The Magisterium of the Popes and nuclear weapons
Our Editorial Director recalls the teachings of the Popes on nuclear weapons since the atomic bombings of Japan in August 1945. By Andrea Tornielli Since the tragedy caused by the atomic bombings of Japan in August 1945, the Church has reflected on the risk of humanity destroying itself. In his Christmas Radio Message of 1955, Pius […]
Election Day Diary
Father Jerry J. Pokorsky November 6, 2025 It is possible for two strangers to stand outside a polling place, discuss life and death, faith and truth—and end with mutual kindness. In my usual—well, slightly unkempt—priestly black clothing and white tab collar, I arrived at the voting station this morning, ready to do my civic duty. […]
Right to life
The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation: “The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a […]
The Question
“The real question today is not when human life begins, but What is the value of human life? The abortionist who reassembles the arms and legs of a tiny baby to make sure all its parts have been torn from its mother’s body can hardly doubt whether it is a human being. The real question for him […]
How to Talk to Democrats About Embryonic Stem Cell Research
By Eric Pavlat The record shows that as the need for medical experiments grew, manyphysicians and others treated institutionalized infants, dying patients, and mentally impaired individuals as not quite persons in the moral sense. Moreover,indigent patients in hospitals were often treated in a similar fashion. . . . “Clearly, these ‘vulnerable’ individuals were thought of […]
Fr. Richard McBrien attacks pro-life bishops in syndicated column
12/20/2004 – In his syndicated column, Fr. Richard McBrien, professor of Theology at the University of Notre-Dame, issued a scathing attack on bishops holding a pro-life position, claiming that they negate the importance of other concerns such as capital punishment, just war, or social justice. McBrien criticism is delivered in a piece entitled “Consistent ethic […]
Statements by Pope John Paul II on the Death Penalty
The Church’s involvement in the issue of the death penalty has took on a high profile with Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis in January 1999. Following are several quotes from the Pope. We hope you find these helpful as you continue your study on the death penalty. A. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia […]
Thou Shalt Not Kill
Victor R. Claveau, MJ Murder is prohibited in the Decalogue (Ex. 20:15; Dt 5:18). God established the commandment, “thou shalt not kill,” in order to protect all human life, the greatest of His creations. This must be understood as not only concerning the life of the body, but also of the life of grace, which […]
The Views of the Holy See on Human Cloning
The Holy See’s Position The Holy See firmly supports a world-wide and comprehensive ban on human cloning, no matter what techniques are used and what aims are pursued. Its position is based on (1) biological analysis of the cloning process and (2) anthropological, social, ethical and legal reflection on the negative implications that human cloning […]
Catholic Voters
According to “Catholics for a free choice” 51% of Catholics voted for Biden voted and his anti-life agenda. According to PEW Forum, Catholic registered voters are evenly split between those who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party (47%) and those who favor the GOP (46%). Our U.S. Catholic population has hovered around 22% for the […]