Check out these recent articles from around the web:

Pope Francis provides inspiration for all faiths by Michael Gerson

“Both American liberalism and conservatism put a priority on negative rights — the freedom from external restraint. For some, this means unrestricted social autonomy and choice; for others, unrestricted economic liberty. Catholic social doctrine asserts that human beings have moral and social natures, and that true freedom is found in their fulfillment. Men and women are liberated by ethical behavior; their happiness is completed in family and community; and all who share a community are diminished when any are destitute and hopeless. This perspective is fundamentally at odds with moral relativism and economic libertarianism. It transcends our ideological debates and challenges all sides of them.”

Child of God: A foster parent finds grace in letting go by Donna Maccaroni, America

“But I see these emotions—pain, suffering, wondrous joy—as evidence that God has called me as a Catholic, a Christian and, most of all, as a mother. When I was given the gift of motherhood, I received with it the grace necessary to understand that being a mother requires me not only to teach and serve, but also to let go and suffer loss. Why then, should I confine these graces to raising my five birth children? I am called to serve all of God’s children. I am called to be also a mother to the motherless.”

Why They Left God By Rod Dreher, The American Conservative

“We live in a truly secular age, in which religion is not taken for granted, but is a choice — and in which there is little or no pressure to go to church at all. More than ever, the Church has to give people a reason to believe. I’m not talking about an argument to believe (though that’s part of it), but a sense that the faith is true and compelling. You can’t get there through argument alone, at least not with most people. They need to see more. They need to see the faith incarnate in a meaningful way.”

A Power of conviction by Michael Gerson, Washington Post

“Power would bring some uncommon qualifications to U.S. diplomacy. She is a multilateralist who has also written extensively on the limits and failures of the United Nations. She understands the reality of evil in human affairs — the kind that fills mass graves with bodies and covers them with lime. She believes that the strong have a responsibility to protect the weak. She is outraged at outrageous things. It is hard to argue that government has an excess of these qualities.”

Pope decries ‘real slavery’ of children forced to work  by  Catholic News Service

“All children have a right to play, study, pray and grow within their own families in an atmosphere of harmony, love and serenity. It is their right and our obligation.”

Darfur’s Still Burning by John Prendergast and Omer Ismail, The Daily Beast

“The Janjaweed militias are back. The Sudanese government’s notorious paramilitary force and favorite instrument of counterinsurgency—which earned infamy at the height of Darfur’s genocide in the mid-2000s—has unleashed several scorched-earth campaigns in 2013 that have ethnically cleansed entire communities off their land, displacing hundreds of thousands of Darfurians.”

A Churchman, Remembered by John Carr, America

“Bishop Sullivan lived a long and wonderful life, full of service, humor, irony and joy. I am so grateful he lived long enough to see and hear the beginnings of the leadership of Pope Francis with his simple ways and powerful words. When Pope Francis says he wants a church “of and for the poor,” he is talking about Joe Sullivan’s church.”

Catholics must grow in love of God, neighbor, Pope says at audience by CNS

“Let’s pray for those with whom we are angry. It’s a good step forward in this law of love,” he (Pope Francis) said. “Let’s do it. Let’s do it today.”

Making a mess of things: Lessons learned for Father’s Day by Matt Palmer, USCCB

“While I’m concerned about teaching Anna Leigh to survive and succeed mentally and spiritually, she’s busy showing me how wondrous the world is by simply existing.”

Diamonds Are Bullshit by Rohin Dhar

“So here is a modest proposal: Let’s agree that diamonds are bullshit and reject their role in the marriage process. Let’s admit that as a society we got tricked for about a century into coveting sparkling pieces of carbon, but it’s time to end the nonsense.”