A new book of essays on the Catholic Church in China ably captures the evolving turmoil the church faces in a complicated situation.

The year 2020 was dominated by three huge topics: the Covid-19 pandemic, the presidential election and the mass movement against racism. What else got the attention of America readers?

As he enters his 84th year, Pope Francis continues to be an important source of hope and encouragement for countless people in a world where these are in short supply.

“What they did was portray an astronaut offering the moon to Jesus,” Angelo Bottone said. “To me, it’s an expression of profound worship.”

There is much on which a Biden administration and the Holy See can collaborate.

The Vatican unveiled its official Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square on Friday evening, surprising some with its depiction of an astronaut and another figure wearing a Darth Vader-esque helmet coming to adore the Christ child.