Paul Baumann

As we approach the tenth anniversary of his election, Pope Francis continues to possess a kind of Californian optimism about the world and the Church.

Be wary of conservative nostalgia: under the near-dictatorial reign of Francis Cardinal Spellman, vanity, corruption, and abuse flourished.

A synodal report from the American bishops reflects fears that the Church has become too “judgmental.” But a Church that does not judge cannot bear moral witness.

The late novelist Hilary Mantel’s sensibilities were clear-eyed and agreeably eccentric.