Featured
Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to four years in prison over prostitution charges
The Catholic-raised rap mogul beat racketeering and trafficking charges earlier this year linked to decades of misconduct and physical assault.
When the true assembly begins: Africa meets the Indigenous on a journey of healing
Fr Nnaemeka Ali, OMI, on a powerful experience of encounter and meditation with First Nations elders in Canada.
'Nuns vs. The Vatican' review: A much-needed new angle on clerical abuse
Nate Tinner-Williams on a film uncovering the scourge of abuse against women religious—centering on the high-profile Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik.
When God spoke to me in a dream, I listened.
Sister of the Holy Family Charlotte Rubit recounts an experience hearing from God in a way never expected, yet much needed in her life of faith.
Cardinal Dolan, can an unrepentant racist really be a saint?
Daryl Grigsby on the prominent Catholic prelate's likening of the late Charlie Kirk, an unabashed racist Republican, to St. Paul the Apostle.
'A city of promise': Royce Duplessis makes case at final Urban League debate for New Orleans mayor candidates
The 42-year-old Black Catholic state senator emphasized his vision for a revived New Orleans ahead of an open primary election in October.
Celebrate BCM's 5th anniversary in San Francisco! Join us for the inaugural Rudd Lecture
Five years never felt so good. Black Catholic Messenger was founded in 2020 to bring light to the voice and witness of African-American in the Church, and we’re celebrating our anniversary with a bang in the Bay Area. On Saturday, Nov. 8, at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral in
Charles Prejean Sr., activist and Black Catholic leader, laid to rest in Atlanta
The Louisiana native was a force in the cooperative movement and addressing Black land loss, before transitioning to chancery ministry in Atlanta.
Cancer Alley rally to feature former Vice President Al Gore, Black Catholic activist Sharon Lavigne
The event, led by RISE St. James, honors the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing fight against chemical pollution in Louisiana.
Pope Leo XIV publicly acknowledges African roots in newly released interview
The comments came in July during an interview with Elise Ann Allen, released this week alongside a Spanish edition of her new biography of Leo.
Sharon Lavigne, 'Cancer Alley' activist, granted honorary Italian citizenship
The Louisiana native received the honor while in the country for meetings with students, fellow climate advocates, and top Vatican officials.
Reparations, reconciliation, and restoration: Will the new social justice pope address the cries of Black Catholics?
Tamika Royes on the enduring call for a pontiff who will finally move in the name of justice and recompense for African-Americans.
Black Catholic meets Pope Leo XIV after 600-mile bike pilgrimage to combat antisemitism
Victor Mooney's latest advocacy trek included Catholic shrines and former concentration camps in Poland before a surprise invitation to the Vatican.
Robert White Jr. to run for Congress against an aging Eleanor Holmes Norton
The 43-year-old D.C. Council member says he is running against his former mentor to bring hope to D.C. residents living in fear and uncertainty.
Xavier University of Louisiana ranked #6 HBCU for third straight year
Xavier University of Louisiana is once again the #6 HBCU in the nation, maintaining its status as a top higher education institution in new rankings released this month by U.S. News & World Report. The Black Catholic school in New Orleans also tied for the #16 university in the
Bishop Robert Barron praises late far-right activist Charlie Kirk following fatal shooting
The Trump-aligned prelate called the young influencer a man of "considerable charm" and "goodness of heart" despite his racist and violent views.
From the Black perspective, where is Catholic education headed?
Tamika Royes on the evolution of Church-sponsored schooling and the resolve needed for authentic renewal and cultural inclusion.
Sr Gail Trippett elected to congregational leadership of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
The former parish administrator and longtime educator was chosen by her fellow sisters this summer and will be installed next spring.
Assata Shakur, famed Black revolutionary and erstwhile political prisoner, dead at 78
The African-American Catholic convert was convicted on trumped-up murder charges in 1977 following a N.J. shootout, before escaping prison to Cuba.
New Orleans mayor, former bodyguard plead not guilty to federal charges linked to affair
The pair allegedly conspired to fund an affair on the city's dime and covered it up by means of deleted messages, perjury, and public retaliation.
Sharon Lavigne, 'Cancer Alley' activist, granted honorary Italian citizenship
The Louisiana native received the honor while in the country for meetings with students, fellow climate advocates, and top Vatican officials.
