Pope Francis

What Does Pope Francis's Apology Mean to Indigenous Americans?

by Annie Selak

"Pope Francis apologized on April 1, 2022, to First Nations, Inuit and Métis delegations, acknowledging the harm done by residential schools in Canada and marking a crucial step in the church admitting its role in the abuse of Indigenous communities and children."

Douthat's Criticism of Papal Restriction on Latin Mass: Fascinating, but Familiar and Ahistorical

by Massimo Faggioli

Recent criticisms of Pope Francis's Church reforms have drawn from a rhetorical script established by conservative Catholics since Vatican II, but repeat their historical misunderstandings.

Immigrants, Trump, Pope Francis, and Two Films

by Walter G. Moss

Two recent films evoke Pope Francis's message opposing insular nationalism, a stance which echoes the inclusionary nationalism of the abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 

Reading Pope Francis's "Fratelli Tutti" through Carl Sandburg

by Walter G. Moss

The latest encyclical by Pope Francis, calling for recognition of the unity of humanity, echoes the egalitarian humanism of the poet and writer Carl Sandburg.

Pope Francis Says Secret Archives On Holocaust-Era Pope Pius XII Will Be Opened Early

“The church is not afraid of history,” Pope Francis said, announcing the move in a speech to members of the Vatican’s Secret Archives. 

Pope Francis vs. Scott Pruitt

by Walter G. Moss

How religion led these two figures to vastly different conclusions about climate change.

Gerald Posner calls on Pope Francis to open the Vatican archives on the Holocaust

Pope Francis’s visit to Auschwitz is the perfect moment to change policy.

Pope Francis Condemns ‘Genocide’ of Armenians Before Visit to Memorial

Pope Francis waded into turbulent geopolitical waters once again on Friday during his first visit to Armenia when he made an unscripted remark referring to the World War I-era massacre.

Does Pope Francis Have Precedent for Female Priests?

The pontiff again stirred the pot this week by hinting at allowing female deacons. The history of the early Church might just give him the cover to do so.

Another Reason for Progressive Catholics to Cheer Francis

by Ed Simon

It’s a (small) breakthrough for women.

This is why the canonization of Junípero Serra is so controversial

by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Visitors to California missions don't usually notice the whipping posts.  Serra is the one who began the practice of having Native Americans whipped. 

Pope Francis Desecrates Memory of Catholic Martyrs in Cuba

by Humberto Fontova

Castro’s KGB and STASI- tutored regime prepared for the Pope’s visit carefully. Any unsightly protests would obviously mar the occasion, especially for a regime long-accustomed to preening in front of the international media mirror.

The Pope's Visit Coincides with the 200th Anniversary of the Holy Alliance. Here's Why that's Relevant.

by Mark Jarrett

Hint:  What can happen when you marry religion and politics.

The Complicated History Of Popes And U.S. Presidents

The meeting between Pope Francis and President Obama at the White House continues a tradition going back nearly a century between U.S. presidents and the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis canonizes controversial saint Serra

Pope Francis on Wednesday canonized Junipero Serra, a Spanish missionary, a moment of deep pride for Latinos but a source of controversy for many Native Americans.

The Pope Is Coming to Get Us -- At Least That's What We Used to Think

by Edward T. O’Donnell

It was not that long ago that word of the impending arrival of a pope on the shores of the United States would have triggered bloody riots and a call to arms.

From ‘the Scarlet Whore’ to Pope Francis: A Brief History of America and the Papacy

by Ted Widmer

It would have amazed the Founders that a pope would be willing to speak to Congress—and that Congress would want to hear him, for that matter.

Should the Pope Weigh in on the Climate Change Debate?

by Paul Misner

History suggests the dangers of doing so.

Was Thomas Jefferson Right? Can We Guarantee Our Pursuit of Equal Happiness by Canceling All Our Debts Every Nineteen Years?

by Thomas Fleming

James Madison thought he was horribly wrong. Pope Francis, who has called for the redistribution of wealth, should understand why.

Make Father Junípero Serra a Saint?

by Tony Platt

A conversation with myself.