Drew Christiansen, S.J., who died today at the Jesuit community in Georgetown University, where he lived, was a soft-spoken scholar who took on one of the most difficult jobs ever faced by an American Jesuit.

America mourns the loss of Drew Christiansen, S.J., a noted scholar and former editor in chief of the magazine.

Alice von Hildebrand was one of the heroes of faith in our time. We should cherish her memory.

Dr. Paul Farmer was world-renowned for his medical achievements, but he also had a profound impact on friends and colleagues who saw him as a person of great holiness.

Thich Nhat Hanh, who died on Jan. 21, had a profound influence on Thomas Merton, who said, “I have far more in common with Nhat Hanh than I have with many Americans, and I do not hesitate to say it.”

Sidney Poitier’s abilities as an actor were subtle, even spiritual. They were about soul. Not his. Ours.