Lillian Boutté, international jazz and gospel singer, dead at 75
The Black Catholic musician from New Orleans recorded albums across continents and genres and starred Off-Broadway during a six-decade career.
New Orleans
'Providential': Black Catholics react to Pope Leo XIV, the Creole
The former Robert Prevost is now known to be of African ancestry, part of a growing picture Americans are forming of the new supreme pontiff.
White smoke, Black pope? Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff, has African roots
Previously unknown genealogy on the 69-year-old Chicago native was revealed by genealogists shortly after white smoke rose in St. Peter's Square.
First African-American opera premieres after 138 years
Edmond Dédé's "Morgiane" was performed on tour this year for the first time since being created by the Black Creole composer in 1887.
Cathedral plaque honors late Bishop Fernand Cheri III of New Orleans
The late Black Franciscan prelate served the archdiocese from 2015 until his death in 2023 following extended illnesses.
2025 Institute for Black Catholic Studies to convene June 29-July 18
The historic master's degree and continuing education program celebrates its 45th year during the centennial for Xavier University of Louisiana.
XULA women's basketball conquers William Carey for first-ever trip to third round of NAIA Tournament
The nation's Catholic HBCU dominated its first appearance in the round of 32 since 2021, holding their opponent to just 27.6% from the field.
Here are the Catholic bishops who enslaved Black people in America.
Nate Tinner-Williams explores the history of episcopal human trafficking in what would become the United States of America.
Xavier University of Louisiana adds rowing—sport's first co-ed HBCU team
The sport, whose XULA club team has made waves since its establishment in 2023, continues to gain popularity at the Black Catholic university.
How a Black Catholic school choir reminded me about the joy of prayer
Tamika Royes on her experience with international faith in action, featuring young men from historic St. Augustine High School in New Orleans.
Beyonce takes Album of the Year at 2025 Grammys, among other Catholic-connected Black wins
The Catholic-raised Houstonian is the first Black woman to win the award since 1999, and the first of any gender to win Country Album of the Year.
XULA women's basketball has historic undefeated streak
The Catholic HBCU is 18-0 on the season and ranked in the NAIA top 25 coaches poll for the first time in nearly a decade.
Court will hear objections to archdiocese sale of historic Black Catholic school building in New Orleans
The property was once owned by Creole matriarch Marie Couvent, who willed that it never be sold—a wish violated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Greg Gumbel, first Black announcer of sports championship, dead at 78
Famed sportscaster Greg Gumbel, the first Black announcer to call a major U.S. sports championship, has died in Florida after a “courageous battle with cancer.” He was 78 years old. His wife and daughter released a statement through CBS Sports after his peaceful passing at home on Dec. 27.
Xavier University of Louisiana to kick off yearlong centennial celebrations
The nation's first and only Catholic HBCU, XULA was founded in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
New Orleans car attacker had Black Creole roots in Louisiana
Shamsud-din Jabbar descended from Louisiana African Americans and practiced Islam in his youth before being radicalized as an adult.