Category: News

A Catholic mother in New York has been denied a vaccine exemption for her son. She had appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court for a temporary injunction, hoping that her son could begin kindergarten while the legal battle continues. The case is ongoing and the outcome will have implications for religious freedom and public health policies.

The U.S. bishops have made a plea to the Supreme Court, arguing against the indefinite detention of noncitizens. They assert that robust due process protections align with American principles and good governance, and are in line with Catholic teachings. The bishops’ stance is a demonstration of the Church’s commitment to human rights and the dignity of all people, regardless of their citizenship status.

Pope Leo XIV has shared his thoughts on love and marriage in the preface to a new edition of the youth catechism, YouCat. The Pope emphasized that love is not a feeling, but a decision. He explained that the vocation to love is about service and a generous gift of self. This message is aimed at guiding young Catholics in their understanding of love and commitment.

In another appeal to the Supreme Court, U.S. bishops have urged the court to allow communities to regulate firearms under the Second Amendment. The court is set to consider whether Americans should be allowed to possess AR-15 rifles and similar firearms. The bishops’ appeal reflects the Church’s concern for public safety and the sanctity of life.

St. Nicholas of Tolentino, known as the patron of souls in purgatory, had a personal experience that underscored the Catholic duty to pray for the dead. A deceased friend appeared to him, requesting prayers. This event significantly influenced St. Nicholas’ spiritual life and his dedication to praying for those in purgatory. This story serves as a reminder to Catholics about the importance of prayers for the departed.

Several organizations have come together to support a lawsuit advocating for parental rights and religious freedom in California. The lawsuit is in response to a state law concerning transgender students, which is currently on hold. The coalition is urging the court to consider the rights of parents and the importance of religious freedom in their deliberations.

In Colombia, the government has pledged financial support for the restoration of a basilica damaged by an earthquake. The basilica is not only a significant part of Colombia’s cultural heritage but also a popular site for pilgrimages. The government’s commitment to the restoration project underscores its recognition of the basilica’s cultural and religious significance.

The diocese of Indianapolis has become the seventh in the United States to offer Mass dispensation to migrants who fear deportation. The dioceses that have issued such dispensations collectively cover a Catholic population of approximately 3.5 million people. This move is seen as a significant step in providing spiritual support to the migrant community.

EWTN News Capitol Hill correspondent Erik Rosales has been in conversation with Catholic members of Congress. These lawmakers shared insights into how their faith influences their lives and work. The discussions revealed the intersection of faith and public service and how the two can complement each other.

The Archdiocese of Mexico has stated that banning cellphones in schools alone is not enough. Parents are encouraged to regulate their children’s cellphone use, both in terms of content and time spent on the devices at home. The archdiocese also stressed the importance of parents setting a good example through their own moderate and judicious use of cellphones.

Pope Leo XIV recently celebrated Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, where he spoke about the significance of Mary and her Son in the course of history. The Pope emphasized the influence of Mary’s simple presence and the role of her Son within her in shaping the world’s history. This message was delivered during his visit to the shrine, a significant place of worship for Catholics.

In Kolkata, India, a documentary about Mother Teresa, titled “Mother Teresa – Prophet of Compassion,” premiered on her feast day, September 5. The event was attended by over 200 people, including many Missionaries of Charity (MC) nuns and novices. The documentary provides an in-depth look at the life and works of Mother Teresa, who is revered for her compassionate service to the poor and needy.

Father Sinclair Oubre, spiritual moderator of the Catholic Labor Network, has spoken out about the Church’s perspective on Labor Day. He stated that all work, regardless of its nature, is essential. This comment aligns with the Catholic Church’s teachings on the dignity of labor and the importance of recognizing and respecting all forms of work.

In southern Lebanon, Christian communities are facing a perilous journey home due to the damage and inaccessibility of usual roads. Residents are forced to travel in organized convoys through military checkpoints and Israeli-occupied territory, a situation some have likened to the “road to Calvary.” The difficult circumstances highlight the ongoing struggles faced by these communities.

Lastly, Pope Leo XIV has called for peace in Ukraine following recent Russian attacks. In addition to his plea for peace, the Pope also discussed the need for fraternal correction among members of the Church. His comments come in the wake of ongoing conflict and tension in the region.

Christian communities in southern Lebanon are facing a perilous journey home due to damaged and inaccessible roads. The only available route requires traveling in organized convoys through military checkpoints and Israeli-occupied territory, a process some have likened to the biblical “road to Calvary.” The situation underscores the ongoing struggles of these communities in a region marked by conflict and instability.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Ukraine following Russian attacks. In his message, the Pope called for peace and reconciliation, urging all parties involved to seek non-violent solutions. He also touched on the need for fraternal correction within the Church, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual respect among its members.

