Last week we learned that the Church loves the poor. We have what we call a “preferential option for the poor.” The Church has been very good at caring for the poor and the needy worldwide. So why did Cardinal Hummes of Brazil tell Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, to “remember the poor”? Perhaps because ...read more

Nathan Schneider, a columnist for America and member of Occupy Catholics, talks about what he learned about the Bible from reporting on Occupy Wall Street. This video is part of a new series of reflections on Scripture from America and the American Bible Society. ...read more

We have all learned by now that Pope Francis will release interviews to whomever he choses, whenever he feels the moment is right. The key is asking with simplicity and sincerity. So it should come as no surprise that he released yet another interview. This time the journalist was a former homeless person and the ...read more

Bill McGarvey, culture columnist for America and author of “The Freshman Survival Guide,” talks about young people who identify as “spiritual but not religious,” why they resist traditional forms of Christianity and where they may find God. This video is part of a new series of reflections on Scripture from America and the American Bible ...read more

Head of CNEWA Canada, Carl Hétu discusses Egypt’s revolution and why the future of the Arab Spring may depend on the Egyptians. How are you going to spend the next five minutes of your time?  You could browse social media or check your email, but how about meeting a fascinating person and learning something relevant that will ...read more

Fr. James Martin, S.J., Editor at Large at America Magazine, introduces readers to different ways to pray with the Bible. Here, he takes an in-depth look at “Lectio Divina.” This video is part of a new series of reflections on Scripture from America and the American Bible Society. ...read more

Fr. James Martin, S.J., Editor at Large at America Magazine, introduces readers to different ways to pray. Here, he takes an in-depth look at Ignatian contemplation. This video is part of a new series of reflections on Scripture from America and the American Bible Society. ...read more

I would love you to meet Sherry. I’m not sure how she spells her name, but she told me her name was Sherry. I see her often, sitting outside the Royal Bank at the corner of King and Jarvis in Toronto. She sits there listening to her small red radio. Sometimes I give her change. ...read more

Pope Francis is scheduled to make his first Apostolic Visit to Africa this month. His itinerary includes a stop in the Central African Republic where he will visit the capital, Bangui. For the first time the pope and Vatican officials have acknowledged that the visit to the war torn nation is less than certain. Tumultuous ...read more

Last week, I went supper with a group of friends. All of a sudden, a friend sitting beside me took off his smartwatch and put it harshly on the table. I turned to him and he looked so angry. I thought it is because someone texted him something awful to make him angry. I asked ...read more