Goodbye, Francis, pope of mercy
Tamika Royes remembers the pontiff who inspired her to embrace her Catholic spirituality as faith demanding justice and outreach.
Rome
Black cardinals—and not just Africans—among candidates for next pope
An African American and a Haitian are expected to join 15 Black African electors in the papal conclave, which could choose one from their number.
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.
What hath synodality to do with Black Catholics?
Daryl Grigsby connects the global Catholic movement of authentic listening to the enduring witness of African-American spirituality.
Synod working groups—including on women's ordination, episcopal authority—open for public submissions until April
The 10 study groups were formed in March 2024 to continue (and, in some cases, sideline) discussions swirling at the Synod on Synodality.
Cardinal Robert McElroy succeeds Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington
The 70-year-old Bishop of San Diego is, like the lone African-American cardinal, one of Pope Francis' most trusted allies among U.S. prelates.
President Joe Biden commutes (almost) all of federal death row
The historic move comes after years of advocacy on the part of activists, clergy, politicians, and even the pope.
The ancient history of Catholicism in the motherland gives me hope—and gives me pause.
Alessandra Harris on the Kongo Kingdom and its lasting legacy in the Church's relationship with the Black world—and in entanglement with slavery.
Post-synod, African Americans from students' pilgrimage speak of invigoration, challenges
An October event in Rome stirred consciences and debate, while the few Black participants say they were inspired by a unique moment of synodality.
Vatican's top cardinal speaks on Donald Trump's second presidential victory
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, contrasted Trump's campaign promises with reality, human dignity, and Pope Francis.
Review: 'Conclave' brings fictional Church politics down to earth
Samantha Smith says the new film is a Catholic-themed thriller with an air of humanity amidst lofty themes of division and decision.
The Synod on Synodality is over. What does the final document say?
The topic of women's leadership again saw opposition, as did local episcopal authority, but consensus increased compared to last year's synthesis.
'Dialogue has to happen': South Sudanese cardinal on conflict in the homeland
At the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba spoke on various issues in his region and the need for continued dialogue.
Catholic Action reps renew 'Pact of the Catacombs' in Rome, marking solidarity with the poor
It was part of a 4-day conference on the lay apostolate animated by synodality and the "See, Judge, Act" method of Servant of God Joseph Cardijn.
'The Church has an outstanding debt to pay': Afro-Latina Catholic delegate for Synod on Synodality
María Suyapa Cacho Álvarez, a Garifuna religious sister in Honduras, spoke during a panel event this week in Rome on Afro-Latinos and Synodality.
Haitian archbishop calls for peace during Pope Francis' day of prayer
Archbishop Launay Saturné of Cap-Haitien is one of two Black Caribbean delegates to the Synod on Synodality, currently convening in Rome for the month of October.