The ancient history of Catholicism in the motherland gives me hope—and gives me pause.
Alessandra Harris on the Kongo Kingdom and its lasting legacy in the Church's relationship with the Black world—and in entanglement with slavery.
Europe
'A black mark': Congolese cardinal on sainthood cause for Belgian king linked to colonialism, assassination
On King Baudouin, Cdl Fridolin Ambongo says Congolese bishops remain open, while noting an investigation will dig deeply into the royal's past.
Pope Francis signals sainthood for Belgian king tied to deadly Congolese coup
King Baudouin praised the "genius" of Leopold II's bloody Congo Free State and turned a blind eye to the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba.
Webcomic highlights Black New Yorker who sparked fire in alleged 1741 Catholic revolt
"Kofi's Fire" recounts a supposed Catholic plot to end slavery in the British Colony of New York, and the momentous court trial that followed.
Can Africa be found on a Catholic pilgrimage to Rome?
A weeklong Catholic student pilgrimage to Rome set out to show Rome as a place for all peoples. Finding Africa took some doing.
Black Catholics to lead 'Incorruptibles of Italy' pilgrimage
The trip will stop in Vicenza, Assisi, and Rome; include an opportunity for a Jubilee 2025 indulgence; and visit the shrine of St. Josephine Bakhita.
Remembering Fr Jacques Bonnaud, SJ, the only beatified Black Catholic from North America
Nate Tinner-Williams recounts the story of a little-known Haitian Jesuit priest who is one of only three Black blesseds in the Western Hemisphere.
Vatican official: Celibacy should be optional for priests
The Archbishop of Malta, who works in the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, made the comments in a new interview with his country's top daily.
Rebuild of Fort Mose, nation's first Black town, gets $200k in new funding
A groundbreaking for the replica of the nation's first free Black settlement—a Catholic outpost—has been scheduled for January 2024.
Pope Francis floats same-sex union blessings in Q&A with conservative cardinals
The new communique originated in the summer but was published on Monday by the head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Review: 'In the Shadow of Ebenezer' deftly highlights Atlanta's most historic Black Catholic parish
Christopher Gurley Jr. reviews a striking historical monograph from Dr. Leah Mickens, the winner of the inaugural Cyprian Davis, OSB, Prize in 2021.
Review: 'Chevalier' is powerful period piece, if not strained in its liberties
The new film fictionalizes much of the life of the groundbreaking Black French composer, but holds the ship steady for an entertaining slice of history.
Netflix hosts XULA waltz in honor of new 'Queen Charlotte' show, HBCU royal culture
The streaming giant promoted the soon-to-premiere show with HBCU queens from around the country, and by gifting XULA's marching band with brand-new uniforms.
Notre Dame webinar series will lead up to Tolton pilgrimage in April
The in-person event will coincide with the 169th birthday of Venerable Augustus Tolton—the nation's first openly Black Catholic priest.
Requiem for a pope emeritus
Nate Tinner-Williams on his takings in of a Funeral Mass for the ages, that of the retired Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dead at 95
After a life of theological and pontifical service—and a tumultuous 8-year tenure governing a troubled Church—the retired pope in Rome has died following an extended illness.