Cardinal McElroy: Catholics Must Reject New Anti-Democratic Culture

John Gehring writes: Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego told me in an email interview that bishops and all Catholics have a responsibility to speak out with more urgency. “We have just come through a two-year period in which the most fundamental elements of our national democracy—the peaceful acceptance of election outcomes, boundaries for attacks… Read More Cardinal McElroy: Catholics Must Reject New Anti-Democratic Culture

Quote of the Day

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine: “I thank every American family which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people. I thank President Biden and both parties, at the Senate and the House, for your invaluable assistance. I thank your cities and your citizens who supported Ukraine this year, who… Read More Quote of the Day

Around the Web

Check out these recent articles from around the web: Cigars, Booze, Money: How a Lobbying Blitz Made Sports Betting Ubiquitous by Eric Lipton and Kenneth Vogel: “In state after state, while lobbyists for sports-betting firms, casino companies and professional leagues cultivated friendly relationships with lawmakers and regulators, the interests of taxpayers and people at risk… Read More Around the Web

Nichole Flores on Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Aesthetics of Solidarity

via Things Not Seen: In her recent book, The Aesthetics of Solidarity, our guest, professor Nichole M. Flores, explores how Our Lady of Guadalupe has been used as a symbol in democratic campaigns ranging from the Chicano movement and United Farm Workers’ movements to contemporary calls for just immigration reform. The podcast episode is available… Read More Nichole Flores on Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Aesthetics of Solidarity

Roots and Contemplation: Pope Francis on the Lessons of the Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene

via the Vatican: The tree and Nativity display are two signs that continue to charm young and old. The tree, with its lights, reminds us of Jesus who comes to illuminate our darkness, our existence often closed up in the shadow of sin, fear and pain. And it suggests to us a further reflection: like… Read More Roots and Contemplation: Pope Francis on the Lessons of the Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene

Pope Francis Must Offer Greater Clarity on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Christopher White writes: Ukraine’s foreign minister on Dec. 9 said that the Holy See cannot call on both Russia and Ukraine to bring about peace and that if the Vatican wants to play a role in an eventual peace negotiation, it must be willing to “call a spade a spade” and put the responsibility squarely… Read More Pope Francis Must Offer Greater Clarity on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine