Spanish bishops published their own letter on the issue last December, “Sowers of Hope,” in which they reminded Catholics that “there is no one that can’t be cared for even if they are incurable.”

"The role of prayer and prudential judgment on behalf of all Catholics, but also especially, in a particular way, the shepherds of the church is so important."

Johnson was originally invited to speak on behalf of the campus pro-life group. But complaints by other students about comments she'd made on race -- as well as her being at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 -- led the campus chaplain to recommend the appearance be postponed indefinitely.

The ashes—while perhaps the most visible part of Ash Wednesday observances—aren’t the most important.

Pope Francis challenges us to reject the selfishness of fake populism, write two veterans of social justice campaigns. Community organizing can help us build a different kind of politics.

President Biden called for national unity in his inaugural address, but vengeance is not the way to repair public trust, writes Kathleen Bonnette. Restorative justice is a better way toward flourishing for all.