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.
History
Posted inArts & Culture, Vantage Point
Doris Grumbach on the art of the book review
In 1960, novelist and literary critic Doris Grumbach reflected on the art—and science—of book reviewing, including Catholic books.
Posted inFaith and Reason, Politics & Society
Caesars, presidents and apostles: Viewing the presidential election from Rome
I am rather fond of my native land and her robust and quirky republican traditions, but Jesus did not preach democracy nor endorse any particular political philosophy.
Posted inFaith, The Good Word
Why vindication belongs to God—and not to us
A Homily for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, by Father Terrance Klein
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Nabokov, ‘Lolita’ and the question of morally offensive art
‘Lolita’ may have been canceled, but Vladimir Nabokov remains the godfather of modern prose.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Puccini, opera and the arts as a gift from God
Giacomo Puccini, the composer of “La Bohème,” “Tosca” and “Madama Butterfly,” has been called the world’s most popular songwriter, and with good reason.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Willa Cather, the author of great American Catholic novels—who wasn’t Catholic
Few writers have ever captured in fiction the American religious sense that underlies so much of our history more than Willa Cather.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Beyond ‘Conclave’: What really happens when a new pope is elected?
With an all-star cast including Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, “Conclave“ genereated a lot of Hollywood buzz. It has also raised some questions: How is a pope really elected? Does the movie get it right?
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
‘There’s no such thing as a bad boy’: Father Flanagan and Boys Town
For over a century, Boys Town has been serving at-risk youths, inspired by the founding vision of the Rev. Edward J. Flanagan.
Posted inFaith, Features
Vatican II—and its media coverage—has a lesson for today’s synod: Don’t expect immediate results
A look back at the Second Vatican Council through the coverage offered by America and Commonweal offers two lessons: First, we should not expect the journey of the church after the Synod on Synodality to be smooth sailing. Second, the church is very much capable of getting through such turmoil, and emerging stronger from it.