Papal citizenship, Catholic social teaching, and the politics of conscience By Rod Benson The confirmation that Pope Leo XIV voted in the November 2026 United States midterm elections raises a question that is at once historical, canonical, theological and diplomatic. The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope believes participation in democratic processes to …
Freedom of the press and Australian democracy
Freedom of the press is one of the foundational principles of a democratic society. It refers to the ability of journalists and media organisations to investigate, report, publish, question those in positions of authority, and express opinions without intimidation, censorship, retaliation, or undue interference. Yet press freedom is not primarily a privilege exclusive to journalists. …
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Why press freedom matters more than ever
Recent events at the National Press Club have prompted renewed reflection on freedom of the press, one of the foundations of democratic society. The immediate catalyst was an exchange between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Guardian Australia journalist Sarah Martin. During questioning following Hanson’s National Press Club address, Martin asked about the employment of Hanson’s daughter …
