The Latest News & Updates

Former Spanish soccer star David Silva’s devotion to the Blessed Mother continues to inspire many, even after his retirement. Thirteen years ago, Silva expressed his gratitude to Our Lady of Mount Carmel after Spain’s victory in the 2010 World Cup. His public display of faith is still remembered and celebrated by many Catholics around the world, particularly on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Amnesty International UK has issued an apology for labeling Christian groups as ‘anti-rights’. The organization admitted that the briefing was uploaded to their website without undergoing the necessary internal review processes. They expressed regret for the oversight and the offense it may have caused to Christian groups.

In recent news from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Peruvian Bishop Antonio Santarsiero Rosa, who was accused of sexual abuse earlier this year. Bishop Rosa, who turned 75 in June, denied the allegations but submitted his resignation in accordance with Church law. The Pope accepted his resignation as of July 15.

A report by the International Christian Concern (ICC) has cited Nigeria, Nicaragua, Syria, and India as countries where Christian persecution is on the rise. The report identified religious nationalism, state control, terrorism, authoritarianism, and limitations on women as the main factors driving the increase in persecution globally.

In a recent Catholic-Orthodox conference, Cardinal Seán O’Malley spoke about the need for Catholics and Orthodox Christians to come together and pray for unity. Archbishop Flavio Pace also discussed the ongoing efforts by the Vatican to foster unity between the two Christian traditions.

Haiti is currently grappling with escalating violence, with a surge in drone fatalities and gang activities. The country has risen to the fifth position on the International Rescue Committee’s 2026 emergency watch list, which categorizes the top 20 nations dealing with the most severe humanitarian crises.

In the United States, Arkansas has been recognized as the top state for safeguarding religious liberty, according to the First Liberty Institute. This ranking places Arkansas first among all 50 states, while New York has been ranked last in terms of protecting religious freedoms.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki has called for a renewal of the Eucharistic faith among Catholics, four years after the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival. He emphasized the need for Catholics to align their belief in Christ’s real presence with a moral life and worthy reception of Communion.

In Peru, a soccer tournament among priests has evolved from a friendly local match to a competition involving priests from seven dioceses. This event has been instrumental in strengthening fraternity among the clergy and has also served as a catalyst for encouraging vocations.

In France, euthanasia has been legalized following a forceful push through Parliament. This decision concludes a three-year period of parliamentary deadlock between the National Assembly and the Senate, initiated when President Emmanuel Macron first introduced the topic for national debate.

Two historic churches in Mexico City, which suffered significant damage during an earthquake nearly nine years ago, have finally reopened. The restoration process was slow and meticulous due to the complexity of the damage. Now, these churches in the city’s historic center are once again welcoming the faithful.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is set to receive a substantial food aid package for Sudan and Ethiopia. The agreement in principle with the U.S. Department of Agriculture will see “more than 110,000 metric tons of U.S.-grown agricultural commodities” delivered to these regions. This aid will significantly bolster CRS’s ongoing relief efforts in these countries.

U.S. Catholic bishops, along with other Catholic organizations, have called on the Labor Department to reject proposals to expand insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The bishops and organizations argue that IVF destroys human embryonic life. Instead, they are advocating for the department to support fertility treatments that affirm life.

David Willey, a veteran BBC correspondent known for his extensive coverage of the Vatican and the papacy, has passed away at the age of 93. Willey, who spoke to EWTN News in February about his more than 50 years of Vatican reporting, was a respected figure in the field of Catholic journalism.

In France, Bishop Marc Aillet has issued a stern warning to Catholic lawmakers supporting a euthanasia bill. Ahead of the decisive final vote on July 15, Bishop Aillet stated that those who back the bill “will no longer be able to receive Communion.” This statement underscores the Catholic Church’s firm stance against euthanasia.

The Society of St. Pius X has lodged an appeal with the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The appeal, filed on July 11, contests a recent schism decree, arguing that it should be suspended under canon law. The Society of St. Pius X is seeking a review of the decree, which it believes is unjust.

In other news, the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, aged 71, on July 11 has been met with tributes from pro-life leaders. Recognized as a longstanding advocate for unborn children, Graham was instrumental in supporting legislative efforts to protect life. In his memory, pro-life groups have committed to continuing the work he championed.

The Archdiocese of Chicago is currently investigating an accusation of sexual abuse against Father Michael Pfleger. The alleged incident, involving a minor, reportedly took place over 30 years ago. As a result of the accusation, Father Pfleger has been withdrawn from ministry while the investigation is ongoing.

A pilgrimage to Brazil’s Basilica Shrine of the Divine Eternal Father has drawn an estimated four million people. From June 26 to July 5, Catholics from across the country journeyed to the shrine to give thanks for answered prayers and to present their intentions. The event is a significant annual gathering for Brazilian Catholics.

Finally, the Caracas Archdiocese in Venezuela has reported that recent earthquakes have caused damage to 25 churches. The structural damage has led to safety concerns, resulting in Masses being held outdoors. The earthquakes have caused widespread damage across the archdiocese, affecting not only churches but many other buildings as well.

Pope Leo XIV, during his July 12 Angelus at Castel Gandolfo, encouraged the faithful to use the summer season as a time for prayer and silence. The pontiff, who is currently on vacation at this location, emphasized the spiritual benefits of taking time to reflect and connect with God amidst the busyness of life.

The Catholic community mourns the loss of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness. The South Carolina senator served for many years and was a respected figure in American politics. His office announced his passing.

July is a special month for the Catholic Church as it celebrates the feast days of several holy married couples. These saints, who lived their lives in accordance with Catholic teachings on marriage and family, continue to inspire Catholic families today. Their feast days serve as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the role it plays in the Church.

Pope Leo XIV, on July 11, hosted “Lunch with the Pope,” a day of hospitality and fraternity at Borgo Laudato Si’ within the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo. During this gathering, the Pope called on society to address and eliminate the root causes of poverty and injustice. His message was a call to action for all, emphasizing the need for solidarity and compassion towards those less fortunate.

In Colombia, the Catholic Church has urged citizens to respect the results of the recent presidential election. Following a very narrow victory by Abelardo de la Espriella and outgoing President Gustavo Petros’ refusal to accept the result on grounds of alleged fraud, the Colombian bishops called for peace and respect for the democratic process.