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John Allen, Nonpareil ‘Vaticanista’

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Michelangelo rediscovered in a Roman basilica

A marble bust of Christ that has stood quietly inside a Roman basilica for centuries has now been re-attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti, shedding new light on how the Renaissance master’s works circulated after his death. The sculpture, depicting Christ the Saviour, is housed in the Basilica of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura along the historic Via Read More…

Michelangelo rediscovered in a Roman basilica

What is the Chaldean Church? Are they Catholics?

The Chaldean Catholic Church is often mentioned in news reports about the Christians who live in countries such as Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon, where its members have a historical presence. It’s also present in other parts of the world where Chaldean Catholics have emigrated and made their homes. Consequently, during these days when there is Read More…

What is the Chaldean Church? Are they Catholics?

Book offers path for navigating neurodivergence with faith

Reading Ginny Kochis’s new book Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy, one thought occurred to me repeatedly: I wish I had this book 10 years ago when my older kids were young. But also, I’m glad I have it now. If your family is blessed with neurodivergent kids, this book may just Read More…

Book offers path for navigating neurodivergence with faith

Different languages, cultures: All one People of God

Pope Leo continued with his reflection on the Church, drawing from the Second Vatican Council’s document Lumen gentium. He focused the general audience of March 11 on the unity of the People of God, brought together from all nations and languages, and united by one characteristic: Those who belong to it do not pride themselves Read More…

Different languages, cultures: All one People of God

Priest killed in Lebanon: His name means “shepherd,” says Pope

Pope Leo XIV reiterated again his sorrow at the death of a Maronite Catholic priest in the ongoing war in Lebanon. Father Pierre el-Rahi, from the village of Qlayaa in the Diocese of Tyre in southern Lebanon, was killed in an Israeli bombing on Monday, March 9. Pope Leo spoke of his life and testimony at Read More…

Priest killed in Lebanon: His name means “shepherd,” says Pope

The cemetery tribute to St. Joseph touching hearts online

From time to time, a small story shared on social media captures people’s imagination for all the right reasons. Recently, one such story has been circulating about a family in Kansas who chose a deeply personal way to honor their late father. According to the post, the family dug his grave themselves — an act Read More…

The cemetery tribute to St. Joseph touching hearts online

Holy Land bishops praise those not responding with violence

In a statement released March 11 from Jerusalem, the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land announced that its planned plenary meeting in Nazareth had been suspended due to security concerns. Instead, bishops and Church leaders gathered online to exchange updates from their respective jurisdictions and discuss the growing challenges faced by local Christians. Read More…

Holy Land bishops praise those not responding with violence

An Apostle of Peace in an Era of War

In this time of war, the Holy Spirit is presenting to us a model for peace.

John Allen, nonpareil Vaticanista

Early Sunday morning, July 28, 2002, things were looking grim for the closing papal Mass of World Youth Day in Toronto. The previous four days had been a tremendous success, symbolized by hundreds of thousands [...]