News & Commentary

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican May 8, 2025, following his election during the conclave.

World leaders warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV as messenger of peace

World leaders warmly congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election and exhorted him to work toward peace in an increasingly conflictive word.
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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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