Some voices advocate for immediate peace in Ukraine at any cost, but the world—and both political and religious leaders—must reject the illusion of a pacifism that ignores the harsh realities of evil and injustice.
Europe
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
After Trump and Zelensky’s disastrous White House meeting, European bishops express solidarity with Ukraine
The European bishops were careful to note that their expression of solidarity was extended to Ukrainians “who have been suffering from Russia’s unjustifiable full-scale invasion for more than three years.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Archbishop Gallagher on Pope Francis’ health, JD Vance’s Munich speech and Trump’s Gaza plans
In Part I of this exclusive interview with Gerard O’Connell, the Vatican’s foreign minister says speculation about the pope’s resignation is “at this time, not appropriate, and it’s certainly not in the cards.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
JD Vance shines global spotlight on case of British army vet prosecuted for silent prayer outside abortion clinic
British army veteran Adam Smith-Connor, recently converted to the Catholic faith, said he was “grateful” that Vance raised his case when he warned Europe about retreating from freedom.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: André Aciman’s formative year in Rome
The novelist and memoirist André Aciman chronicles his formative year in Rome as a teenager in ‘Roman Year.’
Posted inArts & Culture, Dispatches
The sound of the Christmas season: A history of the lost art of bell-ringing
Bell ringing has a rich history, integrated into daily and liturgical life year-round, a tradition being rediscovered and appreciated by anthropologists, academics, musicians and an increasing number of ordinary people.
Posted inArt, Arts & Culture
Once mocked, Impressionism triumphs 150 years later in Paris and D.C.
150 years after the birth of Impressionism, two dazzling shows have been mounted.
Posted inFaith, News
Archbishop Gänswein reflects on new diplomatic role in Baltic states
Previously serving as Pope Benedict XVI’s private secretary and later as prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop Georg Gänswein was sent home to Germany by Pope Francis in June 2023—“a decision that had to be digested,” he said.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis praises popular piety in first-ever visit to Corsica
Pope Francis, on his first visit to Corsica, praised the island people’s deep faith and tradition of popular piety. On December 5, thousands of Corsicans gathered in Ajaccio to welcome the first pope ever to visit the island.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
After skipping the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris, Pope Francis heads to Corsica. Here’s what to expect.
Pope Francis’ visit to Corsica will be his third visit to France, though he has yet to visit Paris.