What might Aquinas himself have thought about all the attention to his traveling skull—that fragile and now empty case for the brain behind one of the most productive minds of European philosophy?

In a decree signed on Jan. 27, Pope Francis formally recognized the five Franciscan missionaries as having been killed for their faith, clearing the way for their beatification.

A Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, by Father Terrance Klein

Pope Francis has declared as saints 16 Carmelite martyrs executed by guillotine during the French Revolution and confirmed the martyrdom and heroic virtues of five others in a series of decrees published Dec. 18.

Aquinas’ embrace of insights from Greek, Muslim and Jewish thinkers stems from his passionate pursuit of the truth about God and creatures—a pursuit that demands an open heart.

A touring relic will give the faithful in Washington and seven states a rare opportunity to venerate St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest Christian theologians.