The Latest News & Updates

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is encouraging the faithful to begin 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 other 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 initiative, promoted by the U.S. President, was created to address conflicts in areas such as Gaza.

In anticipation of its U.S. premiere, EWTN Studios has launched a behind-the-scenes series of the musical, Bernadette. The series can be viewed on various platforms including EWTN+, EWTN.com, EWTN’s YouTube Channel, and on EWTN’s broadcast channel.

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 coincide with Temperance Sunday and the Lenten season.

Finally, to celebrate its 400th anniversary, new areas of St. Peter’s Basilica will be opened to the public. The Vatican is also introducing a “SmartPass” digital entry system. This will allow visitors to explore the full terrace and other previously restricted parts of the basilica.

A group of 43 Catholic Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives has pledged solidarity with migrants, invoking the teachings of Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis. They have cited Church doctrine on the dignity of migrants in response to Trump administration officials’ defense of immigration enforcement. The group’s stance aligns with the Church’s long-standing advocacy for the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees.

Bishop Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, has praised U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech at the Munich Security Conference. Rubio’s address received a standing ovation and widespread commendation, including from Bishop Barron. The bishop’s endorsement of Rubio’s speech reflects the Church’s engagement with issues of global security and diplomacy.

In a significant administrative change, Pope Leo XIV has disbanded the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day. The committee’s responsibilities have been transferred to the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life. This move represents a restructuring of the Church’s efforts to address issues related to children and families.

The Lateran Apostolic Palace in Rome dedicated a day of the arts to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on February 14. The event aimed to draw attention to the ongoing suffering of residents in the Gaza Strip. This initiative is part of the Church’s broader commitment to raising awareness about humanitarian crises around the world.

Father John Berinyuy Tatah, a Catholic priest who was among six abducted in Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese last year and subsequently released, has been appointed as an auxiliary bishop. His appointment comes after a challenging period for the Church in Cameroon, marked by instances of violence and abduction against clergy.

Washington D.C.’s Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala has urged Catholics to educate themselves on the issue of immigration and the teachings of the Church. In a recent dialogue with high-ranking Catholics in the Trump administration, he emphasized the need for understanding and compassion in addressing this complex issue. The bishop’s comments come at a time when immigration policies and their impact on families and communities are a significant topic of discussion within the Church and society at large.

Pope Leo XIV, during his first visit to a Roman parish, called for a ‘disarming’ meekness among the faithful. He stressed the need for a consistent connection between faith and life and urged persistent prayer for peace. The pontiff’s message was one of humility and unity, urging Catholics to live their faith authentically and to pray continually for global harmony and understanding.

At the New York Encounter, a gathering of Catholic thinkers and tech experts, the promise and potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) were discussed. The panel, moderated by Davide Bolchini, reflected on the Pope’s encouragement to use AI responsibly and for growth, cautioning against letting it work against humanity. The conversation highlighted the Church’s engagement with modern technology and its potential impact on society.

Pope Leo XIV has offered prayers for Madagascar, a country recently devastated by twin cyclones. In his catechesis before the Angelus, the Pope stated that Jesus fulfills the Law by calling Christians to a higher level of righteousness and love. His prayers for Madagascar come as the country grapples with the aftermath of the cyclones, underscoring the Church’s commitment to global solidarity and compassion.

David Ryan, a 61-year-old Irishman who suffered sexual abuse as a teenager, recently had a personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV. This marked the first time the Pope has met individually with a victim of abuse. Ryan described the meeting as the best thing he’s ever done, indicating the profound impact of the Pope’s willingness to engage directly with those who have suffered such trauma. The meeting is a significant step in the Church’s ongoing efforts to address and heal the wounds of past abuse.

Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of Ukraine, speaking at the New York Encounter, suggested that war begins when man rejects God from his heart. Despite the challenges faced by his country, he expressed gratitude for the strength that faith provides. His comments underscored the role of faith in navigating difficult times and the need for a strong spiritual foundation.

At the same New York Encounter, experts discussed the ‘shifting’ faith landscape, as indicated by Pew data. While the percentage of U.S. adults identifying as Christian has declined since 2007, the rate has remained stable since 2020. This suggests a slowing in the decline of religious adherence, pointing to a potentially changing religious landscape in the country.

In England, Archbishop Moth was installed at Westminster, calling the faithful to courageous witness. The Archbishop, who served as the bishop of Arundel and Brighton for the past decade, was nominated for this new role by Pope Leo XIV in December. His call for courage and witness is expected to guide his tenure in this new role.

In Texas, Pope Leo XIV appointed a cardinal to serve as the administrator of Amarillo, following the resignation of Bishop Patrick Zurek who reached retirement age. The Pope’s decision ensures continuity in the diocese’s leadership until a new bishop is chosen.

Finally, Ave Maria University, a Catholic liberal arts university based in Florida, announced plans to open a new campus in Ireland. The new campus will be located at a former monastery in rural Ireland, expanding the university’s reach and providing more opportunities for Catholic education.

In the United States, Catholic clergy are making efforts to ensure the spiritual needs of detainees are met. Archbishop Alexander Sample recently issued a statement emphasizing the Church’s responsibility to ensure detainees have access to the sacraments. This comes in light of a ruling in Illinois, where a judge stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must allow Communion and the distribution of ashes at a detention center. Clergy had previously argued that their religious freedom was being infringed upon by the denial of opportunities to provide spiritual consolation.

The Archdiocese of Liverpool in the United Kingdom has announced its decision to leave social media platform X. This decision is part of a larger global news roundup that includes ongoing kidnappings in Nigeria and preparations for World Youth Day. The Archdiocese has not provided specific reasons for its departure from the platform.

The University of Notre Dame in the United States has faced criticism from multiple bishops over its decision to appoint a pro-abortion professor to lead an institute. The bishops have urged the university to reconsider the appointment, arguing that it contradicts the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sanctity of life. Despite the criticism, Notre Dame maintains that the professor is well-prepared for the role.

In Puerto Rico, a significant legal change has taken place with the recognition of unborn babies as human beings at any stage of gestation. Governor Jenniffer González signed the bill into law on February 12, amending the penal code. This development is seen as a significant step in aligning the territory’s laws with the Catholic Church’s stance on the sanctity of life from conception.