Thomas Reese
The Rev. Thomas J. Reese, a Jesuit priest, is a Senior Analyst at RNS. Previously he was a columnist at the National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) at America magazine. He was also a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University (1985-98 & 2006-15) where he wrote Archbishop, A Flock of Shepherds, and Inside the Vatican. Earlier he worked as a lobbyist for tax reform. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of California Berkeley. He entered the Jesuits in 1962 and was ordained a priest in 1974 after receiving a M.Div from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.
All Stories by Thomas Reese
Synod on Synodality: Where has it been and where is it going?
By Thomas Reese — November 1, 2022
(RNS) — To win Francis’ support, liberals need to show their reforms allow the church to better proclaim the gospel.
It’s inflation, stupid
By Thomas Reese — October 25, 2022
(RNS) — What overstimulated the economy, child tax credits or multimillionaires who wanted a bigger mansion?
Change is not easy in the Catholic Church, whether Vatican II or Pope Francis
By Thomas Reese — October 17, 2022
(RNS) — My heart goes out to the seminarians who are going through the current trauma of change under Pope Francis, because I went through the same trauma after Vatican II.
A welcoming church enhances communion and participation
By Thomas Reese — October 11, 2022
(RNS) — People want the church to be a home for the wounded and broken, not an institution for the perfect.
People of faith should vote their values. They should be poll workers to save democracy.
By Thomas Reese — October 4, 2022
(RNS) — It is time for believers to do their civic duty by becoming poll workers.
Synod on Synodality had its doubters, but it’s proving to be balm for ‘enduring wounds’
By Thomas Reese — September 27, 2022
(RNS) — Many wounds reported by laity are inflicted not by individuals but by the institution itself.
King Charles should continue speaking about global warming
By Thomas Reese — September 19, 2022
(RNS) — If the royal family is going to be relevant for the 21st century, it needs to help the world face the most important crisis of the century.
The leadership lessons of Queen Elizabeth and Christ the King
By Thomas Reese — September 12, 2022
(RNS) — We still long for a powerful leader who shows humility and a commitment to duty and service.
Pope Francis’ big gamble: The Synod on Synodality
By Thomas Reese — September 6, 2022
(RNS) — Will the synod succeed in bringing greater unity to the church, or will it result in greater conflict and division?
Why Christian nationalism is un-Christian
By Thomas Reese — August 29, 2022
(RNS) — We can love the U.S. and recognize the sin of slavery, the genocide against Native peoples and our role in global warming.
Reform of Vatican Curia to be considered at meeting of cardinals
By Thomas Reese — August 23, 2022
(RNS) — As the cardinals discuss curial reforms, they will also be thinking about who among them might be the next pope.
A what-if nightmare for the Catholic Church: Pope in a coma
By Thomas Reese — August 16, 2022
(RNS) — Any procedure for removing an incapacitated pope should not be quick or easy, but it should be public.
In ruling for the praying football coach, what did the Supreme Court really say?
By Thomas Reese — August 10, 2022
(RNS) — Does the decision protect private, personal prayer, or is it the camel’s nose for more prayer in schools?
Pope Francis not fully briefed prior to Canadian visit
By Thomas Reese — August 2, 2022
(RNS) — The pope was left looking like a student who had not done his homework.
After listening to Indigenous peoples, pope gives comprehensive apology
By Thomas Reese — July 26, 2022
(RNS) — The penitential pilgrimage of Pope Francis should be an example to all church leaders who need to apologize to victims of church leaders and other Christians.
