In the early 1920, the Catholic historian Hilaire Belloc published in "The Universe" a long series of articles sharply criticizing H. G. Wells' historical textbook, The Outline of History.
May I point out to you that Mr. Belloc has been attacking my reputation as a thinker, writer, an impartial historian and an educated person for four and twenty fortnights in the Universe?
Rather than accept these restrictions, Wells edited his articles and assembled them into a single volume, his Mr. Belloc Objects to "The Outline of History".
Later, as literary editor of the Catholic weekly newspaper for over 15 years,[6] the ex-Catholic priest "by the name of Piers Compton" (1901–1986) published in 1981 the first edition of the unusual book entitled The Broken Cross: Hidden Hand In The Vatican,[7][8] which was withdrawn within weeks of its initial release, catalogued as a reference book and finally reprinted in 1983 shortly before his retirement.
[9] In August 1995, Joseph Anthony Kelly – who had previously edited a number of well-known regional and national newspapers - became the Universe's editor.
[14] The Universe and Catholic Times finally closed at the end of June 2021 after an unsuccessful appeal for help by chairman Clive Leach.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols supported the initiative: "I congratulate the Universe on extending this means of communication and also helping to stimulate conversation, reflection and prayer.