Two recent books analyze the role of the Catholic Church in light of modern times. One is from a Catholic author who leans right politically, the other from one who leans left.

For nearly 1,500 years, a large majority of Catholics in the Western Church attended Mass in Latin. But after the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), the rite changed in ways that went well beyond ...

For nearly 1,500 years, a large majority of Catholics in the Western Church attended Mass in Latin. But after the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), the rite changed in ways that went well beyond ...

Another crossroads for modern Catholicism occurred following the death of Pope Pius XII in October 1958. The cardinals opted for what they thought was a “caretaker” pope, 76-year-old Angelo ...

By taking the name Leo, the new pope is clearly signaling an intention to highlight modern Catholic social teaching, a tradition that began with Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903.

The new pope has taken a name that recalls Pope Leo XIII, who wrote the outline for modern Catholic social justice teaching. Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 8, 2025. Pope Leo XIII, the leader ...

Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the most beloved spiritual figures in modern Catholicism. St. Thérèse of Lisieux (photo: Public domain) Solène Tadié World May 16, 2025 ...

Author Paul Wilkes considered Pope Francis a pivotal figure in modern Catholicism, similar to Pope John XXIII, for addressing the signs of the times.

For Louisiana's Roman Catholic faithful, the choice of Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, as the next pope, gave conservatives, progressives and those who were simply proud that an American ...