Georgetown University Archives

By pledging $100 million for slave descendants, Jesuits are ‘owning’ their history

May 4, 2021

For two descendants of slaves sold by the Jesuits in the 19th century, George Floyd’s death at the hands of disgraced Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin last May served as a reminder of what their ancestors endured, and how far the country still has to go.

By John Lavenburg

‘Humble confidence’ seen as tool for U.S. to back human rights worldwide

Apr 18, 2021

What in some circles is called “humble confidence” in the United States articulating a strong human rights policy worldwide while owning up to times when the country hasn’t lived up to its ideals may be the best way to go, said one panelist at an April 15 forum on human rights.

By Mark Pattison

Jesuits in US pledge $100M for racial reconciliation

Mar 17, 2021

The U.S.-based branch of the Jesuits has unveiled ambitious plans for a “truth and reconciliation” initiative in partnership with descendants of people once enslaved by the Catholic order.

By David Crary

Young Catholic leaders discuss public policy, social justice principles

Mar 13, 2021

On the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and the day President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan act, a panel of Catholic opinion-makers had suggestions for what’s ahead for Catholic moral principles and public policy.

By Kurt Jensen

Shahbaz Bhatti ‘one of the finest Christian leaders we had,’ cardinal says

Mar 2, 2021

On the 10th anniversary of the assassination of a Pakistani minister Shahbaz Bhatti, known for his advocacy on behalf of religious minorities, the country’s top Catholic leader praised the politician as a champion of human and minority rights.

By Elise Ann Allen

Jesuit priest will deliver invocation at Biden’s presidential inauguration

Jan 9, 2021

Jesuit Father Leo O’Donovan, former president of Georgetown University, will deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden Jan. 20.

By Carol Zimmermann

Panel: Amid election angst, Christians can vote, log off, and be quiet

Nov 1, 2020

If there’s one thing that Republican and Democrats in the 2020 election share, it’s angst.

This year’s election, amid a pandemic, amid economic instability and distrust of institutions, has done little to bring out the best in the country’s political animals.

By Rhina Guidos

In polarized presidential election, it’s better ‘to engage than demonize’

Oct 21, 2020

The fact is: The Catholic vote is not a monolith. This was the core of an online discussion organized by Georgetown University Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public life.

By Inés San Martín