Las Casas Institute

Catholic religious institutes of sisters and nuns were influenced by the Second Vatican Council’s (1962-1965) call to the renewal of religious life. This paper examines the changing ministries of Catholic sisters as they rethought forms of outreach from education, nursing and social welfare to those that emphasized social justice. It examines the religious meaning of...

Established after World War II to prevent future world wars, the United Nations remains central to the pursuit of global harmony and stands as a symbol of democracy and human rights. However, in 2024, worldwide conflict and rising power tensions pose major challenges to multilateral cooperation, making the organization’s role in managing international peace and...

More than two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there is no reprieve from violence and suffering. As Kremlin troops again forge past Ukrainian borders, experts have warned of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plan to prolong the war indefinitely, ignoring casualties even on the Russian front. Some of Ukraine’s neighbors in Eastern Europe worry...

Age and physical ability have long played crucial roles in public service. Younger leaders are often perceived as energetic and productive, while older politicians are mostly viewed as wise and authoritative. However, in an era marked by deep divisions and a focus on performative rhetoric over bipartisan compromise, age and ability have become contentious in...

Democracy is often hailed as the most equitable form of government. Around the world, democracies are associated with fostering economic growth, improving public health, and delivering effective services. Nevertheless, within many democracies, corruption and undemocratic processes persist, blurring the line between democracy and autocracy. In an age of voter suppression, disinformation, and systemic inequalities, how...

In recent years, people interested in Christian social thought have begun to express reservations about the welfare state. Concerns have come from the left (for example, Frank Field and Maurice Glasman), from those supportive of a market economy, and from those whose political or economic philosophy cannot easily be categorized. Furthermore, interesting questions have been...