An Irish trio known as The Priests is making waves in the world of sacred music. The group, which was formed in the 1970s when the members were students at a boarding school, was signed by Sony in 2008. Since then, they have released four albums and continue to use their music as a means of evangelization, bringing the beauty of sacred music to a global audience.

In Lebanon, a small Bible study group started by three young men has grown into the largest Catholic Bible study initiative in the Middle East. The group has attracted more than 3,000 participants, prompting the organizers to expand their offerings to more days and times throughout the country. The initiative’s success demonstrates the growing interest in Bible study among the Catholic community in Lebanon and the wider region.

A recent article has shed light on seven lesser-known apostles and where Catholics can encounter them today. While not much is known about some of Jesus’ closest followers, their names and the locations of their relics and tombs have been preserved. These sites offer Catholics the opportunity to deepen their faith by connecting with the lives and legacies of these early Church figures.

Thousands of individuals gathered in London for the annual March For Life UK event, a pro-life demonstration. The march comes at a critical time, as debates over abortion laws in England, Scotland, and Wales intensify. Pro-life advocates are pushing for stricter regulations on abortion, highlighting the significance of this event in the ongoing discussion.

In Europe, bishops have expressed concern over potential changes that would allow individuals to erase their baptismal records. They argue that such a move would infringe on religious liberty and could have negative implications for internal Church affairs. The bishops maintain that baptismal records represent a ‘theological reality’ that should be preserved.

In Kansas, Gary Hermesch, accused of murdering Father Arul Carasala in Seneca, has been declared not competent to stand trial. Hermesch was arrested in April 2025 for the alleged crime. The case has drawn attention and concern from the Catholic community.

September 5 marked the feast of Mother Teresa and the 10th anniversary of her canonization. In honor of this occasion, several lesser-known facts about St. Teresa of Calcutta have been shared, shedding light on her life and work. These facts offer a deeper understanding of her dedication to serving the poor and the sick.

In Guinea, Archbishop François Sylla has encouraged young people heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to see themselves as missionaries. The Archbishop’s message to the youth delegation is to view themselves as active members of the Church, contributing to its mission and growth. This encouragement comes as part of the Church’s broader efforts to engage young people in religious activities and service.

U.S. bishops have recently released guidance for faithful citizenship in anticipation of the upcoming midterm elections. The guide is primarily designed to aid in the formation of priests on Catholic Social Teaching. The goal is to equip priests with the necessary knowledge and understanding to effectively communicate these teachings to their congregations.

Cana, a Catholic organization, has launched a wedding registry storefront in partnership with Catholic businesses. The initiative was spearheaded by James Reichert who noted that Catholic and Christian couples can now register not only for home goods but also for sacred arts, sacred jewelry, beautiful wall mounts, and icons. This move is seen as a way to support Catholic businesses while providing couples with meaningful and faith-inspired gifts.

In Scotland, a Catholic bishop has called for the country to stand with both mother and child in the ongoing debate on abortion. The bishop’s statement is part of a larger roundup of recent pro-life and abortion-related news. The bishop’s call to action is a reminder of the Catholic Church’s stance on the sanctity of life.

In commemoration of St. Teresa’s canonization anniversary, the prayer social network Hozana, in collaboration with the Missionaries of Charity, has developed a method for petitions to be placed on St. Teresa’s tomb in India. This initiative provides a unique way for Catholics worldwide to connect with St. Teresa and seek her intercession.

Lastly, a grieving mother has transformed her sorrow into a national AI-safety campaign for Catholic families. The campaign, titled “A Catholic Family’s Guide to AI Safety,” is part of a broader education roundup that includes a partnership between DePaul University and the Vatican on sustainability. The campaign aims to educate and equip Catholic families with the necessary knowledge to navigate the increasingly digital world safely.

A human rights group has criticized the Ortega-Murilla regime in Nicaragua for its recent constitutional reforms, labeling them a ‘usurpation of power’. The reforms prevent opposition parties from participating in elections, a move that has sparked significant backlash from exiled Nicaraguan leaders, as well as international condemnation from countries such as the United States, Costa Rica, and Peru.

In the United States, a high court in Maine has ruled that a father can prevent his daughter from attending her mother’s church. This decision has caused controversy, and the mother’s attorneys have announced plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case raises questions about parental rights and religious freedom.

In Illinois, Cardinal Cupich and a group of Catholic religious sisters have filed a lawsuit against the state to stop the implementation of a new assisted suicide law. The law, which recently came into effect, allows doctors to prescribe lethal doses of medication to help patients end their lives. The Cardinal and the sisters argue that this law is contrary to Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life.

In Hong Kong, a court has upheld the conviction of Cardinal Zen over a fund established to assist protesters. Zen, along with four others, face monetary fines as a result of the conviction. However, it remains uncertain whether they will face additional prosecution.

Finally, the Vatican continues to prioritize abuse prevention and liturgy in its courses for new bishops. This program, which has been a part of the Church calendar since its inception by St. John Paul II in 2000, aims to equip new bishops with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead their dioceses.

In Nepal, the Catholic Church, despite being a small minority, is extending aid to victims of major flooding through Caritas. The Apostolic Administrator has shared that the Church is offering what help it can to those affected by this natural disaster, providing a sense of hope amidst the devastation.

In a surprising turn of events, Joe Schmid, a well-known internet agnostic, has announced his return to the Catholic Church. Schmid, who ran a highly popular agnostic YouTube channel for years, credits “a gift of God’s grace” for leading him back to his faith. His return to the Church has been met with widespread interest and support from the online Catholic community.

The Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York, is set to pay a total of $83 million in abuse settlements, with contributions from insurance. In addition to these settlements, parishes in the diocese will undergo a significant bankruptcy proceeding known as “rapid pre-pack Chapter 11.” This process is expected to have a considerable impact on the financial status of the diocese.

Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Bridgeport Diocese is leading an international apostolate that aims to consecrate businesses to the Sacred Heart. The initiative, organized through a guild, seeks to transform local businesses by placing God at the center of their operations. The move is seen as a significant step in integrating faith and commerce.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has called for accountability for violators in India following the recent visit of Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS, a prominent Hindu nationalist volunteer organization, has been accused of targeting Christians. Bhagwat’s visit to the U.S. in late August has sparked renewed attention to the issue of religious freedom in India.

A federal judge has postponed a lawsuit concerning the abortion pill mifepristone. This decision has caused disappointment among pro-life advocates who have been urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to safeguard the lives of women and unborn children.

Pope Leo has called on the faithful to take a break from their daily routines to appreciate the beauty of creation. He emphasized that quiet contemplation of the natural world can lead to a genuine ecological conversion and a heightened sense of responsibility towards the environment.

In a historic first, a Texas parish has been named after St. Matthew Ayariga, a Ghanian martyr who was killed by ISIS in 2015. Ayariga was among 21 Christian migrant workers who were abducted and subsequently beheaded by the terrorist group on a beach near Sirte, Libya.

Life in Mercy, a pro-life organization, is planning to establish a new maternity home. The organization has already assisted approximately 75 women and their babies, and the demand for their services continues to increase.

In Quebec, Cardinal Marc Ouellet has been cleared of sexual misconduct allegations. A judge has deemed the accusations against the former archbishop of Quebec to be baseless and has ordered his accuser to pay him $100,000.

Cardinal Robert Sarah has voiced his concerns over Pope Francis’ recent decision to limit the use of the Latin Mass. He praised Pope Benedict’s 2007 decision to allow greater access to the Latin Mass, and suggested that the recent restrictions are neither “sensible” nor “respectful”. Cardinal Sarah emphasized that the Church should not be in conflict with devotees of the Latin Mass.

Bishops from Mexico, the United States, and Canada have identified an urgent need to present a united front in addressing the pastoral challenges facing the Church in North America. They gathered for a Mass in the Cuernavaca, Mexico, cathedral on August 30, during which they discussed these issues. The bishops stressed the importance of speaking “with one voice” in order to effectively address these challenges.

Bishop Frank Caggiano has called on local parishes to show support for immigrant families who are living in fear due to enforcement actions. He has asked every parish in his diocese to include a prayer for immigrant families and for all those affected by these events at every Mass in the coming days. Bishop Caggiano emphasized the importance of solidarity and compassion in these difficult times.

At a recent Catholic gathering in Italy, experts warned that religious freedom is under increasing threat worldwide. Speakers at the Rimini Meeting pointed out the persecution of Christians, violence in Nigeria and Lebanon, and stressed the need to defend freedom of belief for people of all faiths. They highlighted the growing need for action and awareness to protect religious freedom.

In a move to combat antisemitism, the Government of Israel has engaged the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism as part of its outreach to American Catholics. This step is seen as an important effort to strengthen interfaith relations and combat prejudice and discrimination. The Coalition’s work is expected to contribute significantly to the fight against antisemitism.