News & Commentary

Students from Everest Academy in Lemont, Ill., cheer May 8, 2025, after it was announced that Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the next pope. He chose the papal name Leo XIV. (OSV News photo/Vincent Alban, Reuters)

Chicago abuzz with ‘unbelievable’ joy the first American Pope is a hometown son

Catholics and non-Catholics alike were abuzz with excitement in Chicago May 8, after one of the city's native sons became pope. Taking the name Leo XIV, the new pontiff has made many firsts.
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Afghan family now in U.S. describes last days in Kabul, hopes for future

When the Taliban began taking control of Afghanistan in mid-August, "in one night, everything changed," recalled Adam.
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Pope may go to Canada as part of reconciliation process, Vatican says

Pope Francis is willing to travel to Canada as part of "the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples," the Vatican press office said.
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Eucharistic revival could deepen understanding of Real Presence

Toni Guagenti of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was raised in a traditional churchgoing Catholic family and educated in the teachings of the church, yet as an adult she views the consecrated host as a symbol of Jesus and not the real ...
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Bishops must teach truth, avoid partisan politics, says archbishop

The incoming chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities hopes his brother bishops will approve a statement on the Eucharist that helps Catholics understand the gift that it is and that invites them back to active church life.
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Bishops urge Senate to include pro-life provisions in appropriations bills

The chairmen of the U.S. bishops' pro-life and religious liberty committees urged U.S. Senate leaders Oct. 22 to include the Hyde and Weldon amendments and "other long-standing, bipartisan pro-life provisions" in appropriations bills being advanced in the chamber.
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Vatican at COP26: Hearts, habits must change fast to care for creation

Even though Pope Francis will not attend the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in person, the Vatican delegation and the Catholic Church will be "everywhere" during the two-week summit—from the highest-level private negotiations to the sidelines with grassroots ...
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