Pope Leo has assumed the Petrine ministry as old ecclesial divisions have reared up anew and as heightened polarization has weakened the church’s unity and mission.
While the U.S. bishops go on retreat this June, business follows them
Since the bishops last met in Baltimore last November, the United States has sworn in a new president and the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope.
St. Athanasius, staunch defender of truth at Nicaea and beyond
St. Athanasius (296-373) was perhaps the staunchest defender of the truth about Jesus Christ in this age: that he was truly the Son of God, being fully God and fully man. Arius’ heresy had attracted many followers, many of whom were bishops.
Christ at the center
The way Pope Leo has put Christ at the center in these early days of his pontificate illustrates that Christ is no mere idea or role model.
Analysis: Quietly, without flashiness, a disarming Pope Leo strives toward unity
One thing seemed clear from the moment Pope Leo stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica: He was not another Pope Francis — or another Pope Benedict XVI or St. John Paul II. He intended to do things his own way.
Besides Leo XIII, 12 other popes have shared that name with new pontiff; 5 are saints
Aside from Leo XIII, himself not canonized, there have been 12 others who share a name with the new pope, and five of those predecessors attained the heights of sanctity and have been proclaimed saints.
Masses of mourning or papal auditions?
Those wielding power in these days should not be able to use official days of mourning to try to shape a conclave, especially if it’s true that the conclave is to be exercised in freedom and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Top contenders for papacy after Pope Francis at a glance
The pre-conclave gatherings give an opportunity for cardinals to emerge as possible papal candidates as the cardinals discuss the issues facing the church and qualities desired in the next pope. The following figures are potential contenders to become the 267th successor of St. Peter.
A Eucharistic Word: Habit
As any parent will understand, praying well at Mass with three children is not easy — or sometimes, even possible.
St. Joseph: A patron for us all
In addition to his patronage of the church and a happy death, St. Joseph is patron of nearly a dozen countries. He also is patron of the sick, fathers and husbands, and workers, among others.
A Eucharistic Word: Embodied
Much of our “practice” of Catholicism is cooperating with God’s grace so that the Word is made flesh in us.
A Eucharistic Word: Holiness
Truly in the Eucharist, as the saints came to know, we find the answer to our searching, the satisfaction to our yearning, the meaning of it all.