Commentaries
Getting at terrorism, by its roots
The best ways of uprooting the poverties that spawn terrorism, writes Father Eugene Hemrick, are to create jobs, provide sound education and flood the airwaves with truth-filled ideals that are able to counter pseudo-idealism.
Pope challenges all to offer mercy and welcome to immigrants
Father Gus Puleo, pastor of a predominantly Hispanic parish in Norristown, points out a central theme for Pope Francis’ pontificate and his recently completed visit to the U.S.: immigration reform that focuses on the person.
Pope Francis’ visit to a prison sent 3 messages to families
Theology professor Stephen Miles believes the pope is inviting everyone to see prisoners as part of the human family, to care for families in distress and to keep Sunday a holy day.
A papal handshake loaded with meaning
A photo of Pope Francis shaking a Philadelphia prison inmate's hand has Jesuit Father William Byron hoping many other hands -- of leaders and of prisoners -- find each other and form productive partnerships.
Don’t believe rumors you hear
Karen Osborne sees the power of salacious rumors causing people to judge without thinking, as in the pope's "meeting" with Kim Davis.
An unforgettable journey
What the pope seemed to be telling us during his visit is that the process political leaders follow in trying to solve problems is deeply flawed, writes Moises Sandoval. Pope Francis is humbly illustrating another way, based on the Gospel.
The shoes of the fisherman on the feet of Francis
Catholic University President John Garvey believes we noticed the visit of Pope Francis last week so clearly because he paid so little attention to outward show.
At St. Junipero canonization Mass, a free-wheeling joy
Maureen Pratt saw the link from Pope Francis to Junipero Serra in the seminarians and novices at the Mass in Washington, and a tangible delight in meeting new faces and faith-graced love.
Joys of the papal visit weren’t just about the pope
Catholic Philly.com's editor writes the excitement of seeing Pope Francis among us last week tapped into a need to notice God in the world around us, and what happens when we do so.
Pope Francis: a model ministry
It is not every day that a Jewish kid gets to sit with the Holy Father. A rabbi speaking with the pope in New York last week reflects on what was otherwise a quiet week on the Jewish calendar.