World News

A photograph of 37-year-old Alex Pretti can be seen at a makeshift memorial in the area where he was shot dead by federal immigration agents earlier in the day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2026. Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis said that ‘we must rid our hearts of ... read more

A statue of Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier (1851-1926) by Égide Rombaux, outside the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels. (Image: Wikipedia) This year marks the centenary of the death of Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier of Belgium, who died on January 23, 1926. Priest, Archbishop, Cardinal Born in 1851 in the French-speaking ... read more

Catholic leaders at the national and local levels are calling for calm, prayer and renewed respect for human life following the Jan. 24 killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis. ... read more

Illustration by Dave Hill ‘St. Paul’s Nephew Overhears the Plot’ A brief scene from the Acts of the Apostles reveals St. Paul not only as a missionary and theologian, but as a beloved uncle whose family helped save his life. ... read more

Pope Leo XIV, when he was bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, recites the prayer of consecration before Our Lady of Fátima. In his message for World Mission Day, the Pope says missionary renewal depends on spiritual communion and reconciliation among Christians. ... read more

Mario Tomassetti Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on January 25, 2026. At the Angelus, the Pope prayed for Ukraine and urged renewed efforts to end the war. ... read more

Participants in the Walk for Life West Coast, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. The 22nd annual march drew pro-life advocates, including religious sisters and clergy. ... read more

Participants at One Life LA on Jan. 24, 2026, hold signs including, ‘Whoever has love does not hold back when it comes to doing good.’ El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz said, ‘We’ve lost the idea that every human life is a blessing and that we have obligations to one another.’ ... read more

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone attends the 2026 Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco on Jan. 24. ‘The Love of Friendship on Building a Culture of Life’ ... read more

The models for six new contemporary stained-glass windows planned for Notre Dame Cathedral are now on public display in Paris following months of intense national debate. ... read more

The broad cobblestoned street curved as you climbed, so I didn’t see the convent until I was standing before its huge iron gates. Its massive bulk loomed like a castle. Going to college in Rome felt grown up until the first time I went through the sweeping iron gates and up to the great wooden ... read more

Lynne Sladky Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after Indiana defeated Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Catholic QB led the Indiana Hoosiers from overlooked underdogs to college football glory — with God at the center of it all. ... read more

Simone Risoluti Pope Leo waves to the faithful on Dec. 20, 2025. Message of the Holy Father for the 60th World Communications Day 2026 ... read more

Statue of Christ the King overlooking Lisbon. (Image: André Eusébio / Unsplash.com) Readings:• Isa 8:23-9:3• Psa 27:1, 4, 13-14• 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17• Mt 4:12-23 Take a moment and make an inventory of every light you might use or benefit from in the course of a week: room lights, headlights, lamps, porch ... read more

Hong Kong - "May the Holy Face of Jesus always shine upon Hong Kong." With these words, Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle summarized the reflections and exhortations he addressed to the participants in the prayer, song, and music gathering that launched the 80th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Diocese of Hong Kong. During ... read more