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.

COVID-19 is God’s call to live differently, pope says

OSV News May 15, 2020

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is not God’s judgment on humanity, but God’s call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on, Pope Francis said.

Pope During Morning Mass with Jesus on Cross in Background

Pope joins interreligious prayer, begging God to end pandemic

OSV News May 14, 2020

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a time of global "tragedy and suffering" because of the coronavirus, and in view of the long-term impact it will have, believers of every religion should beg mercy from the one God and father of ...

Pope makes donation to fund scholarships in Lebanon

OSV News May 14, 2020

Pope Francis donated $200,000 to fund educational scholarships in Lebanon, which is facing a devastating economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.

Franciscan Friars Vote to Unify

OSV News May 14, 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Voicing their support for the revitalization of Franciscan life in the United States, six provinces of the Order of Friars Minor have voted to form one new organization. On May 30, the friars of each of the ...