In the Media

Logos of several news outlets in a collage

Part of the Cushwa Center's mission is to provide the media with resources, critical commentary, and expertise about the Catholic Church in the United States.

Members of the media are encouraged to contact the center with inquiries or interview requests.

Recent media appearances, quotes, and commentary from the center's faculty and fellows include:
 

US and Vatican mark 40 years of formal diplomatic relations
Aleteia
January 9, 2024

Texas fracking billionaire brothers fuel rightwing media with millions of dollars
The Guardian
September 5, 2023

Final name stripped from Maryland report on Catholic sex abuse is nun from Philadelphia
The Baltimore Banner
June 12, 2023

America’s religious leaders sharply divided over abortion, a year after Roe v Wade’s reversal
Associated Press
June 2, 2023

The Miraculous Life and Afterlife of Charlene Richard
New York Times Magazine
December 20, 2022

"A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American": An Interview with Kathleen Sprows Cummings
New Books in Catholic Studies
December 17, 2022

Live From College - Fall Semester - College Visit with Notre Dame's Dr. Kathy Cummings and Dr. Sam Newlands
Kelly Corrigan Wonders
October 5, 2022

Legacy lives on of cardinal who helped name the pope
Angelus
July 12, 2022

Pope Francis wants two women on the committee that proposes bishops
Religion News Service
July 7, 2022

These women may become the first African-American Catholic saints
CNN
March 14, 2022

Religious Sisters Respond
The Revealer
March 7, 2022

I'm pro-life. Here's why I don't attend the March for Life.
National Catholic Reporter
January 21, 2022

Meet the Millennial Nuns
America
November 18, 2021

Catholic bishops endorse communion guidelines for public figures
Morning Edition, NPR
November 18, 2021

9/11's first casualty Mychal Judge is a legent—can he be a saint?
NorthJersey.com
September 10, 2021

Admirers still urging sainthood for chaplain killed on 9/11
Associated Press
September 4, 2021

Biden and abortion could change the bishops’ culture of consensus at next week’s USCCB meeting
America
June 10, 2021

'Mare of Easttown' captures cultural Catholicism's lasting power
National Catholic Reporter
May 29, 2021

In Venezuela, a quest for sainthood offers proof of miracles
National Geographic
May 3, 2021

Biden and the bishops: still trying to figure each other out
La Croix
April 28, 2021

The bishops were divided on how to approach Joe Biden. It's not the first time a dispute has gone public.
America
February 16, 2021

As Biden prays for healing, Catholics clash over president's faith
ABC News
February 1, 2021

President Biden's Catholicism could encourage expanded conversations on polarizing issues
WSBT-TV
January 26, 2021

How might Joe Biden's Catholic faith guide his presidency?
Today Show
January 24, 2021

Joe Biden's very Catholic Cabinet
National Catholic Reporter
January 19, 2021

 


2020

 

Sainted Too Soon? Vatican Report Cast John Paul II in Harsh New Light
New York Times
November 14, 2020

Still saintly? Vatican’s new report on McCarrick may complicate the legacy of Pope John Paul II.
Washington Post
November 11, 2020

Opinion: Everyone Knew About Theodore McCarrick
New York Times
November 10, 2020

Report’s X-ray look into U.S. abuse scandal digs up pain, hope in transparency
Catholic News Service
November 10, 2020

Joe Biden elected 46th President of the United States, second Catholic to ever hold office
America
November 7, 2020

Opinion: Why L.A.’s archbishop might have been passed over for a cardinal’s hat
Los Angeles Times
October 26, 2020

Pope's latest affirmation of same-sex civil unions hailed as progress by LGBT community
National Catholic Reporter
October 21, 2020

What Pope Francis’s comments about gay families could mean for LGBTQ people worldwide
Washington Post
October 21, 2020

An Italian Teenager Could Become the First Millennial Saint
New York Times
October 12, 2020

Italian teenager could become the first millennial saint
The World
October 12, 2020

A saint for our times: This man would be a relevant, revolutionary choice
National Catholic Reporter
June 20, 2020

President Trump Visits John Paul II Shrine To Promote International Religious Freedom
All Things Considered, NPR
June 2, 2020

Seeking saints helped U.S. Catholics become more American
Crux
January 4, 2020

 


2019

 

Fr. Robert Pelton built links between Latin America and US church
National Catholic Reporter
December 7, 2019

Catholics can offer calming voice in a time of fiery political debates

Catholic News Service

October 4, 2019

 

Women in church leadership: 40 years after Sr. Theresa Kane's request to pope
Global Sisters Report
October 3, 2019

As Mass attendance in Philly declines, Archbishop Chaput’s successor must be more pastoral than polarizing

Philadelphia Inquirer

September 26, 2019 

Local Authors
Politically Speaking, WNIT
May 17, 2019

'Hesburgh' captures the simple faith and outsized influence of 'Father Ted'
Religion News Service
May 3, 2019

American pope? Rare, leaked report from Pope Francis's election reveals who got votes
Washington Post
March 22, 2019

