The new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV this morning, Sept. 13, 2025.
US Politics
Posted inFaith in Focus
The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination: If we have to look at violence, let’s do it the right way.
Perhaps we, enslaved as we are to the logic of violence, are looking at the image of violence and trying to solve it or even to turn it into a solution. Perhaps we are still trying to overcome it by force.
Posted inYour Take
Trump’s second term and the crisis of presidential power: Our readers weigh in
Our editors warned of a need to “restore the balance of power in American government.” Our readers had much to say in response.
Posted inNews
Bishops and Catholic leaders call for prayer after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot and killed
Kirk was 31 and a married father with two young children. He was shot in the neck, reportedly by a sniper from a campus building. The suspect is still at large, and a manhunt is underway, according to law enforcement officials.
Posted inThe Weekly Dispatch
Why is Israel targeting journalists in Gaza?
In the midst of the horror show that is Gaza, the targeting and assassination of journalists in Gaza remains worth calling out.
Posted inEditorials
The Editors: American troops do not belong on American streets
Trump’s militarization of American streets may be mostly political theater—but that doesn’t mean its not dangerous.
Posted inNews
JD Vance says meeting with families of victims from Minneapolis church shooting affected him deeply
“I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did,” the vice president told reporters.
Posted inShort Take
After the Annunciation school shooting, Catholics needed assurances—not Democratic talking points
I have tried very hard to discipline my emotions and consider fairly whether the anger directed at Minneapolis’s Mayor Jacob Frey over his “thoughts and prayers” remarks is justified. I think it is. It was not malicious, but it was deeply insensitive.
Posted inShort Take
In Trump’s America, the federal debt forecast is looking dire
As with a leaky roof, it is better to pay for repair work sooner, reducing debt, rather than letting the roof collapse and ending up with much higher costs.
Posted inNews
Fletcher loved his family, Harper was a ‘joyful’ big sister: Annunciation shooting victims mourned
The parents of both children confirmed as victims of the Aug. 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church issued their first statements in the aftermath, mourning the loss of their children.