catholic-church
27 stories related to this topic, newest first.
vaticannews.vaPope 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.comTexas 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.
ForbesCatholic 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 HeraldMelbourne 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.
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 ExaminerPope 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.
vaticannews.vaPope 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.
theconservativetreehouse.comBishop 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.comVatican 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.comVatican 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…
NewsweekVatican 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…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewVatican 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 News20 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 NewsPope 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…
The IndependentRubio 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.comVatican 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 MondePope 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…
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.comMarco 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 IndependentPope 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.comPope 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…
nypost.comArchdiocese 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…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewPope 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.orgDOJ 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.comPope 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…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewTrump 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…
cnet.comVance 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…