Each year, First Things releases a list of the most popular articles of the year. This year, Bishop Robert Barron, Peter Thiel and Sam Wolfe, and R. R. Reno topped the list. My favorite of the ten is Bishop Barron’s thoughtful consideration of Pope Francis in the June/July issue, “Francis in Full.” It offers a far more little-‘c’ catholic perspective than many other reactions to the pontiff’s death.

We’ll bring you more outstanding writing on religion and public life next year—but only with your help. Please consider donating today, and heartfelt thanks to those who already have.

Assisted suicide, referred to in legislation as MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying), brings with it a host of scary questions about human autonomy, pain, burdens, and family. Audrey Pollnow, in response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s stated intent to sign a bill legalizing assisted suicide, sensitively considers these questions. As she puts it, “MAiD is not really about making death better for the dying; instead, it’s about making their death more convenient for everyone else. Or, to put it more charitably, MAiD is about sparing the dying from needing to inconvenience anyone.”

Furthermore, the “terminally ill give us so much, and we owe them something in return. At the very least, we need to let them know that they’re needed and valued, that they are not ‘a burden.’”

For further reading: In May, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan wrote that “New York Deserves Better than State-Sanctioned Suicide.” Two weeks ago, Fr. Brian A. Graebe wrote “Kathy Hochul, Champion of the Culture of Death.” First Things has been a consistent platform for opposition to the killing the vulnerable.

Editors, columnists, and contributors look back to the movies and television shows they’ve watched, and (in one case) video games they’ve played this year. Ari Aster’s Eddington makes the list three times. Francis X. Maier recommends Peacock’s newest version of The Day of the Jackal. I can’t yet vouch for the show, but the book was excellent.

Upcoming Events

• February 1, 2026: Second Annual Neuhaus Lecture at the New College of Florida: “Recovering the University’s Soul” ft. Bishop Robert Barron | Sarasota, FL. Register here.

• March 5, 2026: Annual D.C. Lecture: “Our Crisis is Metaphysical” ft. Mary Harrington | Washington, D.C. Details coming soon.

Until next time,

JACOB AKEY

Newsletter Editor