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catholic church
57 stories related to this topic, newest first.
swissinfo.chworld3 hrs ago
Catholic Society Consecrates Four Bishops Outside Official Church Authority
A Swiss Catholic group held a five-hour ceremony consecrating four new bishops. The event occurred despite objections from Pope Leo XIV and contrary to the church’s internal rules.
swissinfo.chworld1 day ago
Society of St. Pius X Consecrates Four Bishops in Switzerland
The group held a five-hour ceremony in Ecône on Wednesday attended by around 15,000 people. The Vatican excommunicated its six bishops the next day after Pope Leo XIV asked for a postponement.
politics1 day ago
Traditionalist Catholic Group Defends Consecrations After Vatican Declares Excommunications
The Society of St. Pius X said it acted to save souls when it consecrated four bishops without papal consent. The Vatican responded within 24 hours by excommunicating the group's bishops and priests and warning its followers of possible excommunication.
abcnews.go.comworld1 day ago
Pope excommunicates at least 750 priests from one group
Pope Leo XIV removed at least 750 priests from the Society of St. Pius X on Thursday. The action follows the group's ordination of four bishops without Vatican approval.
whowhatwhy.orgworld2 days ago
Vatican Excommunicates Four Bishops After Unauthorized Consecrations in Switzerland
The Vatican imposed excommunication on four bishops of the Society of St. Pius X following an ordination conducted without papal approval. Pope Leo XIV had issued a letter days earlier on the gravity of dividing the Church.
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swissinfo.chworld21 hrs agoUpdated
Vatican Excommunicates Six SSPX Bishops After Four New Consecrations
The Vatican declared the Society of St. Pius X in formal schism on Thursday after the group consecrated four new bishops without papal approval. Pope Leo XIV had urged the society to cancel the ceremony in a letter warning of grave consequences.
winnipegfreepress.comworld3 days ago
Society of St. Pius X Plans Unauthorized Bishop Consecrations
The ultratraditionalist Society of St. Pius X announced it will consecrate four bishops without papal approval. The decision revives a decades-old rift with the Vatican and triggers automatic excommunication for those involved.
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winnipegfreepress.comworld3 days ago
Traditionalist Catholic group plans bishop consecrations without papal approval
A traditionalist Catholic faction will consecrate four bishops at its Swiss seminary on Wednesday. The move occurs without papal consent and carries automatic excommunication under church law.
winnipegfreepress.comworld3 days ago
Breakaway Catholic Group Begins Bishop Consecrations Without Papal Approval
A traditionalist Catholic society started consecrating four bishops at its Swiss seminary on Wednesday despite Vatican warnings. The move risks excommunication and marks the group's most direct challenge to Rome since 1988.
winnipegfreepress.comworld3 days agoUpdated
Breakaway Catholic Group Plans Unauthorized Bishop Consecrations
The Society of St. Pius X will consecrate four bishops without papal consent, triggering automatic excommunication. The move creates the first major test for Pope Leo XIV's unity efforts.
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The Independentworld4 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Names Nun to Head Vatican Development Office
Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He also named Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect and urged the Society of St. Pius X to cancel planned bishop consecrations.
world4 days ago
Society of St. Pius X Plans to Consecrate Four Bishops on Wednesday
Pope Leo XIV urged the group to halt the consecrations without Vatican approval, warning of excommunication and loss of sacramental validity. The Society of St. Pius X said it would proceed at its Swiss seminary.
abcnews.go.comworld4 days ago
Pope Leo XIV urges traditionalist group to halt bishop consecrations
Pope Leo XIV wrote to the Society of St. Pius X asking it to cancel planned consecrations of four new bishops. The letter was sent one day before the ceremonies were scheduled at the group's seminary in Switzerland.
world6 days ago
Society of St. Pius X to Consecrate Four Bishops on July 1 Without Papal Approval
The traditionalist group will consecrate four priests as bishops without papal approval. Vatican officials have warned that the action will trigger automatic excommunication. The SSPX cited growth needs and its refusal to accept certain Second Vatican Council reforms.
Newsweekworld8 days ago
Society of St. Pius X Publishes Episcopal Coats of Arms for Four Priests Ahead of July Consecrations
The Society of St. Pius X has released designs for four bishops it plans to consecrate on July 1 without papal approval. The Vatican has stated that such consecrations would trigger automatic excommunication. Newsweek reported the details from the group's website.
