Of Social Doctrine and New Things – “It is all too tempting to try to use Catholic Social Doctrine as a policy platform with which to bludgeon one’s political opponents. Pope Leo XIV’s address is a good sign that he seems to understand what is at stake.” Doctrine, Not Indoctrination: Pope Leo XIV and the Transpolitical Nature of Catholic Social Doctrine (The Public Discourse)
Discussion of Fatherhood – “Men in particular appear to benefit from the transition to parent life, with research showing men experience an uptick in well-being from fatherhood.” Men Are in Trouble. Maybe Fatherhood and Bigger Families Are a Solution (Institute for Family Studies)
Recognized by China – “The Holy See announced Wednesday the appointment of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary of Fuzhou.” Leo names underground bishop as auxiliary, Beijing agrees (The Pillar)
When Life Begins – “Anglican theologian and former bishop of Durham N. T. Wright has landed himself in hot water following remarks that abortion is acceptable in ‘some circumstances,’ such as rape, incest, or disability.” The Problem with N. T. Wright’s Abortion Remarks (First Things)
Federal Action Required – “Riots are not like criminal activity of the kind best dealt with patiently and subtly. Of their nature they require an immediate and severe response.” Suppress the Riots, Mr. President (Postliberal Order – Substack)
An Alarming Campaign – “The sheer scale of the attacks forces Christians into hiding, with many facing imprisonment, violence or death for their faith … ”
Persecution Against Christians – “One can hardly watch the news or scroll through social media without hearing another story of Christians being discriminated against for their faith.” Nigeria is a killing field, and Christians are the prey (The Christian Post)
The State of Fatherhood – “It would be wonderful if studies showing obvious truths were unneeded, but too much of the modern world has cast off common sense because of ideological commitments.” Dads Matter: Study Proves What Common Sense Already Knew
Healing Disunity – Pope Leo has countless opportunities to pursue renewed unity at the global level and at the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV: A Unifying Figure (Public Discourse)
Last Resort – “As the world processes reports of Israeli airstrikes against the Iranian regime’s military and nuclear weapons program, Christians should think carefully about how to respond.” 6 Reasons Why Israel’s Strike against Iran Was Justified (Washington Stand)
(*The posting of any particular news item or essay is not an endorsement of the content and perspective of said news item or essay.)
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@ Of Social Doctrine and New Things
Essential readings are this article on the nature (too often distorted) of Catholic Social Teachings (CST) together with the linked address to the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation by Pope Leo XIV: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/may/documents/20250517-centesimus-annus-pro-pontifice.html
Even the title to the Foundation conference is instructive: “Overcoming Polarizations and Rebuilding Global Governance: The Ethical Foundations.” The difference between ethical and many-faceted global “governance” and any ideological notion of a global “government.” (We ask, for example, how to do Solidarity and Subsidiarity, both together?)
The CST does include inviolable moral absolutes drawn from the natural law and the transcendent dignity of the human person but then, on so many other also concrete and more complex issues, insists on the exercise of the moral virtues—especially the virtue of prudential judgment. On such matters the CST is not a ready-made and simplistic answer book imposed from above.