Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC

“Chiclayo, Perú: The school where a pastor learned to be Pope.” Terrific story from the city where Robert Prevost was bishop for 16 years. À beautiful reflection on how the city shaped him as future pope. In Spanish, but translation available in the URL line. Best short intro to what made Robert Prevost into Pope Leo XIV. https://lnkd.in/gXyTkmRM

The richness and beauty of the Christian story, visually from Good Friday to Easter Sunday: At IACS we being this story to bear on the issues facing the world today.

Pope Leo XIV made a striking choice for his first Holy Thursday as pope — washing the feet of priests rather than the refugees and immigrants Pope Francis famously chose. Rich in symbolism either way. Francis's gesture was a powerful, prophetic reminder that the Church serves the poor and marginalized. Leo's choice speaks to something equally real: the quiet suffering of priests navigating loneliness and discouragement in a world hostile pursuing anti-gospel values. Both gestures point to the same Christ who knelt before his disciples — but they ask different questions of the Church...and of us. What do YOU see in this symbolism? I'd love to hear from fellow Catholics. https://lnkd.in/gTNuij4n

Can mysticism move beyond an illusory 'pure interiority' to a fuller transcendence that remains engaged with reality? Does Christian understanding of the Incarnation of God through Jesus-within-history offer a way into such an experience? Register for this online book discussion with IACS affiliated scholar Professor David Albertson of the School of Religion at USC on his new book, "The Geometry of Christian Contemplation: Measure without Measure." Friday, April 17, at 11:00AM Pacific Time on Zoom You can register here: https://lnkd.in/gtdkBirU

An excellent new resource for reflection in parishes, ministries, prayer groups--from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and really well done. Consider using in: your classroom young adult group youth ministry prayer group parish council as a homily resource! IACS: helping channel resources for building up Catholic public witness! https://lnkd.in/gjxeMNiH

We are approaching the 225th birthday of John Cardinal Newman, the towering intellectual figure of 19th century Catholicism. Today, the threats to authentic faith and spirituality have changed, but the questions Newman raised remain vital. Professor Mike Moreland of Villanova Law School and Chair of the IACS Board will speak at Penn's Collegium Institute on "Cardinal Newman, Pope Leo XIII, and Americanism" ....but you have to be in Philadelphia :-( https://lnkd.in/g3VNdrhn

Three outstanding younger national scholars of alternative uses of Church property, speaking at IACS convening on "The Future of Congregations, Parishes, and Schools" (Feb 2026): Dr. Nadia Mian, Dr. Madeleine Johnson, and Dr. Stephen Hewking speaking at the Caruso Catholic Center at USC. IACS works to bring good research and great ideas to bear on societal challenges -- centered on the Catholic intellectual tradition, serving the common good of all.

IACS just hosted a national convening on "The Future of Congregations, Parishes, and Schools" focused on alternative uses of Church property. Amy Anderson of Queen of Angels Housing Alliance spoke on affordable housing initiatives in Los Angeles. Seen here with respondents including Joe Womac of @SpecialtyFamily foundation and others. At IACS, we bring ideas and relationships to bear on solving major challenges in the Church and in society.

The passing of a dedicated and faithful Catholic journalist, committed to a better society and a Church of witness. Too young but at rest at last; prayers for Elise.

David French offers a remarkably clear and sober assessment in today’s New York Times, moving past familiar partisan narratives to examine the evolving entanglement of religion and politics in the United States. His column raises questions that resonate across theology, sociology, and public ethics—particularly around how religious identity is mobilized in moments of political polarization. For scholars, practitioners, and civic leaders, it’s a valuable prompt for thinking about the cultural and institutional forces shaping our current democratic landscape. https://lnkd.in/g5T6FAuf