Le donne cattoliche e la politica statunitense
L'Osservatore Romano
March 1, 2019

As Pope Holds Sex Abuse Summit, U.S. Catholics Not Hopeful for 'Bold Moves'

NPR

February 20, 2019

 

Expectations high for Pope Francis' sex-abuse summit, but some brace for disappointment

Philadelphia Inquirer

February 17, 2019 

 

In the American quest for a home-grown saint, faith and identity collide
U.S. Catholic
February 11, 2019

 


2018



In major shift, lay Catholics are organizing to push bishops on reform. And sometimes priests join in.
Washington Post
December 21, 2018

McAuley's legacy: Sisters of Mercy of the Americas celebrate 175 years in US
Global Sisters Report
December 20, 2018

Beyond Georgetown: Exploring The Influence of The Catholic Church On D.C.
WAMU 88.5
December 19, 2018

The Sex-Abuse Scandal Is Growing Faster Than the Church Can Contain It
The Atlantic
September 14, 2018

Clericalism: The culture that enables abuse and insists on hiding it
Catholic News Service
August 22, 2018

Victim Advocates of Clergy Abuse Say They Won't Bury the Past
Morning Edition, NPR
August 22, 2018

LCWR 'ashamed of the church we love' after abuse report
Global Sisters Report
August 21, 2018

Pope Francis admits Catholic Church leaders failed to address priest sex abuse
NBC Nightly News
August 20, 2018

Pope on sex abuse: 'We showed no care for the little ones'
Associated Press
August 20, 2018

Many Catholics call for dramatic change after latest sex abuse revelations

PBS NewsHour

August 20, 2018

 

Pope Francis: ‘No effort must be spared’ to prevent Catholic Church abuses

Washington Post

August 20, 2018

Critics say pope's comments are both 'bold' and 'too little, too late'
Religion News Service
August 20, 2018

For Catholics, Gradual Reform is No Longer an Option
New York Times
August 17, 2018

Sisters’ Quiet Life of Prayer Disrupted by an Affordable Housing Fight
New York Times
February 9, 2018

Millennial women disengage from Catholic Church: Blame the barriers
National Catholic Reporter
February 1, 2018

The humble, indispensable women leading the Catholic Church you've (probably) never heard of
America
January 22, 2018

 


2017

 

‘Humble friar’ Casey on road to sainthood
The Detroit News
November 16, 2017

Beatification of Father Solanus Casey draws 70,000 faithful Catholics to Detroit
Detroit Free Press
November 12, 2017

Unlocked: 1967 survey of 140,000 US sisters now accessible to all
National Catholic Reporter
October 26, 2017

First beatification Mass for US-born priest and martyr draws thousands
Religion News Service
September 23, 2017

The Oklahoma priest who could become the first American-born man to be canonized a saint
Washington Post
September 21, 2017

 


2016

 

Study of women deacons won't be first, but might answer questions
Catholic News Service
May 17, 2016

The pope forms commission to study concept of women deacons
FOX News
May. 13, 2016

Francis' female deacon commission brings hope, caution
National Catholic Reporter
May 12, 2016

Pope Francis on women deacons
ABC 57
May 12, 2016

Notre Dame's Kathleen Cummings talks about Pope Francis' announcement to study female deacons
Fox 28
May 12, 2016

Pope Francis Softens Communion Ban for Divorcees, Shifts Tone on Family
NBC Nightly News
April 8, 2016

Mother Teresa’s Canonization Is a Recognition of Holiness, Not Perfection
New York Times
March 25, 2016

Pope Francis has decreed that women can take part in the foot-washing ritual today, Maundy Thursday
Washington Post
March 24, 2016

Vatican: Pope Francis was not singling out Donald Trump with 'wall' remarks
TODAY
February 20, 2016

The Donald vs. the Pope 
CNBC
February 18, 2016

Pope Questions Trump's Christianity — and Trump Fires Back
NBC Nightly News
February 18, 2016

 


2015

 

More young women than you think consider becoming nuns
Crux
December 10, 2015

New study: Number of US women religious about the same as a century ago
Global Sisters Report
December 9, 2015

Report: Sisters’ numbers shrinking but growing more diverse
Catholic News Service
December 9, 2015

The inevitable question for women: To stay or go? 
National Catholic Reporter
December 3, 2015

Meeting with Kim Davis has pope-watchers asking, what did Francis mean?
Washington Post
September 30, 2015

Standing Ovations, Kissing Babies: A Wrap Up of Pope Francis' U.S. Tour
NBC Nightly News
September 28, 2015

Philadelphia Illustrates Catholic Church’s Dueling Dynamics in America
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
September 27, 2015

Pope Francis' translator and 'wingman,' Monsignor Mark Miles, gains fans of his own
Today Show
September 24, 2015

America’s Long And Complicated History With Catholicism
Here & Now
September 23, 2015

Pope to Canonize 18th-Century Missionary; Not Everyone Happy
Associated Press (New York Times, Washington Post, ABC News, Huffington Post, 100+ others) 
September 23, 2015

