Bishop John Ricard, Josephite who served as first Black Catholic prelate in Florida, dead at 86
The Louisiana-born leader ministered for nearly six decades, serving as a mental health professional, parish priest, bishop, and administrator.
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In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV apologizes for Vatican role in slavery, discusses dangers of AI
The lengthy new document covers the nature of emerging technology, its effects on respect for human dignity, and the risk of modern bondage.
The poor we love in theory: Do we treat them like theirs is the Kingdom of God?
Fabian Adderley probes the question of how the Church lives out (or sidesteps) the preferential option for the poor in its institutional life.
Sojourner Truth, Sister Thea, and the preaching of Black Catholic women
Tamika Royes suggests that Black Catholic women can help revive the Catholic Church—if only they are permitted to make full use of their gifts.
Review: W. Ralph Eubanks' 'When It's Darkness on the Delta' gives context to a national heartland
Rana Irby reviews a new work from a Black Catholic author on his experiences in and understanding of a complicated, misunderstood region.
St. Patrick Catholic Church slated for closure amid Diocese of Oakland bankruptcy
The diocese, which plans to close 13 parishes, is seeking approval of a $180 million settlement concerning child sex abuse dating back decades.
Six U.S.-born Black Catholics set for ordination to diaconate, priesthood in 2026
They are among at least nine North American Black Catholics receiving Holy Orders this year in the United States.
Being Church means taking a radical stand for the work of Jesus (An Ascension reflection)
Dcn Tim Tilghman relates the Sunday readings to a historic moment in the Washington Archdiocese, linked to the history of Black Catholic activism.
In the fight for the soul of America, which side are Catholics on?
Daryl Grigsby opines on the moral failings of Trumpism and the peculiar Catholic attachment to it that persists despite all manner of wickedness.
Fr Darrell Kelly, SVD, Mississippi-born priest who served in the South, dead at 64
Ordained in his 40s, Kelly served African-American parishes in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, before health issues forced his retirement.
Louisiana GOP senators drop majority-Black district in proposed gerrymander
by Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator (May 13, 2026)
A moral call to defend Black voting rights: How Catholics should respond
Efran Menny surveys the history of African-American disenfranchisement and urges faithful Catholic witness to stem the tide of injustice.
Auxiliary Bishop-elect Robert Boxie of Washington to be consecrated July 7
The 45-year-old chaplain is set to become the nation's youngest Catholic prelate and the latest African-American auxiliary bishop in Washington.
On pilgrimage to Pierre: New York's holy hairdresser and the quiet revolution
Tulio Huggins reflects on a trip to the tomb of Venerable Pierre Toussaint, one of the nation's seven Black Catholics on the road to sainthood.
Virginia Supreme Court nixes Democrats' congressional map amid voting rights fracas
The 4-3 ruling from a conservative-majority bench said a spring voter referendum was authorized improperly in violation of the state constitution.
From the Congo to Kentucky: Catholic-led after-school program shows hope is alive in Lexington
Philip Manga helps lead an outreach serving mostly African immigrant children with an ethos informed by faith and a harrowing journey to America.