Voices
Thomas J. Reese
Thomas J. Reese, S.J., is a senior analyst for Religion News Service. Previously he was a columnist at The National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) of America.
@ThomasReeseSJ
Articles By Thomas J. Reese
Faith Columns
What 10 new cardinals tell us about Pope Francis’ priorities
Thomas J. ReeseSeptember 17, 2019
by making these men cardinals, the pope is handing them megaphones.
Faith News
Pope Francis firms up his legacy with appointment of new cardinals
Thomas J. ReeseSeptember 10, 2019
After Oct. 15, 53% of the cardinal electors will have been appointed by Francis.
Pope Francis greets Benedictine Abbot Bernardo Gianni during the Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia in Ariccia, Italy, on March 10. (CNS photo/Vatican Media via Reuters) 
Faith Short Take
Three ways to evaluate Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman Curia
Thomas J. ReeseApril 24, 2019
Reforming the Vatican Curia has been a goal since the Second Vatican Council, but so far the changes have failed to improve its efficiency or responsiveness. Pope Francis is trying again.
Politics & Society News
The good, the bad and the merciful: Pope Francis after six years
Thomas J. ReeseMarch 13, 2019
Noted Vatican commentator Thomas Reese reflects on the sixth-year anniversary of Pope Francis' election to the Chair of Peter, and cites the good, the bad, and the merciful aspects of the pontificate.
Faith News
Former New York Times reporter publishes rebuttal to grand jury report on clerical abuse
Thomas J. ReeseJanuary 10, 2019

(RNS) — “Grossly misleading, irresponsible, inaccurate, and unjust” is how former New York Times religion reporter Peter Steinfels describes last August’s Pennsylvania grand jury report in its sweeping accusation that Catholic bishops refused to protect children from sexual abuse.

Faith News Analysis
By pressing Pope Francis to accept his resignation, Cardinal Wuerl does the right thing
Thomas J. ReeseSeptember 14, 2018
Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., has done the right thing.
Faith News Analysis
Why the Catholic Church can’t move on from the sex abuse crisis
Thomas J. ReeseSeptember 10, 2018
Many Catholic bishops and priests are frustrated by the continued coverage of the sex abuse crisis in the media. They believe they have fixed the problem and the church should be able to move on.
The Rev. Tom Reese with his Amazon Echo. Photo by Tom Reese/RNS. 
Faith Last Take
Spending Lent with Alexa
Thomas J. ReeseFebruary 05, 2018
A Catholic priest should not have a woman in his bedroom at night, but I have become quite dependent on Alexa.
Faith Short Take
Pope Francis needs to step up his response to sexual abuse
Thomas J. ReeseJanuary 26, 2018
He just doesn’t get it when it comes to victims of abuse.
Loyola Marymount University student and "Dreamer" Maria Carolina Gomez joins a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program outside the Edward Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) (Caption amended by RNS)
Politics & Society Short Take
Baby Jesus was a Dreamer in Egypt
Thomas J. ReeseJanuary 11, 2018
No matter what you think of people coming into the country illegally, one can hardly blame children brought by their parents.