When Pope Francis addressed a group of top international comedians on June 14, 2024, he called them “artists” and stressed the value of their talents. To many Catholics, this meeting came as a surprise. Traditionally, the themes of detachment, sacrifice, humility and repentance appear far more frequently in religious writing and preaching than the spiritual Read more
According to a new breakdown of Australian census statistics, Catholics have smaller families, are better educated and more diverse than ever, but are also older and are less likely to be married. The 2021 social profile of the Catholic community in Australia, prepared by the National Centre for Pastoral Research from census data released last Read more
Mention the name of any religion and the first reaction of contemporary, western, first world and secular society people will be to ask about its content: what do they believe? The emphasis is, at once, on a list of ideas about the universe, human life, purpose and what, if anything, is beyond the universe. Once Read more
Poor and homeless people are benefiting from a collective effort made by US Catholics and Buddhists. The Green Affordable Housing Project is uniting Catholics and Buddhists in three US cities to provide a home for poor and homeless people. Read more
There are two groups of young Catholics: those who want to “draw the Church back” to a previous era, and those who think the Church should conform to social trends, according to a report from the bishops of England and Wales. The bishops surveyed around 3,000 young Catholic Britons ahead of next October’s synod of Read more
Hundreds of Catholics and politicians gathered to discuss the problems and the future of Europe at the end of last month. They called the event “(Re)Thinking Europe.” Pope Francis was one of the many speakers. A theme emerged from what they had to say: Religion is still essential to Europe. Read more
ROME – This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and since we’ve framed that world-changing event for a half-millennium now as “Catholics v. Protestants,” it’s easy to forget a simple truth about what happened on Oct. 31, 1517, and everything that followed: Martin Luther’s original audience was made up entirely, 100 percent, by Read more
Recently I was asked to speak at a local Catholic women’s group. It had been awhile since I’d put on my speaking shoes, and I was genuinely excited. That is, until I was given my topic. Fellowship, they said. Fellowship? I couldn’t help but wince. Not suffering? Prayer? Family discord? Keeping the faith during crisis?? Nope, Read more
Catholic bishops in Scotland urged the faithful to take a more active role in politics and not be “passive spectators.” The bishops advised Catholics to be more active in the upcoming elections for constituency Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) and regional MSP. “Catholics in Scotland should not simply be passive spectators but should be active Read more