In Africa, a person of Pope Francis’ moral caliber and spiritual substance holds the coveted designation of “ancestor,” whose role includes everlasting solicitude for the community he or she leaves behind.

As a Black person who sometimes ministers in predominantly white parishes, I can appreciate how easy it is to feel out of place. It makes all the difference to hear words of welcome.

Some of your favorite books by Christian authors came to be because of the careful and loving assistance of Roger Freet, the editor and literary agent who died on March 18.

We are called to meet Latino young adults where they are. Our dioceses and parishes need to make a more concerted effort for Latinos with strong catechesis and youth ministry programs.

Martin Marty, a towering figure in the study of American Christianity, died last week. Joe McShane, S.J., one of his former graduate students, remembers him with gratitude.

While American society is especially good among wealthy countries at producing poverty, it is especially bad at making the lives of the poor tolerable.