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.
Stewardship
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.
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.
Holy Family Cristo Rey High School in Birmingham to host annual gala
The annual event raises money to support the low-tuition institution, which serves mostly Black and brown students in north central Alabama.
Campus of Martin University, cofounded by Black Catholic priest in Indianapolis, up for sale
The predominantly Black school, linked to the late Boniface Hardin, OSB, closed in December after a decade of financial turmoil and low enrollment.
Black Catholics win in court as 'Cancer Alley' lawsuit ruled valid, moves toward trial
The federal civil rights case led by Inclusive Louisiana and RISE St. James against civil parish leaders cannot be dismissed, a judge has ruled.
Brooklyn Diocese to enter mediation over child sex abuse cases
The diocese, one of the nation's most diverse, seeks to universally settle more than 1,100 cases—including one against a Black Catholic bishop.
Cristo Rey Charleston High School breaks ground in South Carolina
After more than six years, the project hopes to open in fall 2027 with a class of 100 students in the diverse community of North Charleston.
Black Catholics must be prophets of resistance in the current American crisis.
Daryl Grigsby on the experiential wisdom with which African Americans in the Church can speak truth to power and call for community renewal.
In this time of moral crisis, where are the shepherds?
Dr. Ronald E. Smith on the need for activism from religious leaders amid the current sociopolitical moment—and the consequences of inaction.
Immaculate Heart of Mary will be latest Black Catholic church to close in Louisville
The announcement came in late November for the 72-year-old African-American parish, which has seen controversy and decline in recent years.
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, named historic landmark
The brick home near Chicago's South Side has been a site of intrigue since the conclave and will soon be a publicly accessible historic site.
Xavier University of Louisiana receives $38 million gift from MacKenzie Scott
The major gift surpasses her $20 million donation in 2020 as the largest private gift in the history of the nation's Catholic HBCU.
Ahead of Senate vote, Black Catholic bishop joins interfaith letter opposing Republicans' Big Beautiful Bill
Bishop Roy Campbell of Washington joined in opposing the budget reconciliation for its positions against migrants, welfare, and the environment.
Two more Black-serving Catholic schools closed in New York Archdiocese
Historic St. Mark the Evangelist, the first Black Catholic school in Harlem, was closed this month alongside Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary in East Harlem.
We need the Catholic Church to speak on artificial intelligence.
Efran Menny on the dangers of the new technological age and how the pope and others can resist the urge of dehumanization by another name.