News & Commentary

Pope Leo XIV listens during the opening session of an international conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," at the Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Oct. 1, 2025. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)

World must come together to fight climate change, Pope Leo says

People of faith cannot love God while despising his creatures, and people cannot call themselves Christians without caring for everything fragile and wounded, including the earth, Pope Leo XIV told climate activists and political and religious leaders.
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On ‘Today,’ Cardinal Gregory reflects on his faith journey, racism

In a Feb. 15 segment for the "Today" show's "Changemakers" and "Black Voices" series, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington reflected on his faith journey and on his own experiences with racism.
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Iraq announces COVID-19 restrictions ahead of papal trip

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days after the Iraqi government announced stringent COVID-19 precautions, including the closure of mosques and churches "until further notice," the prime minister met with the Vatican nuncio to discuss "the preparation for the scheduled visit ...
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Franciscans mark 600 years as guardians of Christendom’s most sacred sites

Before he became guardian and commissary of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington in 2013, Franciscan Father Larry Dunham made his first trip to the Holy Land, where his order has cared for the most sacred shrines ...
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CCUSA receives $1 million grant to help fire-devastated communities

A $1 million grant will allow 10 Catholic Charities agencies in four wildfire-stricken Western states to provide assistance to people burned out of their homes.
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World Marriage Day to be celebrated this year on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day

This year, World Marriage Day, observed annually on the second Sunday of February, will be celebrated Feb. 14, which also is the feast of St. Valentine and which since the eighth century has been a celebration of love and affection.
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Kansas bishop steps aside from duties as abuse allegation is investigated

Denying any wrongdoing, Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City has stepped away from his duties and pledged to cooperate with authorities investigating an allegation of abuse of a minor made against him.
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