The Latest News & Updates

The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux have begun their U.S. tour at the Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Michigan. The bones and reliquary of the saint, also known as the Little Flower, were displayed for the first time on October 1, 2025. This marks the start of a nationwide tour, allowing the faithful to venerate these sacred relics.

In a controversial move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new abortion pill produced by a company that aims to “normalize abortion.” The pill’s approval has sparked intense debate, particularly within the Catholic community, which upholds the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.

The Italian Bishops’ Conference and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have announced a joint project to establish a hospital in Gaza. Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi, the secretary-general of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, met with Latin patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa in the Holy Land during a September 27–30, 2025, trip to the region. The hospital project is seen as a significant step towards providing much-needed healthcare services in the conflict-ridden region.

Bishop Abdallah Elias Zaidan of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, has urged the faithful to pray for an end to the devastating war in Gaza. This plea comes amid ongoing efforts to broker a peace plan in the region.

Finally, the fallout continues after Senator Durbin withdrew from receiving a Catholic award due to his pro-abortion beliefs. The move has stirred ongoing political and religious debate, highlighting the tension between public service and personal faith.

In a show of interfaith solidarity, a Catholic church in Utah has offered a Mass for the repose of the soul of the late LDS President, Russell M. Nelson. The 17th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was remembered in a special service, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding between the two faith communities.

In Colorado, a court has ruled against two Catholic preschools in a school choice program. The decision comes after a lengthy legal battle over the state government’s exclusion of the schools from its program. This ruling has sparked concern among Catholic education advocates who argue for the importance of religious diversity in educational options.

Catholic organizations are urging Congress to swiftly resolve the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. The shutdown has had wide-ranging impacts, affecting many aspects of daily life and public services. Catholic groups have been vocal in their calls for a resolution, highlighting the need for government to serve its people effectively.

The president of the U.S. bishops has issued a pastoral reflection on the anniversary of Fratelli Tutti. Archbishop Timothy Broglio’s reflection comes as the Catholic community marks one year since the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical, which focused on fraternity and social friendship.

Finally, Pope Leo XIV has commented on Trump’s Gaza peace plan, describing it as a ‘realistic proposal’. The Pope’s remarks were made during an impromptu Q&A with journalists, demonstrating his engagement with global political issues and the Church’s ongoing commitment to peace and justice.

In today’s Catholic news, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, has decided to decline an award from the Archdiocese of Chicago. This decision comes after a global backlash over his pro-abortion views. The Senator’s stance on abortion has been a contentious issue within the Catholic community, leading to widespread criticism and ultimately, his decision to refuse the award.

In other news, Cardinal Robert McElroy is urging solidarity with immigrants who lack legal status. The Cardinal, known for his compassionate views, delivered his first homily as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. His call for empathy and understanding towards immigrants is a reflection of the Church’s teachings on the dignity of all human beings.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s talk of war. The Pope described Hegseth’s rhetoric as ‘worrying’, highlighting the Catholic Church’s longstanding commitment to peace and diplomacy. The Pope’s comments underscore the Church’s position against war and its devastating effects on humanity.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has issued a strong message to catechists. He emphasized that if their faith isn’t meaningful to them, it won’t be to their students. The Cardinal’s statement underscores the importance of personal conviction in the teaching and transmission of faith.

Finally, Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan is calling on the faithful to lobby against New York’s assisted suicide legislation. The Bishop’s call to action reflects the Catholic Church’s firm stance on the sanctity of life, opposing any form of assisted suicide. This move is part of the Church’s broader efforts to uphold the dignity of life at all stages.

In today’s Catholic news, a Catholic linguist has praised St. Jerome’s Vulgate, suggesting that modern Bible translations may not always be superior. St. Jerome’s translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, is still highly regarded for its accuracy and literary quality. This perspective challenges the common assumption that newer translations, with their modern language and accessibility, are always better.

In Michigan, a shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has prompted an outpouring of solidarity and prayers from the Catholic community. The tragic incident has united different faith communities in mutual support and prayer, demonstrating the power of interfaith unity in the face of violence.

The Religious Liberty Commission recently heard from teachers, coaches, and school leaders in a significant meeting. The discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities related to religious freedom in educational settings. The outcomes of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for religious expression and practice in schools across the country.

In Charlotte, Bishop Michael Martin has restricted the Traditional Latin Mass to one chapel. This decision has sparked a variety of responses, highlighting ongoing debates within the Catholic community about liturgical tradition and modernization.

Finally, an expert has warned of a strategy to annihilate all Christians and Islamize Nigeria. The alarming claim underscores the severe religious persecution faced by many Christians in Nigeria and calls for urgent international attention and action.

In a significant event at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the ministry of catechist to 39 individuals during a jubilee celebration. The ceremony took place in St. Peter’s Square on September 28, 2025. The Pope handed a crucifix to each newly instituted catechist, symbolizing their commitment to teaching the Catholic faith.

In other news, student missionaries from Ohio are making strides in reviving Catholic education in Iraq. These dedicated individuals are serving at the Mar Qardakh International School as part of the St. Thomas Mission service. Their efforts are contributing to the resurgence of Catholic education in a region that has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Pope Leo XIV has also announced his intention to proclaim St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church on November 1. This significant recognition is bestowed upon saints who have made substantial contributions to theology or doctrine. St. John Henry Newman, who lived in the 19th century, is widely respected for his theological insights and writings.

Christendom College has unveiled a monumental censer in its chapel, representing the ‘grandeur of Christ the King’. The college’s President Emeritus, Timothy O’Donnell, expressed his pride in the beautiful addition to the school chapel, which is now available for all to see without having to travel far.

Lastly, the New York Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Buffalo. The lawsuit had challenged a diocesan plan requiring bankruptcy payments. The court’s decision provides a significant legal victory for the Diocese, which has been grappling with financial difficulties.