Assata Shakur wrote to the pope 25 years ago. Her letter still resonates.
Efran Menny resurfaces an oft-forgotten letter from a famed Black activist (and lapsed Catholic) to John Paul II, urging him to act for Black liberation.
Rome
Interview: Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns, an African-American laywoman at the synod
Dr. Valerie Lewis-Mosley and Nate Tinner-Williams discuss with Manns the historic meeting in Rome that left her energized about synodality and the future of the Church.
Baltimore group meets with Vatican officials to urge canonization of U.S. Black Catholics
The activists have long called for an exception to the notably unwieldy canonization process—which has yet to produce a single Black American saint.
Perspectives: Transness alone cannot disqualify from godparenting
In a letter to the editor, Aaron Beswick says transgender people cannot be banned from godparenting based simply on simplistic criteria.
Perspectives: Is trans godparenting Biblical?
A letter to the editor from Sara Chinakwe asks how the new Vatican guidelines on LGBTQ+ godparenting squares with Scripture.
Joseph Strickland was my bishop. Here's why he had to go.
Briana Jansky of Tyler, Texas, explains how her erstwhile shepherd—removed this month by the Vatican—led her flock astray and nearly sabotaged her faith.
Vatican: Transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents
The new document from Rome also answers similar questions concerning homosexual people and those in same-sex relationships (including marriage).
Why the new synod report gives me hope.
Fr John McKenzie on how the new synthesis document from the Synod on Synodality speaks to his experience as a Black Catholic priest.
The world needs African-American saints. We're going to Rome to get them.
As the synod rolls on in Rome, African Americans plan to make their voices heard in the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Ralph Moore Jr. explains.
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.
Vatican urges La. governor to clear state's death row
The overture comes amid a fierce legal battle for the state's right to execute, and for the outgoing governor's plan to grant widespread clemency.
Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns, Cardinal Wilton Gregory to vote in 2023 Synod of Bishops gathering
The historic Black prelate will be joined by a professor and parish staff member from one of Minnesota's most vibrant parishes.
New postulator named for Venerable Henriette DeLille sainthood cause
The Creole Catholic pioneer's case in Rome will now be handled by a Dutchman who heads multiple other causes for African Americans.
Mother Mary Lange declared venerable by Pope Francis
The Afro-Cuban American foundress started the first order of Black Catholic nuns in the United States.
Venerable Henriette DeLille canonization guild to announce new postulator
The sainthood guild for one of New Orleans' best-known Black Catholics is hopeful for a miracle as a major transition takes place in the 35-year old cause.
The saintly Black Catholics who paved the way for MLK
Ralph Moore Jr. touts the legacies of African American Catholics on the path to sainthood, and how several of them paved the way for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.