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
Susan Upton on March 18 at her family restaurant, Mambos, in Glendale, Calif., which is being forced to close after 32 years due to the coronavirus pandemic. (CNS photo/Lucy Nicholson, Reuters)
Politics & Society Short Take
Caring more for each other could have ameliorated the pandemic. It’s not too late.
Thomas J. ReeseMarch 25, 2020
In a pandemic, no one is safe unless we are all safe, writes Thomas J. Reese, S.J. In the United States, we did not prepare for a pandemic, but it is not too late for solidarity.
Politics & Society Columns
Coronavirus is a physical and spiritual threat
Thomas J. ReeseMarch 12, 2020
At first blush, this "social distancing" sounds un-Christian, but we need to listen to medical experts.
Politics & Society Columns
Catholic voters ignored by Democrats at their own peril
Thomas J. ReeseMarch 03, 2020
Democratic candidates tend to focus instead on other voter groups: blacks, Hispanics, LGBTQ people, young people, teachers and women.
Faith Columns
Who knew what about former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick?
Thomas J. ReeseFebruary 05, 2020
As early as 1994, while McCarrick was archbishop of Newark, a woman expressed concerns about McCarrick to the papal nuncio in Washington, Agostino Cacciavillan.
Politics & Society Short Take
Why Nancy Pelosi doesn’t hate President Trump and prays for him instead
Thomas J. ReeseDecember 05, 2019
“As a Catholic, I resent your using the word 'hate' in a sentence that addresses me,” she said. “I don’t hate anyone.”
Politics & Society Columns
We need faith, ethics, science and economics to save the planet
Thomas J. ReeseSeptember 27, 2019
As the crisis of climate change attains more urgency, many more people—especially the young—are coming to protest how humans are treating the planet to the detriment of all the living.
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.