Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical—titled "Magnificent Humanity" in English—centers themes of disarming words, peace through justice, shifting perspectives, healthy realism, and dialogue. Daryl Grigsby's reading of the new text inspired reflection on the Black Catholic experience. buff.ly/ct8DkL5

Encouraging openness to the spirit and to the foundational transcendentals, Rana Irby offers a new poem, "Hands and Spirit", resolving to virtue in its short span of wordful meditation. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/hands-and-sp...

The leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church see a vision for growth in certain sectors of society, focusing attention and resources there in an attempt to keep the ship afloat. Fabian Adderley asks: Where does that leave Black Catholics? www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/who-still-ne...

Pope Leo XIV's recent comments on liberty inspire reflection on how America can live up to its original ideals in light of its complicated, anti-Black founding. Tamika Royes writes that this journey begins with acknowledging African-American resistance across North America. buff.ly/jDQllF9

Fr Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago has been newly accused of sex abuse, prompting his suspension pending an investigation. The 77-year-old activist priest denies the claim, having been the target of other recent allegations that were found not credible. buff.ly/FnFfY5P

Ascension Press will launch "Bible in a Year: Family Edition" in 2027 with Fr Josh Johnson, following up on the mega-popular podcast led by Fr Mike Schmitz. In an exclusive interview with BCM, Johnson shares his hopes for the new project. buff.ly/BfQJJtY

Fr Bryan Massingale has received the John Courtney Murray Award from the Catholic Theological Society of America, honoring his advocacy on racial justice and LGBTQ+ issues. He is just the second Black person to receive the nation's top Catholic theological honor. buff.ly/XZi537x

Growth in artificial intelligence technology has brought great wealth to a select few, leaving the poor out to dry in an age of mega-billionaires. Dr. Ronald E. Smith writes that the trillions being spent on AI should instead be used to uplift those most in need. buff.ly/7W7tOGA

Robert Boxie III has been consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, becoming the youngest Catholic prelate in the U.S. and the entire Western Hemisphere. The 45-year-old former Howard University chaplain is the first new African-American Catholic bishop in nearly a decade. buff.ly/ookON7d

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage concluded on Sunday, with a solemn procession drawing hundreds in downtown Philadelphia after a weekend of special events. Pope Leo XIV delivered a virtual address to the pilgrims, highlighting U.S. Catholic heritage and the primacy of Jesus. buff.ly/Ekp7yB9

Sheila Hodges will succeed Nate Tinner-Williams as editor of Black Catholic Messenger and president of the BCM Foundation, effective August 1. The Harvard and Penn grad says she is "beyond excited" to help lead the publication into its next era. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/bcm-transiti...

Pope Leo XIV was celebrated this weekend for his reception of the Liberty Medal, an annual honor celebrating freedom figures around the globe. The American pontiff delivered a live virtual address and also released a public letter for the nation's 250th Independence Day. buff.ly/1HV3obG

A planned library at the former Holy Rosary Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana, could soon be named for the late Dr. Norman Francis, a pioneering educator and alumnus who led Xavier University of Louisiana for 47 years. A vote this month will decide on the historic recognition. buff.ly/tzVtBXV

A new poem points to the importance of Black Catholic identity in the face of historical erasure, championing Marian devotion in particular as a source of resistance and spiritual power. In her BCM debut, Zye E. Seema presents "I, too, sing Ave Maria". www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/i-too-sing-a...

The late Bishop Emerson Moore, the first and only Black prelate in the Archdiocese of New York, was a trailblazer who faced various pressures that led to his death from AIDS complications in 1995. A deep dive into his rise shows a Catholic leader battling injustice—and himself. buff.ly/7ZjlpVz

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, has produced three Black Catholic bishops in its history, including one who will be consecrated in roughly a week. Dr. Alvin Schexnider writes that the parish, simply put, is a shining beacon of Black excellence. buff.ly/qbQAmv6

Maryland State Del. Adrian Boafo has won the Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Steny Hoyer, his former boss on the Hill. The win likely secures a seat in the U.S. House for the 32-year-old lobbyist, whose campaign was flooded with cash from the Israel and crypto lobbies. buff.ly/TF3YHDk

32-year-old Darializa Avila Chevalier has defeated a nine-year incumbent, Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York, in the Democratic primary, sending shockwaves through the nation and party. The Afro-Latino Catholic lawmaker, 72, is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. buff.ly/LuBb3V8

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical included an apology for the Vatican's role in slavery, sparking discussions about what it means for the Catholic Church to atone for its social sins. Tamika Royes writes that the pontiff's bountiful first step must be followed by further action. buff.ly/mXCQXCZ

Finding a sense of belonging in the Catholic Church has often been a struggle for African Americans, due to neglect and even active exclusion. Dr. Antoinette Reaves writes that the Golden Rule can teach a better way—if only the people of God will learn and listen. buff.ly/STPle1n

The history of what's now the US stretches back more than 500 years, including a Spanish Catholic settlement founded in the Deep South in 1526 and ending with a slave revolt. @jessehagopian.bsky.social writes that understanding the colony of San Miguel de Gualdape redefines freedom. buff.ly/MkhbIhO

Robert White has won the Democratic primary for D.C.'s seat in the US. House, portending a surefire win this fall to succeed Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. The Black Catholic attorney, 44, began his career as a Norton staffer and is set to be the first new officeholder since 1991. buff.ly/Sn597NI

The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership's annual Congress convened this month, championing Christian witness against injustice amid widespread U.S. government overreach. Daryl Grigsby shares his experience at the event, held under the theme of "Holy Resistance". buff.ly/Je89Gnj

Juneteenth celebrations are underway, including Catholic events around the country marking the anniversary of African-American emancipation from chattel slavery. Our annual listing will show you where to find the best gatherings still to come. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/catholic-jun...

Understanding America's history means understanding its Southern history, including its importance as a region and as a cauldron for both indelible culture and moral contradictions. Jamiles Lartey writes for @lailluminator.com that the work of understanding is imperative now perhaps more than ever.

Ss. Monica and Luke Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, has closed after roughly a century, the result of a mutual discernment process with the diocese to assess long-term sustainability. The historic parish, home to many African Americans, held its final Mass on Pentecost. www.blackcatholicmes...

St. Augustine's in New Orleans is once again "home", nearly five years after Hurricane Ida left them worshiping in their church hall and seeking major repairs. Corpus Christi Sunday marked a new era in the history of one of the nation's oldest Black Catholic parishes. www.blackcatholicmes...

Pro-lifers have long struggled to connect with the Black community, not least because of a conservative tendency to reduce African Americans to negative statistics. Briana Jansky writes that the Civil Rights Movement in particular has much to teach modern conservatives. www.blackcatholicmes...

Clarence B. Jones, who helped write Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s landmark "I Have a Dream" speech, has died at 95 after a lengthy career in law, media, finance, and education. The Catholic-raised Black activist received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden in 2024.

A new prayer service from the US Catholic bishops for the nation's 250th anniversary is said to honor immigrants and the enslaved as integral to the American story. @natemup.com laments that it in fact treats African Americans as an add-on, reducing them to an afterthought. www.blackcatholicmes...