his end-of-life decisions
Pope Francis needs to publicly appoint an agent to make decisions about his medical care for when he is no longer able to make them himself. Without this appointment, there will be confusion and division in the church.