The Latest News & Updates

In a recent incident, Israeli police prevented a cardinal and a custos from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The two church leaders were making their way to the church privately, without any ceremonial or liturgical manifestations, when they were stopped and forced to turn back.

Pope Leo XIV, during the Palm Sunday Mass and the Angelus that followed, expressed that God does not heed the prayers of those who wage war. The Pope’s prayers were directed towards Christians in the Middle East, victims of war, and migrants who lost their lives at sea near Crete.

In preparation for the upcoming papal visit to Angola, Bishop António Francisco Jaca has urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Church. He stressed that credible reporting of the papal events necessitates a thorough knowledge of the Church’s structure, mission, and foundational texts.

A unique audio drama titled ‘The Christ’ is set to retell the life of Jesus during this Holy Week. The podcast, which is the first of its kind, will be released from March 30 to April 2.

Pope Leo XIV’s schedule for the Holy Week and Easter 2026 at the Vatican has been released. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of one of the most active and significant liturgical periods of the year for the Catholic Church and the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV has a busy schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2026 at the Vatican, marking one of the most active and full liturgical periods of the year for the Catholic Church. This period is a significant time for the Church, with numerous ceremonies and events taking place at the Vatican, all led by the Pope. The Holy Week and Easter celebrations are central to the Catholic faith, commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In other news, Pope Leo XIV recently completed a one-day trip to Monaco where he met with the country’s royalty, addressed Catholic youth, and celebrated Mass at Louis II Stadium. The visit was marked by a spirit of fellowship and faith, with the Pope engaging in various activities aimed at promoting the Catholic faith and strengthening the Church’s relationship with the principality.

During his homily at the Mass in Monaco’s Louis II Stadium, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the destructive effects of wars, describing them as “the result of the idolatry of power and money.” He urged the faithful not to become desensitized to the sounds and images of war. This message is a continuation of the Pope’s consistent calls for peace and reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas around the world.

Pope Leo XIV also warned against reducing faith to mere custom and urged the Church to reflect the love of God. He encouraged Catholics in Monaco to “announce the Gospel of life, hope, and love” and to defend the dignity of human beings from birth to death. This call to action is in line with the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of life and the importance of living out the Gospel in daily life.

Finally, addressing the youth of Monaco, Pope Leo XIV urged them not to be afraid to give everything to God. He described the Monacan patron Saint Devota as “a courageous young woman who knew how to bear witness to her faith.” This message to the youth is part of the Pope’s ongoing efforts to inspire and encourage the younger generation in their faith journey.

Mother Angelica’s enduring legacy was commemorated at a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The principal celebrant, Father Michael Baggot, LC, noted that Mother Angelica’s life exemplified how God uses humble, unexpected instruments to spread his Gospel. Her life and work continue to inspire many in the Catholic community.

A recent report has found that chemical abortions in the U.S. have increased by 25% due to telehealth. This significant rise has sparked concern among pro-life advocates and has become a focal point in the ongoing discussions about abortion rights and regulations.

Republican lawmakers are voicing opposition to former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet’s bid for U.N. secretary-general due to her views on abortion. Almost 30 lawmakers are urging the U.S. to use its veto power to prevent Bachelet’s selection and to preserve the role for a candidate they deem more qualified.

In the wake of devastating storms in Hawaii, Catholic organizations and parishes have mobilized to provide aid to victims. Groups such as EPIC Ministry, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Charities Hawaii, along with numerous Catholic parishes, are assisting those who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the natural disaster.

Pope Leo is set to visit a chapel in Monaco inspired by St. Dévote, a saint whose legend is deeply woven into the fabric of Monaco’s national life. The story of St. Dévote, a martyr, has sparked a deep devotion to the Catholic faith in the small city-state, shaping its traditions and community life.

The Supreme Court of Finland has delivered a mixed verdict in the case of Christian parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen. She was acquitted for a 2019 tweet in which she quoted a Bible verse, but found guilty of hate speech for a pamphlet she authored over two decades ago. The court’s decision has sparked debates on the intersection of faith, freedom of speech, and human rights.

EWTN, the global Catholic network, is set to remember its founder, Mother Angelica, a decade after her passing. The network plans to honor her life and contributions to faith and media with a special Mass at the Vatican and a full day of programming dedicated to her. Mother Angelica’s pioneering work in Catholic media continues to inspire and guide the network’s mission.

In sports news, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a significant announcement regarding the participation of transgender athletes. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that only ‘biological women’ will be allowed to compete in women’s categories. The decision, she said, is based on scientific evidence, marking a notable shift in the ongoing debate over gender and sports.

The Military Archdiocese has given its approval for a change in the chaplain insignia to better reflect the faith role of the position. Archbishop Timothy Broglio noted that the chaplain’s primary role is to serve as a reminder of the sacred and the dignity of the human person, and to lead worship. This change is seen as a way to emphasize these core aspects of the chaplain’s duties.

Finally, the Catholic Church in Spain has voiced its concern over the euthanasia of a 25-year-old. Several bishops in the country have spoken out about the case, stating that it is not a matter of terminal illness, but rather a reflection of deep societal wounds that require attention, treatment, and hope. The bishops see this case as a societal defeat, calling for a renewed focus on care and compassion.

In Rome, an attempted robbery at the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was thwarted by visiting off-duty police officers. The basilica is a significant site for Catholics as it houses relics of the Passion, which were brought from Jerusalem to Rome by St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

In the United States, the city of Louisville has paid a Christian photographer $800,000 after a court found it had violated her religious freedom. The city’s ordinance had attempted to compel the photographer to cover same-sex weddings and limit the content she could publish on her website, infringing on her religious beliefs.

In Chicago, parents of students at St. Hubert Catholic School are appealing to the Vatican following the school’s closure by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The parents believe the school remains viable and are seeking intervention from the Vatican to keep it open.

Today marks the Day of the Unborn Child, an occasion celebrated by Catholic bishops in various countries. These bishops are organizing events to advocate for the lives of unborn children, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to the sanctity of life.

Lastly, U.S. bishops have engaged in an ecumenical meeting with evangelical leaders to discuss a joint initiative on migration. Bishop Brendan Cahill highlighted the need for ecumenical collaboration to address what he described as “one of the most pressing issues of our time.”