ArcaMax

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called his meeting with Pope Leo XIV “a tremendous honor,” referring to himself as “someone who has relied upon my faith to guide me in decisions that I make, and even when those decisions are not always as well received.”

In May 2025, Robert Francis Prevost — born in Bronzeville and raised in south ...Read more

ROME — Mayor Brandon Johnson invited Pope Leo XIV to celebrate Mass in Grant Park next year during a much-awaited meeting Thursday afternoon in Vatican City, where the son of a pastor and chief executive of the pope’s hometown said the two bonded over their advocacy for migrants, descendants of slavery and the city of Chicago — intracity ...Read more

ROME — Mayor Brandon Johnson invited Pope Leo XIV to Grant Park next year and delivered him a key to the city during their much-awaited meeting Thursday afternoon in Vatican City, where the son of a pastor and chief executive of the pope’s hometown was surely eager to play up their shared roots.

After emerging from the historic Vatican ...Read more

Q: Dear Rabbi Gellman, I follow your column, so I know you have eclectic interests. Do you have favorite films about spiritual issues? Odd question, but here is why I am asking: I work at PlazaMac, a nonprofit art house cinema in Patchogue, New York. I am working with St. Joseph's College and ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Why is Israel so dominant in the Old Testament? Much of it is hard to understand, but in light of what is going on in that part of the world, it has piqued my interest in reading some of this history and some of the prophecies, many that have already come to pass concerning Israel, but is there a ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: The Bible says that those who follow Jesus are to walk in His steps. I know people who claim they do, but they encounter some terrible problems along the way. One would think that if we walk with God, His presence would protect us from all harm. How are we to know exactly how to understand this ...Read more

ROME — A White Sox-emblazoned kippah. A Chicago sanctuary city pin. Bottled giardiniera. But not a Cubs hat.

Those are some of the several personal items Chicago leaders have said they will hand-deliver to Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, when Mayor Brandon Johnson will lead a delegation to the Vatican in his biggest international trip so far.

The ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I fear for the future of our nation and the world. While we’ve made tremendous strides around the globe to educate people and bring civility to the present world, morality has slid seriously downward, and I fear not for myself as much as I do for the next generations. With the threat of nuclear ...Read more

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: There’s a lot being said about alien sightings. Some are laughing about it while government agencies are exploring whether such a thing is real or fake. Added to this is the longtime pop culture that elevates angel activity in blockbuster movies and bestselling novels. Are angels only active in ...Read more