The Guardianworld9 days ago
Society of St Pius X Plans to Ordain Four Bishops on July 1
The group intends to proceed with the ordinations despite a Vatican appeal. The action risks excommunication under canon law.
catholicnewsagency.comworld10 days ago
SSPX to Consecrate Four Bishops Without Papal Consent on July 1
The Society of St. Pius X will hold a four-day event at its Swiss seminary to consecrate four new bishops. The Vatican has warned the act will trigger automatic excommunication.
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swissinfo.chworld11 days ago
Vatican Rejects Bishops' Request for Lay Preachers
Vatican officials rejected a request from bishops to allow lay people to preach during Mass. The decision follows repeated statements confirming existing Church teaching on who may deliver homilies.
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winnipegfreepress.compolitics14 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Travels to Northern Italy to Honor St. Augustine and Mother Cabrini
Pope Leo XIV is making a day trip to northern Italy on Saturday to visit sites connected to St. Augustine and Mother Frances Cabrini. The visit marks the midpoint of his summer 2026 series of day trips across Italy.
thesouthafrican.comworld22 days ago
French Catholic Church to Replace National Abuse Support Body With Diocesan System in September
A new decentralized support structure called Renaître will take over from the Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation on September 1. Victims' groups have raised concerns about readiness and consistency of services.
vaticannews.vaworld24 days ago
Pope Visits Montserrat Monastery Near Barcelona
Pope Leo visited the Montserrat monastery near Barcelona. A clergy abuse survivor publicly accused the Catholic Church of failing victims and criticized the pontiff for declining a requested meeting.
rte.ieworld24 days ago
U.S. Catholic Bishops Plan National Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
U.S. Catholic bishops will consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The ceremony follows earlier consecrations by bishops in other countries. Organizers say the act carries spiritual significance for participants.
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Substrate placeholder — needs reviewworld26 days agoUpdated
Pope Leo XIV Denounces Clergy Sexual Abuse, Meets Victims Privately, Addresses Spanish Parliament
Pope Leo XIV addressed Spanish bishops and parliament on June 8, 2026, calling for listening, justice and prevention. He is scheduled to meet victims privately later the same day.
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vaticannews.vapolitics26 days agoUpdated
Pope Leo XIV Addresses Spanish Parliament, Says Every Human Life Must Be Protected From Conception to Natural Death
Pope Leo XIV delivered the first papal address to Spain's parliament on June 8, 2026, calling for diplomatic solutions to conflict and support for migrants.
vaticannews.vapolitics27 days ago
Pope Visits Spain, Praises Migration Policy and Addresses Church Abuse
Pope Leo praised Spain's migration policies and met with officials during a visit that began Saturday. He also discussed sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church and a compensation agreement reached in March.
catholicnewsagency.comworld28 days ago
Washington archbishop removes priest as exorcist after UFO comments
The Catholic archbishop of Washington, D.C., removed a priest from his role as exorcist after public statements linking UFO sightings to demons. The archdiocese also ended its relationship with a nonprofit led by the priest.
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Newsweekpolitics30 days ago
Washington Archdiocese Removes Priest From Exorcist Role After UFO Remarks
A Catholic priest in Washington, D.C., was removed from his exorcist duties after a May 29 video linked most UFO sightings to demonic activity. The archbishop acted on June 3 and ended ties with the priest's ministry center.
Abc Newsworld30 days ago
Spain and Catholic Bishops Approve Joint Reparations Program for Historic Clergy Abuse Claims Ahead of Papal Visit
Spain approved a joint church-state reparations program for victims of long-ago sexual abuse by clergy. The plan gives the government final say on payouts and opened for applications months before Pope Leo XIV arrives on June 6.
France 24politics31 days ago
Vatican Names First Lay Woman to Lead Communications Department
A lay woman has been appointed to head the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication for the first time. The appointee, who serves as CEO of a Catholic television network, will oversee television, radio, and broadcasting operations.
winnipegfreepress.compolitics32 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Appoints EWTN News President Maria Montserrat Alvarado to Head Vatican Communications
Pope Leo XIV appointed the Mexican-American president of EWTN News to head the Dicastery of Communications on Tuesday. The move places a laywoman in charge of one of the Vatican’s largest-budget departments.
