The Latest News & Updates

Legendary Notre Dame football coach and outspoken Catholic, Lou Holtz, has passed away at the age of 89. The retired coach and sports analyst had been in hospice care shortly before his death. Known for his dedication to his faith, Holtz was a prominent figure in the Catholic community and his loss is deeply felt.

In Cuba, exiled opposition leaders have signed a freedom accord in response to the ongoing economic crisis and a U.S.-imposed oil embargo. The communist government of Cuba is under extreme pressure due to these circumstances. The exiled leaders have outlined a path to democracy, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.

The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil in Iraq has experienced a drone strike on an apartment complex. The attack occurred in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq, however, no casualties were reported. The incident adds to the ongoing tension and conflict in the region.

In response to the rising anxiety in Erbil, Catholic leaders in Iraq are advocating for prayer and peace talks. The country is grappling with the repercussions of the widening war in the Middle East. The Catholic community is urging for dialogue and peaceful resolution to mitigate the escalating conflict.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has criticized the State Department for failing to produce its annual report on violations. The commission has also called for an increase in refugee admissions to the United States. This call to action underscores the ongoing concerns about religious freedom and the treatment of refugees globally.

Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda of Erbil, Iraq, recently expressed concern about the escalating conflict in Iran and its potential impact on the Christian community in Iraq. In an interview with “EWTN News Nightly,” the archbishop detailed the current situation on the ground, highlighting the growing fear of a broader regional war. Communication with the archbishop in Tehran has been challenging, further complicating the situation.

The University of St. Mary, a Catholic liberal arts university in Leavenworth, Kansas, is offering a prison education program as part of its Catholic mission. The program is centered on human dignity and hope, aiming to provide inmates with the opportunity for personal growth and development. The initiative is seen as a practical application of the Catholic Church’s teachings on the inherent dignity of all human beings.

A Mexican priest has come under scrutiny for writing letters on behalf of two notorious Mexican drug traffickers currently in U.S. custody. The letters have sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of the Church in such matters. The priest’s actions have been viewed by some as a violation of the Church’s stance on drug trafficking and its harmful effects on society.

New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks has begun hosting a radio show on SiriusXM. The broadcaster stated that the show offers faith-based dialogue, discussions on real-world issues, and perspectives on everyday life through a Catholic lens. The show is seen as a platform for engaging with a wider audience and promoting understanding of the Catholic faith.

The escalating conflict in Iran, marked by airstrikes on Tehran and other major cities, has raised serious concerns for Christian communities both within the country and in the wider region. The uncertainty of the situation has left Eastern Christians facing an increasingly precarious future. The Church continues to monitor the situation closely, praying for peace and stability in the region.

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court stated that California’s practice of keeping student “transitions” confidential from parents likely infringes on the First Amendment rights of the parents. This decision has significant implications for the rights of parents in relation to their children’s education and personal development.

During a visit to Mexico for a meeting with security officials on the subject of drug trafficking, U.S. drug czar Sara Carter took time to pray before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This act of devotion underscores the importance of faith in the fight against drug-related issues and the role of religious icons in providing solace and strength.

Pope Leo XIV has issued new statutes for the Pontifical Academy for Life, introducing the role of “supporters”. These individuals, while not academics, align with the mission of the academy and contribute to the progress of its academic activities. This move broadens the scope of participation in the academy and encourages a wider range of contributions to its work.

The Museum of the Bible has awarded Jeff Cavins and Father Mike Schmitz the Pillar Award for Narrative, marking the first time Catholics have received this honor. The award recognizes their significant contributions to the understanding and appreciation of the Bible, and their efforts to bring its teachings to a wider audience.

In the Czech Republic, the Archdiocese of Olomouc is resorting to crowdfunding, investments, and parish co-responsibility to ensure its priests receive their salaries, as state contributions are set to cease by 2030. This innovative approach demonstrates the adaptability of the Church in meeting its financial obligations and the commitment of its members to supporting their spiritual leaders.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has called on the faithful to embark on a ‘digital media fasting’. The bishops believe that by reducing digital consumption, individuals can reclaim a sense of inner peace, deepen their personal relationships, and become more aware of God’s presence in their everyday lives.

In international news, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, has declared that the Holy See will not be participating in the “Board of Peace” proposed by the U.S. President to address conflicts, including the situation in Gaza. The Vatican has not provided further details on the reasons for this decision.

EWTN Studios is set to launch a behind-the-scenes series of the musical “Bernadette” ahead of its U.S. premiere. The series will be available for viewing on various platforms including EWTN+, EWTN.com, EWTN’s YouTube Channel, and on EWTN’s broadcast channel. This initiative is expected to provide viewers with an in-depth look into the making of the musical.

In Ireland, the traditional Confirmation Pledge has been updated to include vaping and smoking. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Router of the Armagh Archdiocese announced the changes to mark Temperance Sunday and the Lenten season. The move is seen as an attempt to address contemporary issues affecting the health and wellbeing of the faithful.

Finally, to celebrate its 400th anniversary, new areas of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican will be opened to the public. Additionally, a “SmartPass” digital entry system will be introduced. These initiatives aim to enhance the visitor experience at one of the most significant sites in the Catholic world.

In a bid to encourage a more balanced lifestyle, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has called upon the faithful to begin a ‘digital media fasting’. This initiative aims to help individuals reclaim their inner peace, deepen their relationships, and rediscover the presence of God in their everyday lives by reducing their digital consumption.

In international news, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, has announced that the Holy See will not be participating in the ‘Board of Peace’. This board, promoted by the U.S. president, was created to address conflicts such as the ongoing issues in Gaza.

In the world of Catholic media, EWTN Studios is launching a behind-the-scenes series of the musical ‘Bernadette’. This series will be available on various platforms including EWTN+, EWTN.com, EWTN’s YouTube Channel, and EWTN’s broadcast channel. This comes ahead of the musical’s U.S. premiere.

In Ireland, the traditional Confirmation Pledge has been updated to include vaping and smoking. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Router of the Armagh Archdiocese welcomed the rewording of the pledge, which was announced to mark Temperance Sunday and the Lenten season.

Lastly, as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican has announced the opening of new areas of the basilica, including the full terrace. Additionally, a new ‘SmartPass’ digital entry system will be introduced to improve visitor access.