News & Commentary

Bishop Alberto Rojas of San Bernardino, Calif., the main celebrant, distributes Communion to a detainee during a Mass on the grounds of the ICE Processing Center near Adelanto, Calif., Dec. 10, 2025. Attendees said the Mass, which took place in the Mojave Desert, was deeply emotional for both the bishops and the roughly 300 detainees present.

California bishops celebrate ‘very powerful’ Mass for detainees in ICE facility

OSV News December 19, 2025

A group of seven California bishops celebrated Mass at the ICE Processing Center outside the town of Adelanto in the Mojave Desert on December 10, providing communion to the roughly 300 detainees present.

Pope amends canon law so women can be installed as lectors, acolytes

OSV News January 11, 2021

Recognizing "the gifts of each baptized person" -- women and men -- Pope Francis ordered a change to canon law and liturgical norms so that women could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes.

After Capitol attack, leaders urge rejection of divisions that lead to violence

OSV News January 8, 2021

Rep. Chris Smith was in his office in the Rayburn House Office Building, writing remarks to endorse the election of Democrat Joe Biden to the presidency, when alarms sounded.

Capitol invasion adds to challenges facing Biden administration

OSV News January 8, 2021

When Joe Biden takes the oath of office as president Jan. 20, he’s going to face more than political challenges of getting his legislative priorities implemented, constitutional law experts said.

Assault on U.S. Capitol shocks the world

OSV News January 7, 2021

The breach of the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 sent shock waves around the world.

Chicago Father Pfleger steps aside over allegation of abuse

OSV News January 7, 2021

Father Michael Pfleger has stepped aside from his ministry after the Chicago Archdiocese said it received an allegation that the priest had sexually abused a minor more than 40 years ago.

Pew report: Catholics, 20% of population, make up 30% of Congress

OSV News January 6, 2021

Catholics, although they make up about 20% of the U.S. population, remain at 30% of the new Congress, according to a Jan. 4 report issued by the Pew Research Center.