Commentaries
Synod’s challenge
Pope Francis has energized debate about the threat to the planet's natural environment. But now he faces an even greater challenge -- mobilizing Catholics and society in general to tackle the man-made threat to the bedrock of our social environment, the family.
Pope Francis shows the ‘culture of encounter’
When the pope visited the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington last month, what he did for an elderly sister with dementia was unforgettable for Sister Constance Veit. His gesture explained God's unique love for each person.
Speak to ‘the other’ from a stance of love, not hate
Effie Caldarola thinks that during the Year of Mercy, we should learn from those who are different from us. We have much to learn from them.
Unpacking the unforgettable
Maureen Pratt's favorite souvenir from the papal visit to America: The conversations about faith with other Catholics, Christians or no faith at all.
When ‘they’ becomes a dangerous word
Carolyn Woo sees how the outsiders, people unlike "us," may become threatening. She finds guidance in "the people's pope," and Pope Francis' words in Philadelphia.
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.