Read & Reflect
Articles, reflections, news, and homilies — thoughtful Catholic content for the faithful, published regularly.
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Spirituality
Eros and Agape: The Greek Origins of Christian Love
In his first encyclical, Pope Benedict XVI looked over the course of his life, beginning before World War II, throughout which he witnessed firsthand the propensity of human beings to hate, interspersed with episodes of what the world called “love.” Love, he reflected, “has become one of the most fr...
Spirituality
What Happens When We Prioritize Our Relationship with God
The early Church faced the problem of the unjust distribution of food among her members, as we learn in Acts 6: “The Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.” The Twelve addressed this issue immediately so that it would not distra...
Spirituality
There is Always Hope: Faith Rooted in Childhood Will Prevail
I can only imagine the anguish devout Catholic parents must feel when their child, be they adolescent or adult, moves away from God. They stand sadly by, hoping and praying that their offspring will return to the loving embrace of their heavenly Father. Hope and prayer, the mainstay of our Christian...
Spirituality
The Other 7 Deadly Extremes
We Catholics have a lot of sets of spiritual things. The 10 CommandmentsThe 3 Theological VirtuesThe 4 Cardinal VirtuesThe 8 Beatitudes(Hope you’re studying—there’s a quiz at the end.)The 7 Gifts of the Holy SpiritThe 12 Fruits of the Holy SpiritThe 7 Corporal Works of MercyThe 7 Spiritual Works of...
Spirituality
Unity Without Compromise: Why Ecumenism Needs Catholic Clarity Now More than Ever
Imagine walking into the office on your first day of a new job and seeing a heated argument between a group of people who are not only in positions of authority but also the primary actors in ensuring that the business flourishes. Naturally, your first inclination might be to pick up the want ads as...
World News
Shaleta arrest warrant details embezzlement case
While a search warrant remains sealed by court order, a recently unsealed arrest warrant details the extent of financial crimes alleged against Chaldean Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, whose resignation from ecclesiastical office was accepted by Pope Leo XIV in early March.Bishop Emanuel Shaleta. Credit: C...
World News
IOR posts best returns in a decade
The Institute for Works of Religion posted its best financial results in a decade, according to its annual report released Monday.The Torrione di Niccolò V, the Vatican headquarters of the Institute for the Works of Religion. Joi Ito/wikimedia CC BY 2.0.The institute, commonly referred to as the Vat...
World News
St. Pancras’ clock, and performative piety
Hey everybody,Last week, I wrote about bagels, and then a very kind New York City bagel maker promptly sent me a case of bagels, cream cheese, salmon, and a t-shirt. It was awesome.That’s why this week I’ve decided to mention how much I love visiting beautiful beach and lake houses with my family. R...
World News
Starting Seven: May 12, 2026
Welcome to Starting Seven, The Pillar’s daily newsletter.I’m Luke Coppen and I seek to guide you each weekday morning to the most interesting Catholic news and commentary. Read more
World News
‘There is plenty of life’: Bishop Lopes on the Australian ordinariate’s future
Pope Leo XIV named Monday a new apostolic administrator to oversee Australia’s ordinariate for groups of former Anglicans, amid questions about its long-term future.Bishop Steven Lopes. Credit: victorpanlilio/wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.0.The Vatican announced May 11 that the pope had named Bishop Steven L...
World News
Israel expels West Bank priest leading West Bank youth ministry
The Israeli government has declined to renew the visa of a Catholic priest in the West Bank, who was responsible for youth ministry among the region’s Christian community.Fr. Louis Salman. Courtesy photo.According to sources close to the situation, Fr. Louis Salman was interrogated by Israeli offici...