News & Commentary

Agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain a man after conducting a raid at the Cedar Run apartment complex in Denver Feb. 5, 2025.

Pope calls treatment of migrants in U.S. ‘extremely disrespectful’

Insisting that the dignity of all people, including immigrants, must be respected, Pope Leo XIV asked U.S. Catholics and "people of goodwill" to read and listen to the U.S. bishops' recent pastoral message on the topic.
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Chicago’s Father Pfleger is removed from ministry over abuse allegation

Father Michael Pfleger, a popular Chicago priest and outspoken advocate against gun violence, gangs, poverty and racism, has stepped aside from his ministry after the Chicago Archdiocese said it received an allegation that the priest had sexually abused a minor ...
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Pope announces a second session for Synod of Bishops assembly

Saying he did not want to rush the process of discerning how the Holy Spirit is calling the church to grow in "synodality," Pope Francis announced that the next assembly of the Synod of Bishops would take place in two ...
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Life without parole for school shooter called ‘severe and just punishment’

There is "no question" the actions of the Parkland, Florida, school shooter "were heinous," but "a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole is a severe and just punishment," said Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski.
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Nuncio urges more accountability by nations for ‘crimes against humanity’

The Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations told a committee of the world body that "civilian populations continue to be victims of widespread and systematic attacks."
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Texas death-row inmate takes plea for DNA testing to Supreme Court

In oral arguments Oct. 11, the Supreme Court considered the case of Texas inmate Rodney Reed, who has been on death row for more than 25 years and has gained the attention of Catholic leaders and celebrities for his claims ...
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Pope prays for unity of church as he celebrates anniversary of Vatican II

The Second Vatican Council was the universal Catholic Church's response to God's love and to Jesus' command to feed his sheep, Pope Francis said, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the council's opening.
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