The Latest News & Updates

Father Travis Moger, a former Baptist pastor, has been ordained as a Catholic priest. This unique journey to priesthood was marked by Moger’s deep faith and commitment to serving the Lord. His family, including his wife, Amelia, and children, Mark and Maddy, were present at his ordination, showing their support and love.

In other news, the former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Rooney, has offered his insights on Vatican diplomacy in Venezuela and the U.S. His experience and understanding of the complex relationship between these nations and the Vatican provide valuable perspective on the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

U.S. bishops have reported that the multimillion-dollar Eucharistic revival has borne spiritual fruit. According to clergy and lay people, the revival has led to a stronger devotion to the Eucharist, demonstrating the effectiveness of the initiative in deepening faith and commitment among Catholics.

In England and Wales, abortions have reached a record high. This alarming increase in abortions is a cause for concern among Catholics and pro-life advocates, who continue to uphold the sanctity of life and advocate for the rights of the unborn.

Lastly, Catholics in Bangladesh are caught in a visa crisis with India. For decades, many have sought medical treatment in India due to the superior healthcare facilities. However, recent visa restrictions have left many in a state of uncertainty and distress, as they are unable to access the medical care they need.

President Donald Trump is set to negotiate with Congress over pro-life protections in a health plan. This move is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the rights of the unborn are protected in healthcare policies. The outcome of these negotiations could potentially influence the future direction of healthcare in the United States, particularly concerning the rights and protections of unborn children.

In response to recent incidents at Staten Island Catholic parishes, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has announced an increase in officer presence at local churches. This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of churchgoers and preventing further incidents. The NYPD’s commitment to the protection of religious institutions is seen as a positive response to the concerns raised by the Catholic community in Staten Island.

Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch conservative activist and Catholic convert, has been barred from entering the UK. The reasons for this decision are not yet clear. Vlaardingerbroek’s barring has raised questions about freedom of speech and religious expression, particularly for conservative voices in the public sphere.

Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Johnson are scheduled to speak at the 2026 March for Life. Their participation in this event is seen as a strong show of support for the pro-life movement from key political figures. The March for Life is an annual event that draws attention to the rights of the unborn and advocates for pro-life policies.

Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, Ohio, has expressed gratitude for the recent changes to the religious worker visa rule but insists that more work needs to be done. The bishop’s comments indicate a recognition of the progress made while also highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by religious workers in the United States. His remarks serve as a call to action for further improvements to the visa process for religious workers.

The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica is set to be sealed on January 16, 2026. This follows the closing of the large bronze doors by the Pope on January 6, 2025, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope. The sealing of the Holy Door is a significant event in the Catholic Church, symbolizing the end of a Holy Year.

In the United States, Republican senators are advocating for increased regulations on the abortion pill mifepristone. This comes as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues its review of the drug. The lawmakers are calling for more stringent rules to ensure the safety and health of women.

The U.S. government is collaborating with the Catholic Church to provide aid to Cuba following a devastating hurricane. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the partnership, stating that the Church’s extensive network and influence in Cuba make it an ideal partner in delivering much-needed assistance.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher has expressed concern over the practice of surrogacy, describing it as a ‘new form of colonialism’. The Archbishop, who is the secretary for relations with states and international organizations of the Holy See, has called for a reevaluation of the ethical implications of surrogacy.

A new mosaic featuring the portrait of Pope Leo XIV is being prepared for display at the St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome. The mosaic, which bears the official portrait of the Pope, is a significant addition to the Basilica’s collection of papal portraits.

Twelve states have initiated a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The lawsuit, filed on January 13, seeks to challenge the ‘gender conditions’ associated with HHS funding. The states argue that these conditions infringe upon their rights and autonomy.

In political news, House Republicans are in the process of crafting a bill aimed at permanently defunding Planned Parenthood. The budget plan, announced on January 13, has sparked a significant amount of debate and controversy, with supporters arguing for the protection of unborn lives and critics expressing concern over the potential impact on women’s health services.

Edwin Lopez, a veteran executive from EWTN, has been appointed as the new executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Social Communications. Lopez’s appointment marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance and streamline the communication strategies of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

In Vatican news, the prosecutor of the Vatican’s Court of Cassation has recused himself from the appeal process related to the London property trial. This development comes as the appeal moves forward, with the court clearing the way for the next stages of the legal proceedings.

Finally, the feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila has drawn an estimated 9.6 million devotees. The event, which involves a 30-hour procession through the city, is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the Philippines and continues to attract a large number of participants each year.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis has addressed the community’s sense of despair following a recent shooting. The Archbishop spoke of a pervasive “heaviness” in the community and called for hope and healing in these trying times. He urged the faithful to come together, pray, and support each other, emphasizing the power of unity and faith in overcoming adversity.

In international news, Pope Leo XIV is planning his first pastoral trip to Africa, with Angola being one of the countries on his itinerary. The exact dates for the visit are yet to be finalized. This visit is seen as a significant gesture, demonstrating the Pope’s commitment to engaging with and supporting the African Catholic community.

Bishop Stanislav Přibyl of Litoměřice, Czech Republic, has declared a Year of Reconciliation, marking 80 years since the expulsions following World War II. This initiative aims to promote healing and unity, acknowledging the historical pain and seeking a path towards reconciliation. The Bishop has invited the faithful to participate in this year-long journey of reflection and forgiveness.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, dozens of priests have raised concerns over Bishop Michael Martin’s decision to abolish altar rails and kneelers. The priests have written to the Vatican, questioning the Bishop’s move and seeking clarification. The issue has sparked a debate about tradition and modernization within the Church.

Lastly, the Order of Malta is seeking a more significant role within the United Nations as it faces operational constraints at its hospital in Bethlehem. The Order’s Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap, has addressed the diplomatic corps, discussing the challenges faced by the hospital and expressing the Order’s desire for a more active role in international diplomacy.