Joanne M. Pierce
Joanne M. Pierce is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Joanne M. Pierce
Why is an ultimate goal called a ‘Holy Grail?’
By Joanne M. Pierce — August 12, 2024
(The Conversation) — Several threads, including pre-Christian mythology, veneration of relics in Christian tradition, and medieval literature, have combined over the centuries into the Holy Grail metaphor of today.
Childless women − cat ladies or not − have long played key roles in the Catholic Church
By Joanne M. Pierce — July 31, 2024
(The Conversation) — Women in Catholic religious orders establish schools for girls around the world, care for the sick and work on societal issues in many other ways.
What the Catholic Church says about political violence and the need to forgive – even would-be assassins
By Joanne M. Pierce — July 18, 2024
(The Conversation) — At a time when so much violence and war are ravaging the world, a scholar of medieval Christianity explains Catholic views on the morality of warfare and the value of forgiving enemies.
Pope Francis may have surprised many by inviting comedians to the Vatican, but the value of humor has deep roots in Catholic tradition
By Joanne M. Pierce — June 27, 2024
(The Conversation) — Catholic theologians and monastics have always encouraged humor, emphasizing its power to heal and bring cultures together.
Pope Francis has appointed 21 new cardinals – an expert on medieval Christianity explains what it means for the future of the Catholic Church
By Joanne M. Pierce — October 2, 2023
(The Conversation) — The College of Cardinals is an important part of the church’s governance structure. Its members elect the next pope and help develop future policies for the church.
Can chatbots write inspirational and wise sermons?
By Joanne M. Pierce — July 6, 2023
(The Conversation) — Not quite, writes an expert on Christian worship. Chatbots do not have human experience of love – and, above all, they lack a soul.
Holy Week starts off with lots of palms – but Palm Sunday’s donkey is just as important to the story
By Joanne M. Pierce — April 5, 2023
(The Conversation) — Donkeys and palm leaves are both associated with Christianity’s Palm Sunday – but their symbolism couldn’t be more different.
Catholic conflicts on marriage continue, even decades after Vatican II
By Joanne M. Pierce — December 6, 2022
(The Conversation) — Catholics disagree over how to adapt the church’s doctrine and practices, especially marriage, to different cultures.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at a time of deep religious divisions and worked to bring tolerance
By Joanne M. Pierce — September 26, 2022
(The Conversation) — Queen Elizabeth II encouraged tolerance in a multifaith United Kingdom. To appreciate the significance of her efforts, it is important to understand the country’s complicated religious history.
Pope Francis’ visit to Malta highlights the role of St. George Preca, an advocate for teaching the gospel
By Joanne M. Pierce — May 5, 2022
(The Conversation) — Malta’s St. George Preca was canonized in 2007. Pope Francis’ visit to Malta renewed attention on Preca’s life and work and how it could provide guidance for the welfare of refugees.
Why are some Roman Catholic saints called doctors of the church?
By Joanne M. Pierce — February 9, 2022
(The Conversation) — Saints are recognized for exceptional virtue and faith. But some also are commemorated for their scholarship.
Caring for the environment has a long Catholic lineage – hundreds of years before Pope Francis
By Joanne M. Pierce — October 8, 2021
(The Conversation) — Environmentalism may seem like a new mindset, especially in the Church. But care for creation has been woven into Catholicism for centuries.
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