A Still Higher Magnificence

A Still Higher Magnificence

From The Catholic Thing by The Catholic Thing

June 5, 2026 · 7 min · Episode 52

About this episode

Robert Royal discusses the significance of donations to The Catholic Thing and reflects on the recent publication of Magnifica humanitas.

By Robert Royal But first a note from Brad Miner: Dear Friends, Dr. Royal has asked me to write to you about why giving to The Catholic Thing is so important. This site, which we know you admire, has been up and running since 2008. Indeed, Tuesday marked our 18th anniversary. Our growth has been steady and remarkable: from scores of daily visits to the site in year one to many thousands today. Last year, our "pageviews" exceeded 6,000,000. And, under Bob Royal's leadership and the art and clarity of our contributors, the influence of The Catholic Thing has also grown. Through it all, it has been possible only because of the generosity of our readers. We neither manufacture nor sell anything, which means we depend upon the generosity of readers like you. So, help us keep our beloved Thing going. Donate now! Now for today's column... It's been a week since the publication of Magnifica humanitas, and I've been re-reading certain sections, trying to probe into it more deeply (after my own quick reactions on a recent Prayerful Posse, the very day Pope Leo's first encyclical appeared). Serious questions about the text remain, to be sure: the functional pacifism and an over-optimistic…

People in this episode

Guest: Robert Royal

Topics covered

  • Catholicism
  • Pope Francis
  • philosophy
  • charity
  • AI ethics
  • dialogue

Keywords

  • Catholic Thing
  • donations
  • Pope Francis
  • Magnifica humanitas
  • AI
  • dialogue
  • philosophy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Catholic Thing

Books & works: Magnifica humanitas

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