U.S. Catholic magazine

04/11/2025

When the newly elected pope chose the papal name of Leo, he mentioned that he wanted to point to the previous pope with the same name. Here’s one of the reasons: In 1891, Pope Leo XIII published his encyclical on capital and labor. That was well over a century ago, but its precepts are still desperately needed.

Pope Leo XIII's encyclical on capital and labor was promulgated over a century ago, but its precepts are still desperately needed.

04/11/2025

What does being an "active Catholic" mean to you?

Should the church broaden its definition beyond liturgical participation?

How important is social justice work to Catholic identity?

Take our survey?

Should the church broaden its definition of “active Catholics” beyond liturgical participation? Take our survey.

04/11/2025

Anna Bruno’s novel 'Fine Young People,' set in a wealthy Pittsburgh suburb, artfully weaves an engaging plot with existential questions that take on added significance at a time when the nation’s institutions all seem tilted to favor the wealthy and pampered.

Anna Bruno's new novel, set at an elite Catholic school, explores the corrosive nature of privilege—and the stubborn wisdom of the young.

01/11/2025

"We can be both people of action and people of contemplation. For me, I feel empowered to fight on for a better world with greater confidence knowing that this world is not where it ends. For not even death can hold down the just."

Jamie Marich reflects on the readings for the Feast of All Souls.

Jamie Marich offers a reflection for the Feast of All Souls, November 2, 2025, year C in the Roman missal.

31/10/2025

While anarchism might work for less structured Christian groups, it seems an uncomfortable fit for Catholics, given the church’s emphasis on rules and hierarchy. But what about Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker? Would Day count as a Catholic anarchist?

On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to journalist and Catholic worker Renée Roden about whether Catholics can be anarchists.

Listen to the conversation using the link in our bio.

30/10/2025

Jesus, in the Gospel of Matthew, echoed a line from the prophet Hosea: “The Lord of all asks for mercy, not sacrifice.” Variations of this quote surface throughout Dilexi Te. Worship is not genuine if it is divorced from social justice. Leo writes that "one cannot pray and offer sacrifice while oppressing the weakest and poorest.”

Pope Leo XIV's first apostolic exhortation is a timely reminder that Christ summons us to care for the poor.

30/10/2025

The scripture verse about “beating swords into ploughshares” reminds us that we have choices about the things we make and how we use them. Do we make machines for destruction or for healing? Do our systems lift the vulnerable or help the oppressor? What do we love more, our guns or our children? Wealth or the Earth?

Unlike machines, we can choose how we act. That includes choosing how to use—or not use—the technologies we develop.

29/10/2025

What does being an "active Catholic" mean to you?

Should the church broaden its definition beyond liturgical participation?

How important is social justice work to Catholic identity?

Is there more to being Catholic than going to Mass? Take our survey here!

Should the church broaden its definition of “active Catholics” beyond liturgical participation? Take our survey.

28/10/2025

In this conversation, political philosopher and activist Stephen F. Schneck talks about where the ideal of separation and church and state comes from and clarifies the institutional church’s view on this matter. Separation of church and state, Schneck points out, is closely connected with the rights of conscience and freedom of religion—matters that Catholics take seriously.

Separation of church and state isn't just a secular concept: it's also essential for protecting religious freedom.

27/10/2025

The books U.S. Catholic writers have enjoyed this month, including “Nervous Systems” by Sara Billups and “Beyond Priests" by Paul Collins.

The books U.S. Catholic writers have enjoyed this month, including “Nervous Systems” and “Beyond Priests.”

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

Teilhard perceived the Heart of Christ as a “fire with the power to pe*****te all things.” At the root of this vision was a fidelity to the divine will that undergirded his spiritual life. This eminently Christian attitude, he wrote, “connected my love of Christ and my love of [t]hings.”

French Jesuit paleontologist and theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's cosmic vision can guide our life in Christ.