Cover

Everybody loves Francis

By Meghan Murphy-Gill
From the streets of Rome to Rolling Stone, Francis-mania is everywhere. But is the pope’s celebrity status drawing a crowd to the place where it matters most—the pews?

Sidebar:

Pope Francis: An ecumenical perspective

Feature

Food fight

By Sue Stanton
The growth of genetically modified crops is sowing seeds of discontent among farmers. Some hail these modern innovations as a solution to world hunger, but others fear the potential risks outweigh the rewards.

Web-only sidebar:

Food safety and food security in the GMO era

Seven tips for moral eating

Sidebar:

Family farmers: Living on the edge

Expert Witness

Mixed messages

An interview with theologian Emily Reimer-Barry
The church’s actions don’t always match up with its words about the inherent value of women, says this feminist scholar. How can the church make sure that women have a place at the table?

Web-only sidebar: 

Emily Reimer-Barry on hook-up culture

Sounding Board

Is America going to pot?

By Father Gerald Coleman, S.S.
Before Americans make a joint decision to legalize marijuana nationwide, it is high time we consider the moral and social consequences. In Feedback, readers raise some sobering questions on drug use.

Essays

(Essays, short stories, and poems may not be available online.)

Essay: The art of losing

By Molly Jo Rose
Everyone wants to be a winner, but kids can gain a lot more than a participation trophy by coming out on the losing end.

Essay: His genius

By Brian Doyle
God’s infinite power and wisdom is a good thing to ponder while waiting for your morning coffee to finish brewing.

Poem: The Sacred Heart

By Sheila Black Haennicke

Wise Guides: Breath of fresh air

By Father Scott Jones, S.D.S.
Pope John XXIII ushered in a spirit of change that is still felt—and much needed—in the church today.

Departments

Editors’ Note

You May Be Right (Letters to the Editor)

Signs of the Times (News)

Catholic Tastes (Humor)

Culture in Context: Music, film, and book reviews

At Home with Our Faith (Family spirituality)

Eye of the Beholder (Art meditation)

Glad You Asked: Why do Catholics venerate Mary?

Columns

The Examined Life: Have faith in science
By Bryan Cones

Margin Notes: Defensive spending
By Kevin Clarke

Culture in Context: Rockin’ on the river
By Danny Duncan Collum

Testaments: On the broken road 
By Alice Camille