Francis X. Maier

Good leaders do, of course, listen to their people. In the Church, as in any family, they have the duty to know, respect, and love the persons in their care. But they’re leaders and guides, not followers or mere presiders. Continue Reading »

The synodal process the Church has embarked on—if done well, and honestly, and without the “hermeneutic of rupture” that has dogged Catholic life since Vatican II—can lead to a renewal of Christian faith. Continue Reading »

Before criticizing others, the Catholic left might profitably examine its own long record of carnal relations with the Democratic Party. Continue Reading »

There can be no lasting concordat, no real peace treaty, between a genuinely holy people and Church on the one hand, and a world of material excess, destructive sexuality, exploitation of the poor, and industrial-scale homicide of unborn children on the other.    Continue Reading »

Beauty is an affirmation of our shared human dignity. It reminds us of life’s goodness in an age of transgressive narcissism and repudiation of the past. Continue Reading »

In an open letter to the German episcopate, 80 bishops voiced their strong concern over the direction of Germany’s “Synodal Path.” Continue Reading »

It’s a gift to sit through a religiously-themed film today that leaves no taste of artificial sweetener in the mouth. And that’s why Father Stu should not be missed. Continue Reading »

First Things relies on your help to pursue its mission. Mission runs on resources. So this Christmas, please support First Things with a financial gift. Continue Reading »

The etymology of the word “carol” is linked back to dances of joy and praise. The birth of humanity’s savior seems pretty clearly to warrant both. Continue Reading »

Sex without love—real love, the kind that comes with obligations and unexpected burdens, but also unexpected joys—kills the taste for both.   Continue Reading »