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.
Rome
Post-synod, African Americans from students' pilgrimage speak of invigoration, challenges
An October event in Rome stirred consciences and debate, while the few Black participants say they were inspired by a unique moment of synodality.
Vatican's top cardinal speaks on Donald Trump's second presidential victory
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, contrasted Trump's campaign promises with reality, human dignity, and Pope Francis.
Review: 'Conclave' brings fictional Church politics down to earth
Samantha Smith says the new film is a Catholic-themed thriller with an air of humanity amidst lofty themes of division and decision.
The Synod on Synodality is over. What does the final document say?
The topic of women's leadership again saw opposition, as did local episcopal authority, but consensus increased compared to last year's synthesis.
'Dialogue has to happen': South Sudanese cardinal on conflict in the homeland
At the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba spoke on various issues in his region and the need for continued dialogue.
Catholic Action reps renew 'Pact of the Catacombs' in Rome, marking solidarity with the poor
It was part of a 4-day conference on the lay apostolate animated by synodality and the "See, Judge, Act" method of Servant of God Joseph Cardijn.
'The Church has an outstanding debt to pay': Afro-Latina Catholic delegate for Synod on Synodality
María Suyapa Cacho Álvarez, a Garifuna religious sister in Honduras, spoke during a panel event this week in Rome on Afro-Latinos and Synodality.
Haitian archbishop calls for peace during Pope Francis' day of prayer
Archbishop Launay Saturné of Cap-Haitien is one of two Black Caribbean delegates to the Synod on Synodality, currently convening in Rome for the month of October.
'No room' for ordained Catholic women deacons, says Vatican doctrine chief
Cardinal Victor Manuel “Tucho” Fernández made the comments on behalf of a study group on the topic, among several others, over the next 10 months.
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.
Synod on Synodality to reconvene at the Vatican in October—with a few new twists
Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns and Cardinal Wilton Gregory will again join more than 350 delegates for a month-long exploration of a "listening Church".
Now more than ever, we need the pope to see and hear Black Catholics.
Ralph Moore, a year after petitioning Rome for Black saints, sees a crisis of good faith in Baltimore as it downsizes its Black Catholic footprint.
Sainthood cause for Martin de Porres Ward receives Vatican approval
The Boston-born Black missionary to Brazil died 25 years ago this summer and was the first African-American to join the Conventual Franciscans.
'The Bishop of Rome': What the new Vatican document tells us about the pope
Fr John McKenzie explains a new Vatican document that encourages Christian unity and takes a fresh look at the meaning of papal primacy.
National synthesis for interim synod stage notes zeal, division in U.S. Catholic Church
The document brings together diocesan reports from listening sessions held during Lent, ahead of this fall's Synod on Synodality session in Rome.