Michael Sean Winters

Distinctly Catholic: Dei Verbum, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, is the lens or filter through which we can best grasp the significance of the other documents promulgated before the council finished its work in 1965.

Distinctly Catholic: Jesuit Fr. Jared Wicks' Investigating Vatican II: Its Theologians, Ecumenical Turn and Biblical Commitment adds hugely to our awareness of what actually transpired at the council, why its significance is so great – and so complicated – and why none should be surprised that we, as a church, are still in the process of receiving its teachings.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: How would Ken Cuccinelli rewrite Exodus? Cardinal Burke discusses 2013 conclave's validity; Buffalo may see many abuse cases filed

Distinctly Catholic: Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, but can she win? That's the oft-repeated concern, but in some ways, she is the best-positioned candidate to challenge Trump.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: The fears of the U.S. Latino community; Elizabeth Warren's electability; threats to voting rights.

Distinctly Catholic: As Democratic candidates discuss "free college," they need to remember that not everyone goes on to four-year or even two-year programs after high school.

Distinctly Catholic: Pope Francis' Aug. 4 letter to priests breathes faith, hope and charity. It will go down as one of the paradigmatic documents of this pontificate.

Political news and commentary roundup: Ideological motivations of some mass murderers; lifting the moratorium on the death penalty; Sen. Elizabeth Warren's campaign; what are the chances that Trump will be re-elected?

Distinctly Catholic: There is much work to be done by U.S. citizenry, all of it coming back to a simple proposition: When will we be so fed up with the killings that we demand action?

Political news and commentary roundup: The Post explains why we can't ignore the president's racism; Democratic campaign strategists should read this piece from Dallas; Politico delves into gun culture

Distinctly Catholic: There is no issue that is more personal to more people than heath care. Democrats need to talk about it in ways that inoculate them from the expected arguments for the status quo.

Distinctly Catholic: For those of us who hope the Trump era will come to an end in 2020, the first night was exhilarating. The second night? The tone was nasty and the result more muddled.

Political news and commentary roundup: Let's be better and not call for Barr to be denied Communion; does church teaching change? Harris needs 'a higher gear'; Employers exploit young people via visas.

Distinctly Catholic: In this vale of tears, dogs bring more than companionship. They bring love, the unconditional love of a kind we humans are not capable and that we associate with the divine.

Political news and commentary roundup: In defense of good reporting; U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is just "Boris," it seems; the insider's guide to the Republican questions to Robert Mueller; Puerto Rico's electric company holds it back

Distinctly Catholic: Tomorrow and Wednesday nights will see the second round of debates featuring 20 Democrats seeking their party's nomination for president. What can we expect?

Distinctly Catholic: Let's step back and consider if we learned anything about the state of our democracy from former special counsel Robert Mueller's testimony before two House committees.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Trump administration rules seem designed for cruelty; how the politico-theological complex distorts reality, focusing on Trump in North Carolina; and more.

Distinctly Catholic: A new poll gives Donald Trump his highest marks since taking office, with a 44% approval rating. It is the kind of news item that makes one scared.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Puerto Rico's plagues continue; Electoral College edge looms for 2020; former Planned Parenthood head explains her resignation.