According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, there are over three million black American Catholics in the U.S., 250 priests, 437 deacons, and 50 men of African descent in seminary formation for the priesthood in the United States.
National News
Understanding the Jubilee and Its Roots From the Bible
A Holy Year, or jubilee, is a “great religious event” in the Catholic tradition, according to the Vatican. The Holy See describes it as one of “forgiveness of sins and also punishment due to sin … reconciliation between adversaries, of conversion and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and consequently of solidarity, hope, justice, commitment to serve God with joy and in peace with our brothers and sisters.”
Immigration, Mass Deportation Plan Loom Large for Catholics in 2024 Election
It’s one of the most divisive issues of the 2024 U.S. presidential election: immigration.
Puerto Rico Archbishop to Trump: ‘You, Personally, Apologize’ for Rally’s Racist Remarks
The archbishop of San Juan de Puerto Rico, Archbishop Roberto O. González Nieves, has written an open letter to former President Donald Trump, demanding the Republican presidential nominee personally apologize for racist remarks directed at Puerto Rico and others, that took place at his Oct. 27 rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Pro-Lifers Express Religious Liberty Concerns After Harris Rejects ‘Concessions’ on Abortion
After Vice President Kamala Harris said she does not think “concessions” should be made on codifying abortion protections, some pro-life activists expressed concern that a potential Harris administration would not implement religious exemptions to abortion policy.
New Encyclical ‘Simple and Powerful Cure’ to Many Societal Issues, U.S. Bishop Says
The head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says Pope Francis’ new encyclical offers a “simple and powerful” cure to many problems that plague modern society.
The Tablet 2024 Catholic Voter Guide
Back in November 2007, when the body of Catholic bishops in the United States approved a new voting guide for Catholics, Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, then-head of the bishops’ conference, said it was a “good teaching document” that was important given the complexities of the current political situation. In 2024, a complex political situation remains, as neither major political party candidate fully aligns with the Church on the central issues. Pope Francis even recently opined that while U.S. Catholics “have to vote” this election, they are choosing “the lesser evil.”
Humor, Politics Collide: $10M Raised at 79th Annual Al Smith Dinner
The jokes were flying at the 79th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a tradition that during presidential election years is usually a night where both candidates put aside their rancor and engage in light-hearted banter in a spirit of bipartisanship.
U.S. Cardinal Wilton Gregory at Synod Asks: Are We a Healthy Church?
After Pope Francis last week met with several American cardinals attending this year’s Synod of Bishops, one who was notably missing from the lineup said he had not been invited to participate in the meeting.
March for Life Prepares For New U.S. President — and Its Own New President
Jennie Bradley Lichter, president-elect of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, said challenges for the group’s cause on both political and cultural fronts also present an opportunity to demonstrate “leading with love.”
