Editorial Cartoons

Editorial cartoons in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Catholic Standard and Times were used widely during the 1950s through 1970s. Over the years, the newspaper had used both in house and syndicated cartoons. These cartoons covered major historical events, including the Vatican II, and the Civil Rights Movement. Examining the drawings reveals how Catholics reacted to world events.

Earl H. Wolf (1915-1999)

Earl H. Wolf was the cartoonist for the Diocese of Cleveland’s Catholic Universe Bulletin and the National Catholic News Service. Wolf was the first cartoonist to be used weekly by The Catholic Standard and Times, with his cartoons running from 1953 to 1968.

Robert F McGovern (1933-2011)

Robert McGovern was an artist from Philadelphia, best known for his woodcarving. Much of his work is featured in Catholic churches around the city, including the altar at the Church of the Gesu and the Stations of the Cross at St. Peter’s Church in West Brandywine. His cartoons were featured in The Catholic Standard and Times primarily between 1968 and 1976.

John James Knudsen (1923-2008)

John James Knudsen was the cartoonist for Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ The Tidings and the San Diego Union Tribune. His cartoons were published in The Catholic Standard and Times primarily between 1970 and 1972.

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