The Seven Last Words and America’s 250th
Peter Paul Rubens, “The Tribute Money,” ca. 1612 INTRODUCTION: Two hundred and fifty years is significant in the life of a nation.
Pope names Vatican diplomats to key positions in Secretariat of State, papal household
Pope Leo XIV on Monday appointed Italian Archbishop Paolo Rudelli the new head of the general affairs section of the Secretariat of State — one of the most influential positions in the Roman Curia. The…
First Word from the Cross: Older Than America — The Blood of the Martyrs
Stained-glass windows in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ogdensburg, New York, depict three priestly martyrs, left to right: Leo Heinrichs, a German Franciscan, shot dead while celebrating Mass in 1908 in Denver; Isaac Jogues, the French Jesuit…
Jerusalem churches reach temporary deal with Israeli authorities over Holy Week access
In a notable development, a joint statement was issued Monday by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announcing an agreement had been reached with the Israeli authorities regarding arrangements…
Bishops’ commission considers social, cultural, and pastoral factors behind polygamy in Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya — In addition to theological reflections on marriage and the sacraments, the final report addressing the pastoral challenge of polygamy in Africa, which members of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and…
Pope Leo XIV Says God ‘Does Not Listen’ to Prayers of Those Who Wage War
Daniel IbáñezPope Leo XIV takes part in the traditional Palm Sunday procession in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 29, 2026. At Palm Sunday Mass and the Angelus following it, the Pope prayed…
Sir James MacMillan’s ‘Angels Unawares’ Makes World Premiere in the Sistine Chapel
Domenico StinellisConductor Harry Christopher and The Sixteen present ‘Angels Unawares’ byJames MacMillan in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Sunday. The Catholic Scotsman’s new oratorio for soloists, choir and orchestra invites listeners to rediscover…
The Difference St. Joseph Makes
godongphotoA stained-glass window of St Joseph with the Infant Christ is seen at Thị Nghè Parish in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Through St. Joseph, God the Father reveals that fatherhood is not incidental, but…
Holiness Is the Best Defense of the Faith
Paolo Veronese, “St. Anthony Preaching to the Fish,” ca. 1580, Galleria Borghese, Rome COMMENTARY: In Lent and Holy Week, we are reminded that arguments alone cannot overcome misunderstanding — only the light of holiness can…
Catholic cardinal refused entry to Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
On Sunday, Israeli forces prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, the official guardian of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from entering the Church of the Holy…