I’ve also had an absolute conviction, from the moment that his papal name was announced, that this pontificate will have an historical significance to rival that of John Paul II’s, Leo XIII’s, and Pius IX’s.

At The Catholic University of America in Washington, the reaction has been strategic: to launch two new degree offerings, a bachelor of science and a master of science in artificial intelligence — both of which will debut in the fall of 2025. Specialized tracks will include AI in health care, robotics, ethical AI design and large language models.

As the Sisters of Christian Charity watched the white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel in Rome May 8 and awaited the appearance of the new pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, they had no idea they had played a vital role in his early formation.

A ban by President Donald Trump that fully or partly restricts travel to the U.S. by nationals from several countries has prompted anxiety and uncertainty among Catholic immigration advocates — and for one priest, the ban means he won’t be able to see his family for the foreseeable future.

Maryland’s bishops released a pastoral letter on artificial intelligence June 5, urging Catholics to harness the use of emerging technologies while always putting “human dignity” at the forefront.