Austen Ivereigh

As the public sifted through the dense and detailed document on ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, abuse survivors and their advocates called it an important moment that must lead to further action and investigations.

Pope Francis' efforts to bring reform in the Catholic Church are meeting resistance in some church circles, according to one panelist at an Aug. 31 online forum sponsored by Georgetown University's Office of the Vice President for Global Engagement.

Simply Spirit: It is not easy to be "put to the test." Which is why Jesus instructs us to ask for God's help in a world too often seduced and corrupted by the power of evil.

Distinctly Catholic: Austin Ivereigh paints the picture of a pontiff whose woundedness, not only in the sex abuse crisis but especially there, has brought new energy to his efforts, and a conviction that his own conversion is also the kind of conversion the church needs.

Your thoughts: NCR readers are welcome to join the conversation and send us a letter to the editor. Below is a sampling of letters received in the month of November 2019

Distinctly Catholic: It was the best of our church. It was the worst of our church. It was a time for evangelization and a time for churlish retrenchment. It was last Thursday.

We say: The no-holds-barred conversation that Pope Francis has introduced in the synod process requires trust and, while stirring up opposition, also raises expectations.

Distinctly Catholic: There are very few things in this life more gratifying to a columnist than to pen a sentence that ignites a controversy. Apparently, people think I am tired of all converts.