Perhaps a revealing question is whether the church will continue the radical novelty Francis brought as a pope from a religious order—and whether this is the continuity needed now.
News Analysis
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
The conclave is a referendum on synodality
At the Synod on Synodality, the cardinals were ‘converted’ to working together in a new way. As they join their brothers in the conclave, they face a referendum on—and resistance to—their work.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Is it time for the second Latin American pope?
Few, if any, Latin Americans show up on the speculative lists of who might be elected as the supreme pontiff, or “papabile.” But that doesn’t mean the cardinals will not once again look to the New World.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Father James Martin: Don’t be afraid of the conclave—or the next pope
Dozens, perhaps hundreds, have told me that this time of transition makes them feel unsure, unsettled and uncomfortable, three difficult feelings. Some people have even told me that they are afraid. To which I say: Fear not!
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
What Pope Francis’ voice memo reveals about his understanding of the papacy
Just as Popes John Paul II’s and Benedict’s final days revealed their understandings of the papacy, Francis’ illness has revealed him once again as the world’s parish priest, suffering close to his people.
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics & Society
From mass deportations to transgender issues, the U.S. bishops react to Trump executive orders
The U.S. bishops have been measured in their response to the new administration’s avalanche of activity, reserving sharp criticism on points of divergence while not hesitating to praise him for his actions in areas where they find alignment.
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics & Society
Unpacking JD Vance’s ‘very nasty’ attack on the US bishops’ refugee program
It is no secret that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops receives federal grants to assist in refugee resettlement.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Bishop Budde, Trump and the history of faith leaders getting political
The Catholic Church has its own history of prophetic voices using the moral authority of the priesthood to remind political leaders of the Christian precept of human dignity.
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How will JD Vance’s Catholic faith affect his role as vice president?
Vice President-elect JD Vance’s wife, Usha, a practicing Hindu, once told him that she believed his 2019 conversion to Catholicism “was good for you.”
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics & Society
How Catholic is the new Congress?
To paraphrase E.J. Dionne’s dictum about the Catholic vote, there is no Catholic bloc in Congress, and yet, the Catholic members of the House and Senate matter a great deal.