John Gehring writes: The pope’s meeting with Father Martin did more than serve as a signal of support for the priest’s advocacy on behalf of L.G.B.T. people. It was also emblematic of the Francis papacy, which has been a consistent rebuke to a style of culture-war Christianity that since the ascendance of the religious right… Read More Pope Francis’ Fearless Leadership

Check out the video: And their interview: What would you say to other young adults who have a passion they feel called to follow? If you have an idea that needs to happen — something very important to share with the world that is authentically from your heart and you’ve discerned that it’s your calling… Read More Grotto Profiles Molly Burhans, Millennial Catholic Named UN Young Champion of the Earth

Christopher Lamb writes: Democracy is under threat due to the rising tide of populism, according to a new Luxembourg cardinal who is urging the Church to stand against anti-democratic forces present in politics. Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich, who will be made a cardinal by Pope Francis on 5 October, said the simple answers offered by populist… Read More New Cardinal: The Church Supports Democracy and Human Rights, not Populism

via the Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts: In our home state of Massachusetts, we are blessed with inspiring natural beauty from the seashore on the east coast to the majestic mountain vistas in the west – with rolling hills, vibrant communities and rich farmlands throughout the state. We, the four Roman Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts, call… Read More Massachusetts Bishops on Protecting Creation from Pollution and Climate Change

via CRS: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) issued a statement today on the administration’s proposal to Congress to reduce the refugee resettlement cap to 18,000. CRS supports the call for a minimum of 95,000 refugees to be resettled in the United States this upcoming year. Bill O’Keefe, CRS’ executive vice president for Mission and Mobilization, said:… Read More CRS Responds to Trump Administration’s Immoral Refugee Cap

Bishop Christopher Coyne writes: Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si’” spoke eloquently and strongly against a “throw-away” culture that does not see the Earth as a place to be cultivated and sustained as the sphere in which we come to know God’s love, but instead sees the Earth and its resources as something only… Read More Bishop Coyne: We Must Listen to Pope Francis on Protecting Creation to Help Our World Survive

Greg Erlandson writes: In Europe and the United States, anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise. Verbal and physical assaults, including murder, are increasing. Anti-Semitic incidents in France increased more than 70 percent in 2018, in Germany by 20 percent, which also saw a near doubling of violent attacks. In our own country, the massacre at… Read More Catholics Must Resist the Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism