Category: News

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Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, recently addressed the issue of global fragmentation, attributing it to a loss of understanding of what it means to be human. He urged individuals to be present in a world that is increasingly connected online but disconnected in reality. He encouraged people to respond to the question of whether humanity can be preserved by demonstrating it through their own lives.

The March for Life has announced its theme for the 2027 rally, focusing on truth. Retired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is slated to deliver the keynote address at the event on January 22, 2027. The annual event is a significant gathering for those advocating for the rights of the unborn.

In Washington, DC, approximately 3,000 people participated in a rosary pilgrimage. The event, which took place on September 26, was organized by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. The pilgrimage is an expression of faith and devotion, bringing together Catholics from various backgrounds.

In Los Angeles, a federal appeals court has ruled that a historic cross and Nativity display can remain in a public square. Local merchants had campaigned to preserve the historic monument, which is part of Los Angeles’ 300-year-old historic center. The decision is seen as a victory for those advocating for the preservation of religious symbols in public spaces.

A federal court has ruled in favor of an Oklahoma Jewish charter school in a lawsuit over public funding. The ruling is significant as a Catholic charter school had previously brought a similar lawsuit against the state but had not been successful in obtaining a ruling from the Supreme Court. The recent decision could have implications for religious charter schools seeking public funding in the future.

Church leaders are persistently encouraging Catholics to assist immigrants, even as the government defends its deportation policies. This year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees has been named “Even Just One of These Children” by Pope Leo XIV, referencing Matthew 18:5, which states, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Pope Leo XIV recently concluded his apostolic journey to France. On the final day of his visit, the Pope addressed European leaders at the Robert Schuman Conference Center. He also celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, marking the end of his four-day journey.

In Poland, Father Adrian Mantykiewicz, a priest who was injured in a deadly knife attack on a convent, has called for love and forgiveness in the aftermath of the tragedy. The attack resulted in the death of a fellow priest, and Father Mantykiewicz emphasized the need to overcome the evil that had occurred.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed that he is not overly concerned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). During a 23-minute in-flight news conference, the Pope also responded to questions on end-of-life issues and sexual abuse, demonstrating his willingness to address a range of challenging topics.

Church officials are urging for the care of workers as the development and implementation of AI continues to accelerate. Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s Commission on AI, stated that according to Catholic social teaching, companies, investors, and management have a responsibility to care for their workers. This call for ethical treatment of workers comes as AI continues to transform the global workforce.

Pope Leo recently met with French victims of abuse in Lourdes, expressing his solidarity with them and extending it to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer from the wounds of abuse. This was confirmed by the Vatican, which highlighted the Pope’s commitment to addressing the issue of abuse within the Church.

In a separate event, Pope Leo is preparing to visit Metz, a city at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Luxembourg. The visit comes at a time when Europe is grappling with a deepening divide over immigration. The Pope’s message during this visit is anticipated to address the issue of welcoming strangers and the consequences of mass immigration.

While in Lourdes, Pope Leo delivered a speech to sick people and caregivers, denouncing France’s recent legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The Pope referred to the act of killing the sick as ‘false compassion’, expressing the Church’s stance on the sanctity of life.

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil has called for investment in the future of young Christians in Iraq. He pointed out that the structure of the country’s economy is part of the problem, emphasizing the need for long-term stability which he believes requires job creation for Iraq’s Christians.

On the third day of his visit to France, Pope Leo spoke about the urgency of repentance and conversion during a Mass in Lourdes. He stated that the Church must heal her ‘wounds, infidelities, and painful errors’, highlighting the need for introspection and change within the Church.

Pope Leo XIV continued his visit to France, making stops at the Maison Bakhita Center and celebrating an open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde in Paris. He concluded his day at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Pope’s visit attracted an estimated crowd of 800,000 people to the open-air Mass, where he emphasized the individual worth of each person, stating that no one ‘is merely a number’.

In Illinois, a historic announcement was made by the local bishop regarding the first-ever parish to be named after Blessed Fulton Sheen. The new parish is a combination of St. Mary in El Paso, Illinois, and St. John in Benson, Illinois. This marks the first time a parish has been named after the newly blessed Fulton Sheen.

Among the many pilgrims visiting Lourdes during Pope Leo XIV’s visit was a 27-year-old woman who left her job to embrace monastic life. She joined a group of Cistercian nuns in the hope that the visit would confirm her call to a contemplative life. Her journey from foster care to Lourdes is a testament to her faith and commitment.

Finally, the Knights of Columbus highlighted their role in engaging young men at a Symposium on Young American Men. Joseph McInerney, a representative of the organization, noted that men under 35 are currently the fastest-growing membership segment. He emphasized that young men are the lifeblood of the Knights, indicating the organization’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Catholic leaders.

Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Lourdes on September 26 as part of his four-day trip to France. The famous town is buzzing with anticipation as over 150,000 visitors, including pilgrims, local residents, and business owners, prepare to welcome the Pope. The visit is expected to bring a significant boost to the local economy and the spirit of the community.

In a show of faith and unity, thousands of young French Catholics gathered at a prayer vigil in the national stadium in Saint-Denis, France. The event was marked by the strong presence of France’s Catholic culture and the palpable energy of the country’s youth. The prayer vigil was part of Pope Leo’s visit to the country, which aims to inspire and engage the younger generation in the Catholic faith.

In the United States, pro-life groups have refuted claims that the Texas abortion law is responsible for the death of Tierra Walker. A recent lawsuit alleged that the stringent law led to Walker’s death, but pro-life advocates argue that the law is not to blame. The case has reignited the debate over the controversial law and its implications for women’s health and rights.

