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Bishop Lisane-Christos Matheos Semahun of Ethiopia’s Eparchy of Bahir Dar-Dessie has called for a return to peace in the troubled eparchy, emphasizing that “to seek peace does not mean ignoring injustice or remaining silent before [...] ... read more

undefined Pope Leo XIV pictured on Oct. 1, 2026, praying a Rosary for peace with hundreds of children in the Vatican Gardens. Bishops around the world are calling for prayers upon his announcement that he will undergo a medical procedure this week to remove a nodule on his lung. Prayers for the Pope’s ... read more

undefined The chapel at Gemelli Hosptial in Rome bears the name and contains a relic of a pope who knew these corridors well: St. John Paul II. He and Pope Francis were both treated at the hospital. Doctors comment on the pontiff’s news about his upcoming lung surgery. ... read more

Bishops from around the world asked for prayers for Pope Leo XIV after he announced on Sunday, Oct. 11, that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule on one of his lungs in the coming days.In the United States, Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, said the prelates would join “the ... read more

The news that Pope Leo XIV will have surgery next week left many asking what a lung nodule is.He confirmed at the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday that the lesion was caught early and is well localized. “The doctors consider it advisable to intervene. I have decided to have the operation to remove ... read more

The pope's operation will take place early this coming week at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where the popes typically receive medical care, and he is expected to remain in recovery for a week, the Vatican said.  ... read more

undefined Appointed by Pope Francis as a Misssionary of Mercy, Father Thomas Petri hears confessions daily at his parish in Louisville, Kentucky. Confession ‘is a place to encounter God’s mercy, his forgiveness, and not only that, to receive grace,’ says Dominican Father Thomas Petri. ... read more

undefined Pope Leo XIV prays a rosary for peace with hundreds of children in the Vatican Gardens on Oct. 1, 2026. The Roman Pontiff made the announcement after reciting the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. ... read more

Many Catholics in Australia who do not regularly go to Sunday Mass still pray, believe Jesus is the Son of God, and say their faith matters, according to a study released Oct. 7 by the countryʼs bishops.The report, "Absent from the Table: Catholics in Australia Who Do Not Regularly Attend Sunday Mass," was commissioned by ... read more

A survey of nearly 2,000 Australian Catholics found many still pray and value their faith, while priorities, faith crises, and problems with clergy keep them from Mass. [...] ... read more

The pontiff says doctors detected the nodule at a very early stage and have recommended surgery, which is scheduled for the coming days. Pope Leo XIV prays a rosary for peace with hundreds of children in the Vatican Gardens on Oct. 1, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Vatican Pool ... read more

Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule from one of his lungs that was recently detected during medical examinations.Speaking to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer on Oct. 11, the pontiff personally disclosed his medical condition, explaining that the ... read more

From Turkeyʼs Sumela Monastery, built against a cliff, to Ethiopia’s rock-hewn church reached by a difficult climb, some Christian pilgrimage sites make the journey itself part of the experience. Sumela Monastery in Turkey. | Credit: Kenan TALAS/Shutterstock Churches and monasteries around the world vary in ... read more

Churches and monasteries around the world vary in their architecture and size, as well as in how easy they are to reach. Some stand in the heart of cities, while others are reached along daunting mountain roads or rocky trails. For pilgrims who enjoy hiking and exploring, these sites combine Christian history with outdoor adventure. ... read more