I met the Holy Father in October. It was a brief encounter — at the opening Mass for the Year of Faith, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the convening of the Synod of the New Evangelization — during which Pope Benedict XVI gave me the most magnificent message to the women of the world, one Paul VI first issued, at the end of the Council. That in particular struck me as... Read more
In answer to some questions folks might have as we’re all focused on Rome, an exchange I had with my friend George Weigel on the publication of his new book, Evangelical Catholicism: LOPEZ: “In a cultural environment where all authority is suspect and the notion of divine authority is thought to be a psychological hangover from the postmodern world,” you write, “the claim that the divine authority is transmitted in an unbroken chain of apostolic succession through the bishops of... Read more
This isn’t theologically correct, but I do feel a bit like Lent began Monday this year for Catholics, with the humility of the Holy Father demonstrated so boldly in his shocking, loving announcement. In his Lenten message, the Holy Father reflects: Christians are people who have been conquered by Christ’s love and accordingly, under the influence of that love… Faith, which sees the love of God revealed in the pierced heart of Jesus on the Cross, gives rise to love.... Read more
What a beautiful reflection on the Pope Benedict’s news this week, from a cardinal in the room for the announcement, Francis Cardinal Arinze from Nigeria! As someone who knows the Holy Father he says: “I haven’t any doubt about his wisdom,” the cardinal said. “He doesn’t rush. He is not rash. He is gentle. But he’s also clear-headed and firm.” He expresses the hope that this will “help many to get more mature in our faith.” “Our faith is not... Read more
That’s what I’m dubbing the unofficial title of a panel later today, Ash Wednesday, in Washington, D.C. People are unsettled and looking for a little community and solidarity in the face of the big news from Rome this week. And the Catholic Information Center and Catholic Voices USA are aiming to provide some at 4 P.M. Come to 15th and K. Come ready for reflection and inspiration. Come with questions! Each friend on the panel will be a brother and... Read more
From Bishop Anthony Fisher, a Dominican in Australia: From the earliest times the role of the papacy has been this: to be the authentic witness to Jesus Christ “the Son of the Living God” and to His Gospel of life and love, of truth and goodness, of beauty and glory; to be, as binder and looser, the teacher and guarantor that what we receive we receive from Christ; to be also chief shepherd of the flock of Christ, a pastor... Read more
I’ve been saying this morning that if John Paul II showed us how to die, Pope Benedict XVI is showing us how to step aside in humility and love. But it is so much more than that even. He shows us how to live. The pope’s resignation statement is extraordinary. And it’s not the resigning itself that is the most important part for each one of us. Maybe you’ve read it. Maybe you just know the headline. Regardless, read it... Read more
This might be on your mind already because Valentine’s Day is this week, but here’s an action item: Invite a married couple to drop their kids off for the night some night, invite some single men and women from work or church to dinner with some others for dinner. Do something to support marriage, to make it plausible. There’s no magic pill to building a marriage culture. But a piece (see more on this on NRO) in the New York... Read more
Indeed it is. With haste, we ought to reflect on the witness of the martyrs we remember today. The witness of the last moments of the life of Saint Paul Miki and his companions — Father Bursar, Brother Martin, Brother Francis Branco …. there were six Franciscans, three Jesuits, fifteen Japanese tertiaries and two Japanese converts … comes up today in the Liturgy of the Hours. It’s gripping. It’s humbling. It’s awesome. Men who so trusted they would see the... Read more
A tour of Catholicism in the Speaker’s office. Read more
Kathryn Lopez
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