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Christian communities in Iraq fear resurgence of ISIS-linked violence

Iraq’s Christians are on edge as regional instability raises security concerns. Iraq’s Christian communities are openly expressing concern about a renewed threat from the Islamic State (ISIS) — especially in light of recent developments in [...]

Pope voices ‘great concern’ over rising Cuba-U.S. tensions

The pontiff echoed Cuban bishops’ call for “sincere and effective” talks after Washington announced new measures tightening economic pressure on the island. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced “great concern” over news of rising tensions [...]

Hundreds of thousands register to venerate relics of St. Francis of Assisi

This will be the first public display of the beloved saint’s bodily remains. About 350,000 people have registered to venerate the relics of St. Francis of Assisi — the first public display of the bodily [...]

Pope calls for avoiding violence as US-Cuba tensions rise

Pope Leo urged dialogue to “avoid violence and every action that could increase the suffering of the dear Cuban people,” as he addressed after the midday Angelus the increasing tensions between the US and Cuba. Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. He declared a “national Read More…

Pope calls for avoiding violence as US-Cuba tensions rise

Even when life is miserable, it can be good: Pope’s thoughts

Drawing on the Gospel from Mass this February 1, Pope Leo offered his own reflection on the Beatitudes, one of the most well-known Gospel passages for Christians and non-believers alike. “On the mountain,” the Pope said, “Christ gives his disciples the new law, no longer written on stone. It is a law that renews our Read More…

Even when life is miserable, it can be good: Pope’s thoughts

In Rome, “ad limina” visits have resumed: What are they?

On January 23, 2026, Leo XIV devoted part of his morning to the eight bishops of Puerto Rico who had come to Rome for their “ad limina” visit, a trip to the Eternal City that all bishops around the world are scheduled to make every five years. The “ad limina” tradition is an important part Read More…

In Rome, “ad limina” visits have resumed: What are they?

Pope Leo urges youth politics rooted in peace

Pope Leo XIV addressed young political leaders from around the world at the “One Humanity, One Planet” conference on Saturday, urging them to ground political life in peace, justice, and care for the most vulnerable. Speaking in the Clementine Hall, the Pope praised the participants’ commitment to the common good and highlighted their diversity as Read More…

Pope Leo urges youth politics rooted in peace

A glass of wine: Musings from a Catholic priest

I’ve never had a particularly sophisticated approach to drinking wine. I’m happy enough to drink whatever is offered, whether in a fancy glass or a red solo cup. I know nothing about food pairings or how to activate a palate. Like most everyone else, the wine aisle at the grocery store paralyzes me with too Read More…

A glass of wine: Musings from a Catholic priest

Bishops welcome Trump’s expanse of curbs to foreign abortion funds

“We support robust funding for authentic lifesaving and life-affirming foreign assistance,” the bishop-chairs of three US bishops’ committees announced in a statement shared on January 30, 2026. They were responding to the recent publication of new federal rules expanding the so-called “Mexico City policy.” The policy was enacted during the Reagan years and reaffirmed by Read More…

Bishops welcome Trump’s expanse of curbs to foreign abortion funds