Pope Francis, Latin American pontiff of the poor, dead at 88
The globe-trotting Argentinian prelate was a force in the Catholic Church, to which he dedicated seven decades as a student, shepherd, and servant.
Obituary
Fr Bruce Wilkinson, veteran Black Catholic priest in Georgia, dead at 70
The retired minister with an active social media presence suffered a stroke in November and died after a "short illness."
Mia Love, first Black female Republican or Haitian American in Congress, dead at 49
Once an upstart Black conservative voice in national politics, Love faded from view after opposing Donald Trump's 2016 White House campaign.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Harvard scholar of anti-Black racism and mental health, dead at 90
The Civil Rights veteran spent 50 years in Cambridge and was known for challenging texts on both White prejudice and African-American resilience.
Fr Nixon Mullah, Josephite seminary rector, dead at 51
The Cameroonian-born priest in the Catholic religious community serving African Americans had been suffering from cancer for several years.
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.
Sr Veronica Higgins, Carmelite known for advocacy, dead at 74
The African-American Catholic convert served the special needs community after years as a Catholic school educator in OKC.
Donna Grimes, Black Catholic advocate with U.S. bishops, dead at 68
The longtime head of African-American Affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was involved in various justice-oriented causes.
Beloved Philadelphia priest Addisalem Mekonnen dead at 42
The Ethiopian-born Catholic clergyman died suddenly at his residence shortly just days before Christmas.
Fr Gus Taylor, activist priest of Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, dead at 84
The Cincinnati native cofounded the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus and one of the nation's first diocesan Offices of Black Catholics.
Peter Westbrook, pioneering African-American fencer, dead at 72
The Afro-Japanese athlete was the first U.S. Black medalist in Olympic fencing and won 16 championships overall during his quarter-century career.
Fr Gustavo Gutiérrez, father of liberation theology, dead at 96
Once accused of ties to Marxism, the Peruvian Catholic priest is regarded as one of the most influential religious thinkers of the 20th century.
Al Attles, pioneering NBA coach and Warriors ambassador, dead at 87
The Black Catholic player and coach was the longest-tenured employee in league history, remaining with the Warriors for six decades across three cities.
Sybil Haydel Morial, New Orleans educator and civil rights activist, dead at 91
The widow of New Orleans' first Black mayor died this month and will be remembered with a celebration of life at Xavier University of Louisiana.
James Earl Jones, legendary voice and theater actor, dead at 93
The famed stage and film actor was the voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa, among other iconic roles in his nearly seven-decade career.
Arthur J. Gregg, first Black U.S. lieutenant general, dead at 96
The Black Catholic army trailblazer overcame segregation within and outside the military and had a base renamed in his honor in 2023.