Robert White Jr. to run for Congress against an aging Eleanor Holmes Norton
The 43-year-old D.C. Council member says he is running against his former mentor to bring hope to D.C. residents living in fear and uncertainty.
Cardinal Dolan, can an unrepentant racist really be a saint?
Daryl Grigsby on the prominent Catholic prelate's likening of the late Charlie Kirk, an unabashed racist Republican, to St. Paul the Apostle.
Assata Shakur, famed Black revolutionary and erstwhile political prisoner, dead at 78
The African-American Catholic convert was convicted on trumped-up murder charges in 1977 following a N.J. shootout, before escaping prison to Cuba.
Can Catholics vote for Zohran Mamdani?
Félix Cepeda gives a justice-informed take on the surging socialist who may soon be headed to City Hall in the Big Apple.
Xavier University of Louisiana ranked #6 HBCU for third straight year
Xavier University of Louisiana is once again the #6 HBCU in the nation, maintaining its status as a top higher education institution in new rankings released this month by U.S. News & World Report. The Black Catholic school in New Orleans also tied for the #16 university in the
'A city of promise': Royce Duplessis makes case at final Urban League debate for New Orleans mayor candidates
The 42-year-old Black Catholic state senator emphasized his vision for a revived New Orleans ahead of an open primary election in October.
From the Black perspective, where is Catholic education headed?
Tamika Royes on the evolution of Church-sponsored schooling and the resolve needed for authentic renewal and cultural inclusion.
Black Catholics react to Minneapolis shooting that left two students dead at parish
Archbishop Shelton Fabre, chair of the U.S. bishops' domestic justice committee, called the attack "senseless" and requested prayers for the grieving.
'Nuns vs. The Vatican' review: A much-needed new angle on clerical abuse
Nate Tinner-Williams on a film uncovering the scourge of abuse against women religious—centering on the high-profile Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik.
New Catholic worship album blends genres, including gospel and funk
"God Makes a Way" from OCP and Echo Harbor Worship features an ecumenical crop of musicians—including Israel Houghton, Cory Henry, and Tower of Power.
Miriam's tambourine: On music and the heart of humankind
Alexander Walton traces the effects of music on social unity, from the Red Sea to the Civil Rights Movement.
HBCU romance anthology to feature Farrah Rochon, Elizabeth Acevedo
The new compilation from Ebony LaDelle includes eleven authors, several of whom themselves attended historically Black colleges or universities.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to four years in prison over prostitution charges
The Catholic-raised rap mogul beat racketeering and trafficking charges earlier this year linked to decades of misconduct and physical assault.
When God spoke to me in a dream, I listened.
Sister of the Holy Family Charlotte Rubit recounts an experience hearing from God in a way never expected, yet much needed in her life of faith.
George Raveling, spark behind 1984 Jordan-Nike deal, dead at 88
The D.C.-born Black Catholic was the first Black head coach in the Pac-8 Conference and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
From the Black perspective, where is Catholic education headed?
Tamika Royes on the evolution of Church-sponsored schooling and the resolve needed for authentic renewal and cultural inclusion.
Poem: THE LIFE WE LIVE
Dorothy Dempsey's latest, on the necessary intersection of life and love in the modern world.
Poem: THE BEAUTY OF WORDS
Dorothy Dempsey's latest verse, on the power of the creative voice.
Poem: A LIFE WORTH LIVING
Every life is a life worth living. A special gift from God. No matter what the circumstances. It must be held in high regard. There are many battles in life. That makes you stumble and fall. But the will of God makes you stand up tall. For the life you
Editors' Picks
Podcast: Cardinal Wilton Gregory on 40 years of episcopal ministry and Black Catholic history
Eric T. Styles interviews the retired African-American prelate on liturgy, the reforms of Pope Francis, and the nascent Pope Leo XIV.
White smoke, Black pope? Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff, has African roots
Previously unknown genealogy on the 69-year-old Chicago native was revealed by genealogists shortly after white smoke rose in St. Peter's Square.
What does JD Vance—and Springfield, Ohio—owe Haitian immigrants?
Jack Champagne on the GOP vice presidential candidate's fixation on the immigrant other—and the malformed Catholic imagination that animates it.