Carol Zimmermann

Walking with two Presentation Sisters ministering months after Hurricane Katrina, NCR's Carol Zimmermann "was convinced the church here got it right about truly being present to those in need."

Washington Cardinal Robert McElroy gives the homily at a Mass marking the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 28 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington. The Archdiocese of Washington disclosed Nov. 5 that McElroy had been diagnosed with cancer. (OSV News/Mihoko Owada, Catholic Standard)

Advent's Lent-like waiting period is exactly why churches do not immediately whip out Christmas trees at the end of Ordinary Time. It's not just about being minimalist, but following a tradition of when the church celebrates what.

Yes, Pope Leo XIV was an obvious candidate for Newsmaker of the Year. But just because he made news as the new pope and the first U.S. pope, that didn't automatically move him into the top slot for the NCR editorial staff.

Twice recently Pope Leo XIV has brought up a book that spells out his spiritual MO. The short book, The Practice of the Presence of God by 17th-century lay Carmelite Brother Lawrence, seems to pack a spiritual punch.

Pope Leo XIV speaks to members of the media aboard the papal plane April 15, 2026, en route to Yaoundé, Cameroon, amid his apostolic journey. (OSV News/Guglielmo Mangiapane, pool)

The notion of the leader of the Catholic Church playing a word game, lingering at a parishioner's kitchen table, or going to a ballgame does make him seem more human. And this ordinariness can be a model for us.

Phoenix Bishop John Dolan lost three siblings and an in-law to suicide and has spoken out about the church's need to accompany those suffering from mental illness and their families.

"These instances," writes NCR's Carol Zimmermann, offer "a view of what so many people are also looking for — a small connection with a church leader, a sign that he is a real person who happens to be in a powerful role."

"You have made us think about all sorts of things, including, but not in any kind of preaching way, how faith can fit into people's lives because it seemed to seamlessly connect in yours," writes NCR's Carol Zimmermann.