On May 8, 2025, the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV gave his first "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and to the world") Apostolic Blessing. The first public appearance and official blessing by a new successor of Peter is a truly incredible moment, and it was...
The papacy is an institution of that both Catholics and non-Catholics typically misunderstand. This papal primer provides an overview - What is the true job description of the Pope and what’s the origin and nature of his authority?...
For the proper interpretation of Scripture and to discern God's will, where do we turn for guidance, the teaching authority of the Church, or to the Holy Spirit? The Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 gives us some answers....
The origins of the Papacy can be found in the dialogue between Jesus and Simon Peter in John 21, a gospel traditionally read during Eastertide. The question,"Peter, do you love me?" is followed by the command "Feed my sheep." The pope,...
This post on the Papacy and Peter's unique role seeks to answer commonly asked questions about what Catholics believe about the Pope and why the bishop of Rome is considered to be the successor of Peter, the universal shepherd. [dropcaps type='normal' font_size='100' color='' background_color='' border_color='']O[/dropcaps]n many...
Leo the Great on the famous passage from Matthew 16 in which Jesus gives Cephas the new name of Peter, meaning rock, along with the keys to the kingdom of heaven. It is read each year on the Feast of the Chair of...
Hilary, commenting on Psalm 133, points out the central importance of Christian unity and fraternal love. He even says that the chief instruction of the apostles is that believers be of one heart and one mind....
The Feast of the Dedication of the St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome on November 9th raises an important question: "why do Roman Catholics and other Christians spend so much money on Church buildings when it is the people who are the true Church and...
In this video, Dr. Italy discusses Augustine's fight against both Manicheans and Pelagians defending free will on the one hand and the utter necessity of grace on the other in light of original sin....
Christianity is about receiving a free gift of salvation -- that's true. But it is also about passing it forward. But don't you need a degree and extensive training first? God doesn't so much call the equipped; he equips the called. We quickly move from...