The Latest News & Updates

Archbishop Lori of Baltimore recently addressed the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious in Missouri, expressing the Church’s hope in women religious. The archbishop emphasized the significant role these women play in the Church’s mission, and their contribution to the spiritual and pastoral life of the Church. He praised their commitment to service, education, and care for the poor and marginalized.

In anticipation of Yom Kippur, the U.S. bishops have drawn attention to the deep spiritual bonds between Catholics and Jews. Yom Kippur, a holy day for Jews, involves fasting and atonement and typically occurs in late September or early October. The bishops’ statement acknowledged the shared roots of Christianity and Judaism, and expressed a desire for continued dialogue and mutual respect between the two faith communities.

Christian leaders are uniting in opposition to chemical abortion, according to recent pro-life news. This collective stance against the practice of chemical abortion is seen as a significant development in the pro-life movement. The leaders have expressed concern about the increasing accessibility and prevalence of chemical abortion, and are advocating for the protection of unborn life.

The Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has designated December 8 as a national day of prayer and fasting for the upcoming general elections. The bishops have called on Nigerians to prepare spiritually for the polls, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and fair elections for the stability and progress of the country. They have urged the citizens to pray for wisdom and discernment for the voters and for the candidates.

John Sansone, who gained fame from the show “Farmer Wants a Wife,” is using his growing social media platform to share relatable Catholic content. Sansone’s journey of faith has led him to use his online presence to encourage others in their faith. His content ranges from reflections on scripture to discussions about living a Catholic life in today’s world.

Bishop Barron, founder of Word on Fire, recently addressed several contentious issues on EWTN. He clarified the call to evangelize, defended his nonpartisan advisory role on religious liberty, and warned about the resurgence of communism. Barron emphasized the need for Catholics to share their faith with others, while maintaining a respectful dialogue. He also defended his advisory role, stating that it is not politically motivated but is aimed at protecting religious freedom. Lastly, he expressed concern about the rise of communism, noting its potential threat to religious liberty.

In St. Louis, a man has been charged by police for allegedly making terrorist threats against the Archdiocese. The threats, made on social media, have been condemned by an archdiocesan spokesperson who called for an end to the hatred and threats of violence that have become prevalent online. The Archdiocese is praying for peace and the safety of all involved.

A priest’s emotional response during a consecration has been shared widely online, with many describing it as a ‘spiritual experience’. The priest explained that he did not witness a Eucharistic miracle, but rather felt the power of God descending upon the altar and the substantial presence of Jesus in the chalice he was holding. The video has sparked conversations about the spiritual significance of the Eucharist and the profound experiences that can occur during its celebration.

Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe is encouraging the faithful to make ‘moral choices’ regarding water usage as reservoir levels in the region reach historic lows. The Archbishop urged Catholics to develop an appreciation for water, recognizing it as a gift amid the major ecological challenges facing the region. He called for responsible use of water resources and a commitment to sustainable practices.

A conference in Rome marked the 10th anniversary of the death of Father Gabriele Amorth, who is remembered as an exorcist, spiritual guide, and communicator. The conference highlighted Father Amorth’s deep humanity, spirituality, and concern for those who suffer. Known for his work in exorcism, Father Amorth was also recognized for his ability to communicate and guide others in their spiritual journeys. His legacy continues to inspire and guide Catholics around the world.

In Oregon, officials have withdrawn a ‘gender ideology mandate’ that was previously imposed on Jessica Bates, a mother seeking to adopt. The recent legal settlement ensures that Bates’ religious beliefs will not influence the decision on her ability to adopt children. This development marks a significant shift in the adoption process, respecting the religious views of potential adoptive parents.

In Mexico, the local bishops have called for a ‘thorough investigation’ into the murder of a priest. The clergyman was discovered dead with gunshot wounds along a highway. The local bishop has discouraged speculation about the crime and condemned the persistent violence in the country. This incident underscores the ongoing struggle for peace and security in Mexico.

Caritas Cuba is set to receive more humanitarian aid from the U.S. government in the coming weeks. Millions of dollars have been and continue to be sent, with Caritas Cuba responsible for distributing the aid, thus avoiding the communist regime. This move represents an ongoing effort by the U.S. to support the Cuban people during challenging times.

A new e-book offers hope and healing for Catholic mothers dealing with postpartum depression. Authored by Dr. Gregory Popcak, the book addresses the unique layer of spiritual guilt that Catholic mothers often face when grappling with mental health issues after childbirth. This resource aims to provide comfort and guidance to mothers in their postpartum journey.

In France, 600,000 individuals have registered for Pope Leo’s Mass in Paris, prompting organizers to extend the route. Despite this enthusiasm, the French bishops’ conference still needs to raise more than 21 million euros to cover the cost of Pope Leo’s visit from September 25–28. This event signifies a strong interest in the Pope’s visit and the ongoing efforts to ensure its success.

The family and advocates of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai are urgently calling for his release ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Sebastien Lai, speaking on behalf of the family, stressed the critical nature of standing up for liberty before it’s too late, noting that America fundamentally understands this concept.

In Venezuela, ongoing negotiations between the socialist regime and the opposition are showing signs of progress. The Catholic Church is actively participating in these talks, aiming to facilitate a peaceful transition towards democracy and freedom in the country. The Church’s involvement is seen as a crucial element in the process of political change.

Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church in the United States, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The appointment, made by former President Donald Trump, adds to Barron’s existing role on the domestically focused Religious Liberty Commission. His new position will allow him to further advocate for religious freedom on a global scale.

The U.S. bishops have initiated a task force to address the ethical implications of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The bishops aim to contribute to the moral foundation of rapidly evolving AI models, ensuring that these technological advancements respect and uphold human dignity.

On the 10th anniversary of his passing, the teachings of renowned Italian exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth are being revisited. Father Amorth, who was recognized globally for his work in exorcism, left behind a legacy of lessons on the actions of the devil. These teachings continue to be relevant and instructive for the Catholic faithful.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged President Trump to advocate for the release of religious prisoners. This plea comes before the scheduled visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington, D.C. on September 24. The commission has expressed concern over China’s record on religious freedom and hopes that the issue will be addressed during the diplomatic visit.

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, has called on Christians in the Holy Land to embrace the “logic of the cross” through acts of love and self-giving. This call was made during a Mass presided over by the Cardinal on the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Taybeh. The message encourages Christians to live their faith in a practical and compassionate way.

Cissie Lynch, granddaughter of Billy Graham, has been nominated by President Trump to serve as the religious freedom ambassador. Lynch, an author and radio host, has expressed that it would be a “great honor and privilege” to serve in this capacity if her nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. This role is crucial in advocating for religious freedom both domestically and internationally.

The Catholic Medical Association has highlighted the necessity of integrating both Eastern and Western spirituality in medical practice to promote holistic healing. This was the focus of the association’s 95th annual educational conference held in Phoenix from September 10-12. The conference explored how the Eastern Catholic Church can contribute to Western medicine in promoting human flourishing.

In other news, Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Newark auxiliary bishop to lead the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. In addition, the Pope has accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis Malone, 76, from Shreveport, Louisiana. These changes in leadership are part of the ongoing administrative decisions within the Catholic Church.