The Pope to Pentecostals: Pray for Christian Unity!

The pope was invited to give a message to a group of Pentecostals (it seems to be directed to Kenneth Copeland Ministries and the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches). It speaks volumes that he was even asked to do so. In my view, he took good advantage of the opportunity. Here’s what he said: The… Continue reading The Pope to Pentecostals: Pray for Christian Unity!

Pope Francis and the White Crucifixion

When asked about his favorite painters, Pope Francis responded: “Among the great painters, I admire Caravaggio; his paintings speak to me. But also Chagall, with his ‘White Crucifixion.’” It’s a fascinating choice. Marc Chagall was, as Wikipedia notes, “the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century.” He was also captured by the figure of Jesus Christ: he has numerous… Continue reading Pope Francis and the White Crucifixion

The Key to Understanding Pope Francis’ Pastoral Approach

“Love It, Learn It, Live It.” That’s the slogan my archbishop, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, chose for the Faith Initiative for the Year for Faith. I was initially surprised by the ordering, since it seemed to me that it would be more logical to put “Learn it” first. Apparently, I wasn’t alone: one of the priests… Continue reading The Key to Understanding Pope Francis’ Pastoral Approach

Have You Wept Over the Death of Immigrants?

Last week, Pope Francis visited the small Sicilian island of Lampedusa, a crossing-over point for immigrantscoming from northern Africa to Europe. He went to mourn the deaths of an estimated 20,000 migrants who have crossed over. These individuals were mostly Muslims who were crossing into Europe illegally, and their deaths were largely ignored. The pope’s trip… Continue reading Have You Wept Over the Death of Immigrants?

Why Non-Christians Should Read Lumen Fidei

On Friday, Pope Francis released his first encyclical, Lumen Fidei, which means “The Light of Faith.” Even though the encyclical is addressed to “the bishops, priests, and deacons, consecrated persons, and the lay faithful,” I hope that non-Christians will read it as well. Why? Because Francis explains in stark terms the differences in how “faith”… Continue reading Why Non-Christians Should Read Lumen Fidei

Ten Great Quotes from Pope Francis

Pope Francis is a gifted orator, and an effective evangelist, proclaiming the Gospel from the world’s largest pulpit. In the short time that he’s been pope, he’s had a lot to say. Today, I want to highly ten quotations from Pope Francis that you might have missed. These are taken from ten different occasions, on… Continue reading Ten Great Quotes from Pope Francis

The Gospel and The Poor: Léon Bloy and Pope Francis

One of the things that has most impressed me about Pope Francis is that he talks about sin, and about the devil as if he actually believes that sin and the devil are real. In his first homily as pope, Pope Francis made this stunning claim: When one does not profess Jesus Christ – I… Continue reading The Gospel and The Poor: Léon Bloy and Pope Francis

Pope Francis, Foot-Washing, and the Cross

Meister des Hausbuches, Christ Washing the Feet of the Apostles (1475) The more I read about our new Holy Father, the happier I am.  He seems to combine outspoken orthodoxy with flagrant and outspoken love of the poor and downtrodden.  In short, there is plenty for Catholics (and non-Catholics) of all stripes to like.  One… Continue reading Pope Francis, Foot-Washing, and the Cross