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Bishop John Ricard, Josephite who served as first Black Catholic prelate in Florida, dead at 86
The Louisiana-born leader ministered for nearly six decades, serving as a mental health professional, parish priest, bishop, and administrator.
Sojourner Truth, Sister Thea, and the preaching of Black Catholic women
Tamika Royes suggests that Black Catholic women can help revive the Catholic Church—if only they are permitted to make full use of their gifts.
Virginia Supreme Court nixes Democrats' congressional map amid voting rights fracas
The 4-3 ruling from a conservative-majority bench said a spring voter referendum was authorized improperly in violation of the state constitution.
Virginia flags lowered to honor Dr. Cerina Fairfax, dentist killed in murder-suicide
The 49-year-old Catholic had initiated divorce proceedings before being shot and killed by her husband, former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in April.
The Golden Rule is not optional: A Black Catholic call to belonging
Dr. Antoinette Reaves on the complications of Black Catholic identity and how a recommitment to a central teaching of Jesus can encourage renewal.
In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV apologizes for Vatican role in slavery, discusses dangers of AI
The lengthy new document covers the nature of emerging technology, its effects on respect for human dignity, and the risk of modern bondage.
'A theological and moral voice': Chicago conference explores Pope Leo XIV—past, present, and future
Scholars and journalists spoke at the two-day event on the American pontiff, his roots and experiences in the global Church, and his current voice.
St. Joseph the Worker, 'Rerum Novarum,' and ‘Dilexi Te’: On the Black Catholic apostolate and faithful witness
Christian Bentley reflects on the papal witness to the dignity of work, and how it relates to the Black Catholic experience in the United States.
'I stand in solidarity': Black bishop defends Pope Leo XIV amid White House attacks
Archbishop Shelton Fabre is among the numerous Catholic prelates speaking out in the wake of anti-Catholic comments from President Donald Trump.
Auxiliary Bishop-elect Robert Boxie of Washington to be consecrated July 7
The 45-year-old chaplain is set to become the nation's youngest Catholic prelate and the latest African-American auxiliary bishop in Washington.
From the Congo to Kentucky: Catholic-led after-school program shows hope is alive in Lexington
Philip Manga helps lead an outreach serving mostly African immigrant children with an ethos informed by faith and a harrowing journey to America.
Fr Robert Boxie III named Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, youngest U.S. Catholic prelate
The 45-year-old former attorney has served as the Catholic chaplain for Howard University since 2020, seeing sustained success at the HBCU.
Best they ever Sawe: Kenyan Catholic shatters marathon world record, breaks two-hour barrier
Sabastian Sawe, 31, defended his London Marathon title in a historic race that saw two runners break two hours, and three best the previous WR.
Louisiana GOP senators drop majority-Black district in proposed gerrymander
by Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator (May 13, 2026)
A moral call to defend Black voting rights: How Catholics should respond
Efran Menny surveys the history of African-American disenfranchisement and urges faithful Catholic witness to stem the tide of injustice.
On pilgrimage to Pierre: New York's holy hairdresser and the quiet revolution
Tulio Huggins reflects on a trip to the tomb of Venerable Pierre Toussaint, one of the nation's seven Black Catholics on the road to sainthood.
'We are them. They are us.': St. Louis Catholics gather for workshop unpacking racism, the Church's response
The event, based on the USCCB’s 2018 letter “Open Wide Our Hearts," was organized by the Office of Racial Harmony and Black Catholic Ministries.
Editors' Picks
Fr Robert Boxie III named Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, youngest U.S. Catholic prelate
The 45-year-old former attorney has served as the Catholic chaplain for Howard University since 2020, seeing sustained success at the HBCU.
'Demonic cycle of evil': Pope Leo XIV again rejects war during Vatican prayer vigil for peace
The American pontiff held the livestreamed service in response to various global conflicts, heading off weeks of intensifying anti-war messages.
Jari Honora named Louisianan of the Year for discovering Pope Leo XIV's Black Creole roots
The 34-year-old historian and genealogist used his expertise on Louisiana Creoles to quickly uncover the ancestry of the first American pontiff.
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.