Christopher Hale writes: For the first time ever, the most famous American in the world is not the president or a Hollywood icon or tech billionaire—it’s the Pope. This is more than a Catholic triumph; it’s a cultural watershed for the United States. In a society that often equates American influence with might or money… Read More The Meaning of an American Pope

John McCarthy writes: Humility As Pope Francis was announced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he could have easily used that moment to talk about himself and his pontificate. Instead, he spoke of themes of “mutual trust” and invited the crowd to “pray for one another.” Then, in a moment of humility, he… Read More 5 Things Lawmakers Can Learn from Pope Francis

Pete Davis writes: Twelve years ago, I was 23 and civically disappointed, bitterly coming to terms with the false promises of modern American politics and technology. None of the shiny paths forward that had been sold to our generation felt like they were heading anywhere good. Then, out of nowhere, a surprise! A world leader… Read More Closeness, Proximity Was the Goal

How to Remember Pope Francis by Patrick Gilger: “I’ve been asking others what they remember about Pope Francis—not what they think will happen in the long wake that will follow the end of his long papacy, but what their hearts will remember. This is because, for those of us who take the Incarnation of Christ… Read More Remembering Pope Francis

Chris Crawford writes: Others will write about Pope Francis’s legacy in the context of public life and global politics; I’d like to discuss how this feels as a lay Catholic losing their spiritual leader — one who sought to make himself as accessible as a local parish priest. Before blessing the pilgrims in Rome on… Read More Pope Francis, the Pastor

Marcus Mescher at Xavier University: Humility Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis demonstrated “humility and simplicity,” Mescher said. The pope’s chosen name, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, reflected this nature — Mescher noted that St. Francis renounced his wealth for a life of service and devotion to God…. Mercy One aspect of Francis’ approach that… Read More 5 Themes of Pope Francis’ Papacy