The Latest News & Updates

Pope Leo XIV recently hosted an event titled “Lunch with the Pope” at Borgo Laudato Si’ within the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo. During this gathering, the Holy Father called on society to address and eliminate the root causes of poverty and injustice. This event, held on July 11, was a day dedicated to hospitality and fraternity, with the Pope himself sharing a meal with the less fortunate.

In Colombia, the Catholic Church has urged citizens to respect the results of the recent presidential election. Abelardo de la Espriella’s narrow victory has been contested by outgoing President Gustavo Petros, who alleges fraud. Despite these claims, the Colombian bishops have called for acceptance of the election outcome, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes.

In Venezuela, Catholic nonprofits are mobilizing relief efforts following a natural disaster. Auxiliary Bishop Carlos Márquez expressed his optimism and faith in the face of adversity, stating, “Though we’ve been hit by nature, we don’t lose our hope because our hope is set on Christ the Lord, and he had victory over death and destruction.” The bishop’s words serve as a rallying cry for the Venezuelan Catholic community as they work to rebuild.

In Ireland, bishops have condemned the burning of a mosque replica during holiday festivities, labeling it as an anti-Muslim display. This incident is part of a broader global news roundup that includes religious sisters setting up a field hospital for Venezuelan earthquake victims and a surge in euthanasia cases in New Zealand.

In the Czech Republic, a district court is set to determine whether Cardinal Štěpán Trochta was unlawfully interned in the 1950s. The cardinal, who was imprisoned by both the Nazis and the communists, may be posthumously cleared of charges. The court’s decision could have significant implications for the historical record of the Catholic Church in the Czech Republic.

In a recent discussion about the impending World Cup final, Father David Jasso, former director of the Monterrey Soccer Club, underscored the value of defeat as a learning tool. Drawing parallels between sports and life, he noted that failure and mistakes often provide more profound lessons than achievements and successes do.

The Becket Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of religious freedom, has been awarded the religious liberty prize by Notre Dame. The group’s president, Mark Rienzi, expressed deep honor at receiving the award, asserting that religious liberty is a cause worth fighting for.

A delegation from the Iranian embassy in Mexico City recently visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, engaging in an interfaith dialogue. The visit, which was requested by the delegation, served to underscore the shared reverence for the Virgin Mary in both Islam and Christianity.

A new housing bill is set to become law, coinciding with federal data showing a decrease in homelessness nationwide. The legislation is part of a broader effort to address housing issues and reduce homelessness across the country.

The U.S. Catholic bishops have expressed concern over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy in the 2026 farm bill. They are urging lawmakers to make changes that would strengthen domestic food assistance, highlighting the importance of ensuring access to food for those in need.

U.S. bishops are increasingly advising Catholics not to participate in Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) events, following the recent excommunications of SSPX leaders. The bishops have described the SSPX masses as an ‘abuse’ of the Eucharist. This development comes as the Church continues to grapple with the SSPX’s controversial stance on various issues, including its refusal to accept some of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

In an effort to address the abuse crisis within the Church, a Vatican commission is working on closing a legal loophole that has left the abuse suffered by women religious largely unaddressed. The focus of the Church’s response to the abuse crisis has primarily been on minors and vulnerable adults, with the plight of women religious often overlooked. The commission’s work is seen as a significant step towards rectifying this issue.

A federal court has ruled that Christian schools in Maine that receive public funding must comply with state nondiscrimination rules. The court stated that Maine has the right to withhold public funding from St. Dominic Academy if the school does not adhere to these rules. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws in the United States.

The Vatican’s recognition of Orthodox marriages, but not those of the SSPX, is rooted in the profoundly different juridical and ecclesial realities of the two groups. The Orthodox Churches, despite their schism, have maintained apostolic succession and valid sacraments, which is why their marriages are recognized. The SSPX, on the other hand, has been in a state of canonical irregularity since the 1988 consecrations without papal mandate, leading to the non-recognition of their marriages.

In a move towards sustainability, Fiat has donated 30 electric vehicles to the Vatican. These vehicles will be used by governorate employees in their daily work as Vatican City State strives to achieve its 2030 goal of a zero-emissions fleet. This donation is part of a broader push for environmental responsibility within the Church.

The cause for canonization of Servant of God Rhoda Wise, spiritual mentor to Mother Angelica, has progressed to the next stage with the submission of a positio to the Vatican. Wise is known for her association with hundreds of miraculous healings in the United States that remain unexplained.

In Venezuela, Kamar Galíndez, a survivor of a recent earthquake, attributes his survival to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the disaster, the Miraculous Medal he was wearing was torn from his neck and was later found in one of his zippered pockets, a circumstance he considers miraculous.

In the United States, Speaker Mike Johnson has extended a warm welcome to the apostolic nuncio in a formal letter. Johnson expressed his hopes that the nuncio’s service and mission would continue to deepen the friendship between the United States and the Holy See.

A disturbing report from British Columbia reveals that thousands of errors were made in euthanasia cases in 2024. The internal government document indicates that doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists in the Canadian province made these errors in the management of euthanasia.

Finally, Pope Leo XIV has sent a video message to Iraqi Christians, urging them to be Christ’s light in challenging times. The Vatican published the pontiff’s message on July 8 for the Ankawa Youth Meeting.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has entered the final stage of restoration following a devastating fire in 2019. While the cathedral has reopened to the public, significant work remains to be completed, particularly on the western rose window. The restoration efforts aim to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the cathedral while ensuring its safety for future generations.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are continuing their legal battle against a federal rule that requires employers to include contraception coverage in employee health plans under the Affordable Care Act. The rule, which was established in 2011, has been a point of contention for the religious order, who argue that it infringes upon their religious beliefs. The case is currently before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.

Catholic schools in Pennsylvania are preparing for potential cuts to tax credits that support scholarship organizations. A bill recently passed by the state House proposes the elimination of these tax credits. If the bill becomes law, it could result in a loss of funding for scholarship organizations and subsequently, a loss of tuition assistance for students attending Catholic schools.

Argentina’s bishops have expressed concern over the rise in online betting among children and young people during the World Cup. Despite regulations prohibiting gambling advertisements at World Cup venues, these ads are frequently broadcast on television and other platforms in Argentina, particularly during halftime. The bishops have called for increased vigilance and regulation to protect young people from the potential harms of gambling.

Estrella del Paso, a legal aid ministry for immigrants in El Paso, Texas, is facing potential closure due to withheld federal payments. According to executive director Melissa Lopez, the ministry’s cash reserves have been significantly depleted since payments ceased in December 2025. The ministry provides vital legal assistance to immigrants, and its closure would impact many in the El Paso community.