Robert Pape, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, talks with Gloria Purvis about how the people who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 are not as different from ordinary Americans as you might think.

Covid-19, the 2020 election and racial justice remained hot topics in 2021. But the past year also brought new debates within the Catholic Church, including over the Latin Mass.

The documentary, based on Francis’ 2018 book “Sharing the Wisdom of Time,” addresses fundamental lessons to be learned through the experiences of the elderly: love, dreams, struggle and work.

Our Dispatches contributors were kind enough to share some thoughts on what stories are likely to be important in 2022 as we cross off, in some relief, the concluding days of 2021.

Do the new restrictions on the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass increase our unity? Or do they sacrifice unity for uniformity?

Cardinal O’Malley said polarization and opposition to Pope Francis includes some prelates in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, but he did not name anyone.

Principal Bob Ryan knew his decision to require Covid-19 vaccinations or frequent testing would be controversial. What he did not anticipate was what he has called a concerted “campaign to impugn Brophy.”

How do our religious leaders launch this spirited season of Advent in the hope of spiritual healing? Above all else, Saint Paul counsels: “Don’t stifle the spirit!”

The current mischaracterization of Freire by the political right in Brazil has parallels with the campaign of the political right in the United States against critical race theory.

The four dioceses in Iowa are partnering with Catholic Charities to launch a multimedia campaign aimed at convincing Catholics and other Iowans to get vaccinated to help slow the spread of Covid-19.