Japan Timesworld33 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Schedules Visits to Spain in June 2026 and France in September 2026
Pope Leo XIV will travel to Spain in June 2026 and France in September 2026. The trips come as youth movements report rising adult baptisms in both countries.
washingtonpost.compolitics34 days ago
Texas Jury Convicts Anthony Odiong of Sexual Assault
A Texas jury found Anthony Odiong guilty of first- and second-degree sexual assault after a four-day trial in Waco. The verdict followed testimony from multiple women who reported abuse spanning more than a decade.
Forbesai36 days ago
Catholic Startup Develops AI Chatbot Trained on Church Teachings
Longbeard launched Magisterium AI, a chatbot that answers questions using over 32,000 Catholic documents. The company is now building a new model called Ephrem, planned for release in 2027.
The Sydney Morning Heraldbusiness37 days ago
Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese Sells Albert Street Properties for Nearly $30 Million
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has sold multiple terraces on Albert Street in East Melbourne. The transactions total nearly $30 million and involve several buyers.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewai40 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Issues Document on AI and Slavery Apology
Pope Leo XIV released an encyclical calling for slower AI development and oversight. The document also includes an apology for the Catholic Church's historical role in slavery.
Washington Examinerai40 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Addresses Church's Role in Slavery, AI Ethics in First Encyclical
Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical on Monday, apologizing for the Catholic Church's historical legitimization of slavery and addressing the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
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vaticannews.vapolitics40 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Criticizes U.S. Military Actions in Iran
Pope Leo XIV has publicly challenged recent U.S. military operations against Iran and other policies, drawing responses from administration figures. The Vatican has maintained diplomatic ties with Iran since 1954 and continues to advocate for adherence to just war criteria.
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theconservativetreehouse.compolitics41 days ago
Bishop Robert Barron Urges Dialogue Between Catholics and Trump Administration on Immigration
Bishop Robert Barron called for conversation between Catholics and the Trump administration on immigration and border security. He said moral concerns about human trafficking and missing children support stricter enforcement.
washingtonpost.compolitics46 days ago
Vatican Synod Report Includes Testimony From Men in Same-Sex Unions
The Vatican General Secretariat of the Synod published a 32-page report by Study Group No. 9 that presents accounts from two men in same-sex unions. The document discusses Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality and frames certain issues as emerging rather than controversial.
winnipegfreepress.comworld52 days ago
Vatican Warns Traditionalist Group Against Consecrating Bishops Without Consent
The Vatican on Wednesday issued a final warning to the Society of St. Pius X that its planned July 1 consecrations of four bishops without papal approval would constitute a schismatic act resulting in automatic excommunication. The group, founded in 1970 in opposition to the Seco…
Newsweekpolitics52 days ago
Vatican Excommunicates Breakaway Catholic Group Over Bishop Ordinations
The Vatican has told the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X that ordaining bishops without papal approval in July would constitute a schismatic act and result in automatic excommunication. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican's disciplinary office, reiterated th…
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Substrate placeholder — needs reviewworld55 days agoUpdated
Vatican Releases Gay Married Catholics' Testimony in Synod Synthesis Annexes
A Vatican working group has released a report that includes testimony from two gay married Catholics describing how church teaching on homosexuality affected them. Pope Leo XIV said during a news conference that church teachings on social justice are more important than those on…
Fox Newspolitics56 days ago
20 Catholic-Affiliated Colleges to Hold Optional Lavender Graduation Ceremonies for LGBTQ+ Students
Georgetown, Boston College, Fordham and 17 other Catholic institutions are staging dedicated events apart from main commencements. Seattle University features a performance by Sativa the Drag Queen while the University of San Francisco schedules a Queer Prom immediately afterward…
Nbc Newsworld57 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Visits Pompeii Sanctuary on Our Lady of Pompeii Feast Day
The first American pope helicoptered to the shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii on May 8, 2026, exactly one year after white smoke signaled his election as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. He opened the day by meeting sick and disabled pilgrims before celebrating Mass and launching a s…
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The Independentpolitics57 days ago
Rubio Says US Can Maintain Productive Ties With Catholic Church Despite Tensions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the United States can continue a fruitful relationship with the Catholic Church. The comments came during a meeting with the American-born pope amid President Donald Trump's public criticisms of the pontiff over the Iran war and other issues.…
catholicnewsagency.comworld57 days ago
Vatican Approves Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Beatification for September 2026 in St. Louis
Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria, Illinois, discussed the Vatican-approved beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in an exclusive interview on May 8, 2026. The ceremony will occur in St. Louis because the Diocese of Peoria lacks a venue for an expected 70,000 attendees.