Pope has chance to reclaim ‘moral authority’ in visit
Boston Globe
September 23, 2015

Pope's trip comes as U.S. churches fight to survive
CBS MoneyWatch
September 22, 2015

Global Audience Turns to VOA Ahead of Pope Francis US Tour
Voice of America
September 22, 2015

Pope as pastor or business basher?
CNBC
September 22, 2015

'We Believe': Cubans Flock to Pope Francis' Historic Open-Air Mass
NBC Nightly News
September 21, 2015

Poll: Americans widely admire Pope Francis, but his church less so
Washington Post
September 20, 2015

Michiana Catholics prepare to see or meet Pope Francis
South Bend Tribune
September 20, 2015

Francis is a global sensation, but to certain traditional Catholics, his message rings hollow
Washington Post
September 18, 2015

Pope Francis and the New Roman Empire
Time
September 17, 2015

Chicago archbishop uses Pope Francis visit to highlight agenda
Chicago Tribune
September 17, 2015

Pope Francis picks three sisters to audit family synod
Global Sisters Report
September 16, 2015

Pope Francis’ address to US bishops could be consequential
Crux
September 16, 2015

Canonization ceremony by pope will be a first for U.S., and it's a controversial one
Los Angeles Times
September 11, 2015

Pope Francis, women are waiting
CNN
September 10, 2015

Pope Francis fast-tracks marriage annulments
Here & Now 
September 8, 2015

Pope Francis: All priests can now grant absolution for abortion
WSBT-TV
September 1, 2015

Is the Pope's challenge to America having an anti-Francis effect?
Catholic News Agency
July 24, 2015

Catholicism undervalues women
New York Times
May 6, 2015

Student Loans Delay, Deter Dreams of Becoming a Nun
NBC News
March 23, 2015

Rev. Theodore Hesburgh revolutionized Notre Dame
WSJV-TV FOX 28
February 27, 2015

Women lead in the Church, even as Catholics debate their role
Crux.com
January 15, 2015

 


2014

 

Pope Francis has conservatives talking schism. But a split is easier said than done
Religion News Service (also in the Washington Post, National Catholic Reporter)
November 4, 2014

Pope sends message with Chicago's next archbishop
Chicago Tribune
September 20, 2014

Notre Dame buys 224-year-old Bible
WSBT-TV
July 15, 2014

Rare book finds its way to Notre Dame
WNDU-TV
July 15, 2014

Woman Risks Excommunication to Be Ordained
South Bend Tribune
May 31, 2014

Spiritual and Secular Mix in Case for Sainthood
New York Times
May 30, 2014

Pope Francis Declares Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII as Saints
The Wall Street Journal (subscription)
April 27, 2014

As Catholic Church Canonises 2 Former Popes, Question Emerges – Are Saints Still Relevant in Today’s World?
International Business Times
April 27, 2014

Is the Vatican sending mixed messages?
Melissa Harris Perry, MSNBC
April 27, 2014

Two popes proclaimed saints
MarketWatch
April 27, 2014

Sainthood for 2 Predecessors Allows Pope to Straddle Divide
New York Times
April 26, 2014

Pope Francis Canonization of Two Popes Promises to be Epic
NBC Nightly News
April 25, 2014

Canonization: A guide
Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano
WGN 720
April 25, 2014

 


2013

 

‘The people’s Pope’ not afraid of clowning around
TODAY
November 10, 2013

A promising path
America
October 28, 2013

Local Catholic scholars weigh in on Pope's comments
WSBT-TV
July 29, 2013

Pope Francis proves to be a pontiff of surprises
Boston Globe
July 27, 2013

Native daughters: Making saints in a divided church
Commonweal Magazine
June 1, 2013

Pope Francis, keeping it real simple
Washington Post
April 5, 2013

It's time for Pope Francis to give women a bigger role in the church
New York Daily News
March 16, 2013

Can pope bridge gap between America and Rome?
CNN
March 15, 2013

Church needs talents of nuns
Chicago Sun-Times
March 15, 2013

Pope Francis
NBC News Special Coverage (live)
March 13, 2013

In a hurry to take things slowly: How Italian culture could shape the conclave
NBC Nightly News
March 12, 2013

Notre Dame experts weigh in on conclave
WNDU
March 12, 2013

The conclave begins: Picking a pope
On Point
March 12, 2013

Pondering a pope and the gender divide
Boston Globe
March 10, 2013

Will an American pope emerge as cardinals enter the conclave?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
March 10, 2013

U.S. Cardinals in Rome told to stop talking to the media
NBC Nightly News
March 6, 2013

Expert: Pope Benedict's resignation shows evolution of Catholic Church is possible when you least expect it
New York Daily News
Thursday, February 28, 2013

What American nuns built
Boston Globe
February 24, 2013

What Pope Benedict leaves behind
CNN
February 11, 2013

What women theologians have done for the church
U.S. Catholic
January 2013