In Spain, a new support program has been launched to assist children affected by divorce. The initiative provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, acknowledge their pain, and receive the necessary help. The program recognizes the impact of divorce on children and aims to provide them with the support they need during this challenging time.

Finally, the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Rochester are set to receive significant relics of Blessed Fulton Sheen for veneration. The relics serve as a physical connection to the life and works of the beloved Catholic figure and are expected to inspire the faithful in both dioceses.

Pope Leo XIV is currently on a visit to France, which began on September 25 and will conclude on September 28. The visit marks a significant event in the Catholic calendar, with the Pope’s itinerary and activities closely followed by the global Catholic community.

In other news, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been declared “blessed” by Pope Leo XIV. The beatification ceremony, held on September 24, was a significant event, marking a step closer to sainthood for the late Archbishop. Following the beatification, Pope Leo XIV announced that Blessed Sheen’s feast day will be observed on December 9, coinciding with the anniversary of his death.

In the United States, Catholic bishops are advocating for the inclusion of Catholic schools in Colorado’s universal preschool program. The bishops argue that Catholic schools should be able to participate in the program without compromising their faith. This issue is part of a broader discussion on the role and place of faith-based education within public education systems.

Finally, a pastor has resigned following a lawsuit filed by an employee who alleges that he dismissed her report of sexual assault. The archbishop of Louisville has accepted the pastor’s resignation as legal proceedings continue. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts within the Church to address and rectify instances of misconduct and abuse.

A new book by Allan Smith, published on September 15, sheds light on the life and legacy of Fulton Sheen, known as ‘America’s Apostle’. The release of the book comes just a week before Sheen’s beatification. EWTN’s Matthew Bunson provides a detailed discussion of the book and Sheen’s enduring influence on “EWTN News Nightly.”

In response to the ongoing issue of sexual abuse, the Archbishop of Panama has sought the assistance of the Transparency Commission. This project, sponsored by Notre Dame Law School and Madrid’s Villanueva University, aims to address and rectify instances of abuse within the Church. The Archbishop has also publicly asked for forgiveness from the victims of such abuses, stating that silence cannot be maintained in the face of such atrocities.

A recent claim by watchdog group Do No Harm has prompted calls for a federal inquiry into Planned Parenthood and its affiliates. The group alleges that the organization may be miscoding visits in a manner that makes youth hormone prescriptions appear routine, potentially obscuring the true nature of these visits.

The Allentown Diocese has initiated its annual blood drive on the feast of St. Januarius, in response to a nationwide blood shortage. Allentown Bishop Alfred A. Schlert emphasized the critical need for blood donations, noting that blood cannot be manufactured or replaced and can only come from individuals willing to give of themselves for others.

Lastly, two bishops in Brazil have responded to the country’s president’s criticism of the Catholic Church. They stressed that the president should concentrate on governing the country effectively, rather than offering unsolicited advice to the Church on matters such as celibacy and the ordination of women.

The recent murder of Father Román de la Cruz Hernández in Mexico is suspected to be the work of organized crime, according to local priests. This tragic event is not seen as an isolated incident but rather as part of a larger pattern of intimidation and fear. The motive behind these acts is believed to be an attempt to sow fear within the community.

In Uruguay, despite low church attendance and a largely secular society, the president of the country’s bishops’ conference sees the visit of Pope Leo as a potential catalyst for spiritual renewal. The Pope’s visit is viewed as a chance to bring about a ‘spiritual springtime’ in the country, offering a boost to the faith of the local Catholic community.

Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, a popular Catholic podcaster, speaker, and author, has announced her discernment of a new religious community. Known as Friends of the Bridegroom, the community is currently in the early stages of establishment. Sister Heidland’s announcement has generated interest within the Catholic community.

Bishop Garcia of Austin has expressed concern over a recent shooting incident involving ICE officials. The Bishop has called for prayers for the man who was shot and for all those involved in the incident. He also urged government authorities to be transparent and honest about the circumstances surrounding the event.

Notre Dame theologian John Cavadini is set to receive the 2026 Ratzinger Prize. The award, which will be presented by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on December 19, is a significant recognition in the Catholic world. Cavadini’s work as a theologian has made a substantial impact on the Catholic community.

The Vatican is set to engage in discussions with world leaders at the UN General Assembly on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and human dignity. The central question guiding the discussion is, “What are we building, for whom, and who will inherit it?” This dialogue aims to explore the ethical implications of AI technology and its potential impact on human society.

In other news, Magdalena Wolińska-Riedi, a veteran Vatican journalist and writer for EWTN News, has been honored as the Polish speech champion. The award ceremony took place in Ostrowiec, Poland, on September 21. This recognition underscores Wolińska-Riedi’s significant contributions to journalism and her exceptional skills in communication.

In Switzerland, the annual March for Life event drew thousands of participants, despite attempts by masked cyclists to disrupt the proceedings. The organizers have initiated legal action after the Zurich city authorities prevented the march from taking place in the city center for the sixth year in a row. This pro-life event continues to be a significant gathering for those advocating for the rights of the unborn.

Pope Leo XIV recently addressed the Federation of Capuchin Poor Clare Nuns of Italy, encouraging them to renew their commitment in light of the decreasing number of vocations. The audience with the pontiff took place on September 21, providing an opportunity for the nuns to receive guidance and encouragement in their religious mission.

Finally, Pope Leo XIV is set to pray the rosary for peace alongside more than 700 children at the Vatican. These children, hailing from various schools and parishes throughout Rome, will join the pontiff in the “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” campaign. This initiative serves as a powerful symbol of unity and prayer for peace in the world.