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.
Rome
Amid conclave, Black Catholic theologians remember Pope Francis, look to future
Drs. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow and Andrew Prevot give perspective as cardinals select a new pope to lead the worldwide Catholic Church.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory says Mass at Rome titular church ahead of 2025 papal conclave
The Black Catholic prelate gathered with his Italian faithful amid scheduled Masses with cardinals in town to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
A statement from Bishop John Ricard on Pope Francis and the upcoming conclave
The Black Catholic prelate with the Josephites reflects on the legacy of the late pontiff and encourages prayer for the upcoming papal conclave.
Meet the Black American who read at Pope Francis' funeral.
Kielce Gussie, a 28-year-old journalist from Florida with the Holy See, speaks on her historic appearance during the Requiem Mass in Vatican City.
I was arrested protesting Pope Francis. He was still a force for good.
Félix Cepeda on the complications (and inspiration) of a spiritual leader who called the world to more, despite his flaws.
Ordination anniversary of Venerable Augustus Tolton celebrated in Rome
The first openly Black Catholic priest in America was ordained at the Lateran Basilica in 1886 and was put on the path to sainthood in 2010.
Goodbye, Francis, pope of mercy
Tamika Royes remembers the pontiff who inspired her to embrace her Catholic spirituality as faith demanding justice and outreach.
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.