Le Mondepolitics57 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Marks One Year Since Election as Head of Catholic Church
One year after his election on May 8 2025 Pope Leo XIV has shifted from a period of restraint and caution to more direct public statements. The pontiff condemned a war involving the United States and Israel and urged American Catholics to contact elected officials. Le Monde repor…
politics58 days ago
Book Details Foreign Efforts to Influence 2025 Papal Conclave
A new book by two Vatican reporters describes attempts by foreign leaders and lobbyists to shape the outcome of the 2025 papal conclave. President Trump and others sought an American pope aligned with their views but the cardinals elected Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV…
upi.compolitics59 days ago
Marco Rubio to Meet Pope Leo at Vatican to Discuss Iran Conflict
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday. The meeting follows public criticism from the Pope regarding the U.S. military campaign in Iran and subsequent statements from President Trump. Rubio will seek to explain the U.S. positi…
The Independentpolitics59 days ago
Pope Leo Begins Second Year as Catholic Church Leader
Pope Leo marks the first anniversary of his election on Friday after a period of increased public activity that included criticism of war and human rights issues. The pontiff, the first US-born pope, concluded a four-nation tour of Africa in April where he addressed global confli…
upi.compolitics63 days agoUpdated
Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of West Virginia Bishop, Names Successor
Pope Leo XIV has appointed a former undocumented immigrant from El Salvador as the new bishop of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, following the resignation of the previous bishop. The appointee, who migrated to the US in 1990, has previously spoken on immigration issues. Thi…
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nypost.comworld64 days ago
Archdiocese of New York Offers $800 Million to Settle Child Sex Abuse Claims
The Archdiocese of New York has proposed an $800 million settlement for 1,300 claims of child sexual abuse by priests and lay staff. Officials stated that rejection could lead to bankruptcy. The offer includes a $250,000 quick payment option and requires approval from all alleged…
washingtonpost.comworld69 days ago
Pope Leo XIV Opposes Capital Punishment Following U.S. Firing Squad Approval
Pope Leo XIV condemned capital punishment in a video address, stating it violates human dignity. The statement followed the Justice Department's approval of firing squads for federal executions. The department also restored the use of pentobarbital for lethal injections, reversin…
jurist.orgpolitics70 days agoUpdated
DOJ Authorizes Firing Squad for Federal Executions
The U.S. Justice Department has authorized firing squads and other methods for federal executions as part of efforts to resume capital punishment under President Trump. The move also reauthorizes single-drug lethal injections using pentobarbital, reversing Biden-era changes. Pope…
upi.comworld75 days agoUpdated
Pope Leo XIV Addresses Exploitation and Peace During Angola Visit on Africa Tour
During his 11-day Africa tour, Pope Leo XIV addressed crowds in Angola's diamond-rich northeast, criticizing exploitation and corruption. He highlighted violence and oppression as contrary to Christian faith. The tour, spanning four nations, focused on peace, poverty, and migrati…
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Substrate placeholder — needs reviewpolitics78 days ago
Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV on Iran Policy; Catholic Leaders Respond
Several Catholic figures, including bishops and organization heads, have criticized President Donald Trump's recent comments about Pope Leo XIV. The responses follow Trump's statements on the pope's positions regarding Iran and other issues. Vice President JD Vance and other offi…
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cnet.compolitics81 days ago
Vance Comments on Pope Leo's Remarks Downplaying Tensions with Trump Administration
Vice President JD Vance expressed gratitude for Pope Leo XIV's comments downplaying tensions with the Trump administration amid a public feud over the Iran war. The pope emphasized focusing on peace rather than debate. The exchange follows recent criticisms from both sides, inclu…