Rev. Robert Sirico

OPINION October 6, 2023

The big mistake in Pope Francis's new climate change scolding

There is an essential problem at the heart of Pope Francis's recent Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum.

OPINION April 7, 2023

What's so good about Good Friday?

On this eve of Easter, why focus on blood and death and gore on Good Friday?

OPINION December 31, 2022

Pope Benedict left us a lot of thinking to do

It is no easy feat to summarize the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Saturday at age 95. His life spanned some of the most significant events of the Catholic world.

OPINION December 25, 2022

Christmas is God 'with us' in Bethlehem, and the New York Stock Exchange

There is something about Christmas that invites us to reflect back to a younger version of ourselves.

OPINION December 2, 2022

Protests in China are about much more than COVID lockdowns

Recent protests in China indicate the Chinese people are demonstrating against more than the communists' draconian COVID lockdown measures.

OPINION November 7, 2022

NPR's abortion audio reveals its ugly smugness

NPR recently aired audio of an abortion procedure, which, as a regular NPR listener, I found to be too obvious.

OPINION July 30, 2022

If my brother Tony Sirico aka 'Paulie Walnuts' could steal heaven, so can you

Tony Sirico, who played 'Paulie Walnuts' in HBO's 'The Sopranos,' was laid to rest by his brother Rev. Robert Sirico in Brooklyn, New York.

OPINION April 22, 2022

Think Jesus sends all rich people straight to hell? Think again

Each of the synoptic Gospels preserves the memory of an occasion when a rich young man (or "ruler") approaches Jesus for spiritual direction. The potential disciple apparently has a deep desire to live righteously. He asks, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

OPINION April 17, 2022

The Easter Bunny didn't die for our sins nor did he rise from the dead

What comes to mind at the thought of Easter? For some, it’s the profound and solemn proposal of Christianity. For others, there is the frivolity of pastels, of bunnies, of jellybeans and eggs.

OPINION January 5, 2022

Pope Francis should let Catholics pray like Catholics

A growing share of Americans—three in 10—identify as "none." Or, none of the above when asked about their religious affiliation. Houses of worship are emptying, and those still left in the pews probably expect their spiritual shepherds to welcome more prayer, not less.