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.
Vatican
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.
As Synod on Synodality nears close, leaders keep women's ordination at arm's length
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican's doctrine czar, spoke to delegates Monday after his absence from a synod event on the topic last week.
Cardinal Peter Turkson preaches unity, progress on 60th anniversary of Uganda Martyrs' canonization
The Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome gathered hundreds of pilgrims from around the world, including the United States.
'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.
In the push for African-American saints, what more can we possibly do?
Ralph Moore Jr. on the exasperation of Catholics advocating for recognition of Black Catholic holiness—and an All Saints' initiative in response.
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.
'No room' for ordained Catholic women deacons, says Vatican doctrine chief
Cardinal Victor Manuel “Tucho” Fernández made the comments on behalf of a study group on the topic, among several others, over the next 10 months.
Pope Francis signals sainthood for Belgian king tied to deadly Congolese coup
King Baudouin praised the "genius" of Leopold II's bloody Congo Free State and turned a blind eye to the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba.