The Latest News & Updates

EWTN, the largest Catholic media network in the world, is celebrating its 45th year since its first broadcast. The network, which started with a modest budget of $200 and a team of 12 nuns with no prior television experience, was founded by Mother Angelica. She transformed a monastery garage into a television studio, marking the beginning of what would become a global Catholic media powerhouse.

In Venezuela, the ruling socialist government and the opposition have reached a consensus to reform the justice system. The two sides have also agreed to make efforts to recover frozen assets and address the needs of those affected by the recent double earthquake. This agreement signifies a significant step towards political reconciliation in the country.

A video of a Nicaraguan bishop, who has been missing for over 40 days, was recently released by pro-government media outlets. The bishop appears to be in good health and relaxed in the video. However, critics argue that the video is a piece of staged propaganda, as they believe the bishop is currently under house arrest.

Pope Leo XIV, in his homily on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, encouraged the faithful to find ‘true beauty’ in ‘the light of the Risen Lord’. He urged them to reject consumerist standards and instead focus on love. The Pope’s message serves as a spiritual guide for Catholics worldwide.

In Spain, Father Fernando Cuevas has been using WhatsApp to help over 1,200 people find a spouse. He uses a questionnaire and a few key criteria to assist singles who want Christ at the center of their lives in finding each other. This innovative use of technology demonstrates the Church’s adaptability in meeting the needs of its followers.

The Catholic Bishop of Massachusetts has expressed strong disapproval of the state’s abortion law, describing it as ‘horrendous’. The bishop’s comments were part of a broader discussion on recent pro-life and abortion-related news. The church’s stance on the sanctity of life continues to guide its response to such legislative changes.

In Buffalo, New York, the Vatican has intervened in a diocesan merger plan proposed by Bishop Michael Fisher. The plan, which has been the subject of controversy for several years, would have seen the closure of multiple parishes. However, the Vatican has ruled that two of the parishes involved will not have to close, providing some relief to the local Catholic community.

The Peruvian government has declared Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit a matter of national interest. This designation will allow the government to allocate resources to ensure the visit’s success. The Pope’s visit is eagerly anticipated by the Catholic community in Peru, and the government’s support underlines the significance of this event.

The obligation for Catholics to attend Mass on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary varies depending on the day it falls on. This year, the holy day of obligation is being observed by Catholics worldwide, with many attending Mass to commemorate this significant event in the Catholic calendar.

Catholic leaders are calling for protection for a predominantly Christian village in Bangladesh following a violent attack. Several homes were looted and vandalized after the body of a Muslim man was found nearby, resulting in the arrest of 19 Indigenous villagers. The church is urging for peace and justice in the wake of this incident.

Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki has confirmed that Finland’s first Catholic school will not be opening in August as planned. The project has been delayed, with the new expected opening date set for 2027. The reasons for the delay have not been disclosed.

A recent Pew report has found that the majority of American Catholics are in favor of the death penalty for those convicted of murder. The research indicates that support for the death penalty among U.S. adults has risen by 6 percentage points since April 2021. The report does not provide reasons for this increase in support.

The United Nations has reported an increase in migrant deaths on two routes in early 2026, a development that has raised concerns within the Vatican. The increase in deaths, primarily from drowning incidents in the Mediterranean Sea, has been a matter of serious concern for Pope Leo XIV. The Pope has not yet commented on the recent UN findings.

In Colombia, a priest led his congregation to safety during an earthquake, carrying the Blessed Sacrament with him. Father Oscar Aguirre quickly prayed, grabbed the Blessed Sacrament, and directed his congregation to leave the church as it began to shake immediately after the consecration. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities among the congregation.

The United Nations has issued a letter warning Nigeria of the risk of violence towards Christian women and girls. The letter expressed serious concern regarding patterns of religiously motivated violence and persecution, particularly towards Christians, including women and girls. The Nigerian government has not yet responded to the letter.

In anticipation of Pope Leo XIV’s forthcoming visit, Peru is seeking to transform its national image into a significant pilgrimage destination for Catholics worldwide. The country’s officials believe that the Pope’s visit could serve as a catalyst for this transformation, which could potentially boost the local economy by attracting regular pilgrims.

In Haiti, the Church is facing a crisis as gangs increasingly target its institutions. Bishop Joseph Gontrand Décoste has voiced his concern over the escalating violence, which has led to the closure of numerous parishes and schools. He described the Church as the last remaining moral, ethical, spiritual, and prophetic bulkhead, which is why it has become a target for elimination.

In Texas, a district court has ordered UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas to provide lifesaving care to a baby named Gabriel, who is at the center of a surrogacy dispute. The baby is due to be born to surrogate mother McKenna West. The court’s ruling obligates these medical institutions to ensure the baby’s well-being.

Medicaid has officially ceased funding for ‘sex-rejecting procedures’ for minors, according to a final rule that formalizes a policy initiated by the Trump administration. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been advocating for government action in this area, expressing their support for the policy change.

The last surviving Chinese Trappist monk who endured the Maoist persecution has passed away at the age of 108. Father Benedict Chau managed to survive the communist persecution led by Mao Zedong. He spent his final years at the reestablished monastery of Our Lady of Joy on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

In the wake of a powerful earthquake in Colombia, bishops from various Latin American countries have extended their prayers and voiced solidarity with the victims. These expressions of support and unity come as the local Church in Colombia mobilizes to aid those affected by the disaster. Church leaders have urged the faithful to respond with prayer, generosity, and solidarity, demonstrating the Catholic community’s commitment to providing assistance in times of crisis.

In the United States, a court is reconsidering a First Amendment challenge to a Michigan school’s transgender policies. The case was initially dismissed, but a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has prompted the judge to reassess the claims. This development signifies an ongoing dialogue regarding religious freedom and the rights of transgender individuals within educational settings.

Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme of artificial intelligence (AI) and war for the 60th World Day of Peace, which will take place on January 1, 2027. This selection indicates the Church’s recognition of the ethical implications of AI, particularly in the context of warfare. The World Day of Peace serves as a platform for the Pope to address global issues and promote a culture of peace.

In addition to these developments, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sorrow for the victims of the earthquake in Colombia. In a message delivered on August 11, the pontiff conveyed his closeness to the Colombian people, further emphasizing the Church’s commitment to supporting communities in times of hardship.