via CNS: Greater inequality and a more rapid destruction of the environment “are not destiny nor even a historic constancy,” the pope told members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. “There have been periods in which, in some countries, inequalities diminished and the environment was better protected.”… In societies where profit is allowed to… Read More Pope Francis: Civilize the Market or Democracy Becomes Plutocracy

via Washington Post: Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III on Monday revealed charges against three former Trump campaign officials — former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, his longtime business partner Rick Gates and former Trump foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos — marking the first criminal allegations to come from probes into possible Russian influence in… Read More Three Trump Campaign Officials Charged by Special Counsel

via Vice News: It’s no surprise the ultra-conservative Church Militant website and its founder, Michael Voris, have seen a surge in popularity within the American Catholic culture following the election of Donald Trump. But now the far-right fringe group is at war with the Catholic Church, which Voris believes has taken a sharp turn to… Read More Vice News on Alt-Right Catholics’ Attacks on the Church

The Washington Post has announced that Millennial writer Elizabeth Bruenig is joining the Opinions staff: We’re delighted and excited to announce that Elizabeth Bruenig will be joining the Opinions staff as a writer and editor. As everyone who has followed her career knows, Liz is brimming with ideas and insight on religion, politics, culture and… Read More Elizabeth Bruenig Joins Washington Post Opinions as Writer and Editor

via Christopher White: In the midst of President Donald Trump’s efforts to pass nationwide tax reform legislation, the United States Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has sent a letter to members of congress reminding them of “the critical obligation of creating a just framework aimed at the economic security of all people, especially the least of… Read More US Bishops to Congress: Don’t Cut Anti-Poverty Programs to Cut Taxes

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich and actor Mark Wahlberg discuss the Catholic faith at (re)ENCOUNTER, a young-adult gathering at the UIC Pavilion:

via Vatican Radio: Even today, there are these people hungering for money and earthly possessions, the Pope lamented, people who have “a lot” compared to “the hungry children who lack medicines and education and who are abandoned”. This, the Pope pointed out, is an “an idolatry that kills”, that “sacrifices human beings”. “This idolatry starves… Read More Pope Francis: Idolatry of Money Starves Children to Death