World News

Pope Leo XIV visited the nation of San Marino earlier today and, in an extended reflection on liberty, invoked the example of St. Thomas More as he called for a respect for the primacy of conscience. ... read more

The Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary. The faithful, under the guidance of an unerring Catholic instinct, have ever recognized the queenly dignity of the Mother of "The King of kings and Lord of lords": the Fathers, the Doctors of the Church, Popes, down through the centuries, have given authoritative expression to ... read more

ANDREAS SOLARO Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, during his Angelus prayers on Aug. 15, 2010. Pope Benedict’s private homilies reflect upon Our Lady and a life well-lived with Christ. ... read more

ANDREAS SOLARO Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, during his Angelus prayers on Aug. 15, 2010. ‘Mary can be close to us all only because she is with God.’ ... read more

A Maronite bishop relieved the rector of an Ohio basilica and national shrine of his duties after the rector was charged with procuring and with public indecency. ... read more

Bishop Jean-Marc Micas, P.S.S., of Tarbes and Lourdes, France, told a French newspaper that Father Marko Rupnik’s mosaics at the famed Marian shrine will be covered up before the papal visit there next month. “My role is to ensure that the shrine welcomes everyone, especially those who are suffering,” said Bishop Micas. “Among ... read more

Pedro de Calabria, "The Coronation of the Virgin," ca. 1700, Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain COMMENTARY: Mary is not merely a model to imitate, but a Queen to rely on as she leads us closer to her Son. ... read more

Domingos Sequeira, "The Coronation of the Virgin," ca. 1830, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon, Portugal Three August observances trace Mary’s journey from Mother of God to her Assumption into heavenly glory and Queenship beside her Son. ... read more

The New Jersey measure is a type of ‘bubble’ law, which creates zones around abortion businesses where free speech is limited in ‘buffer zones.’ New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Aug. 20 signed a bill that criminalizes ‘interference’ with ‘reproductive’ or ‘gender-affirming’ care, a law that opponents say has serious implications for freedom ... read more

Baptisms significantly fall in Ireland, a German bishop resigns, Asian churches rally after Indonesia earthquake, and more in this week’s Catholic world news roundup. A priest pours water over an infant’s head during a baptism. | Credit: Sweet Marshmallow/Shutterstock The Iona Institute has found the ... read more

McKenna West, a surrogate mother and cardiac nurse who gave birth to a boy she named Gabriel on Aug. 12, 2026, is being sued by the contracting couple for refusing to abort the child, who has a treatable heart condition. McKenna West fled to Texas to give birth to the baby after ... read more

Here is a roundup of recent pro-life and abortion-related news. Credit: ThalesAntonio/Shutterstock New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Aug. 20 signed a bill that criminalizes “interference” with “reproductive” or “gender-affirming” care, a law that opponents say has serious implications for freedom of speech. The law ... read more

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Aug. 20 signed a bill that criminalizes “interference” with “reproductive” or “gender-affirming” care, a law that opponents say has serious implications for freedom of speech.The law criminalizes inflicting “emotional harm” against those seeking or providing “reproductive health care services.” It also bans filming and sharing videos within 100 feet ... read more

The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has launched a petition campaign calling on the United Nations and the Council of Europe to protect religious freedom in the face of the religious persecution occurring in 62 countries.On its website, the Catholic organization states that “no one should have to choose between their ... read more

Aid to the Church in Need has launched a petition that urges international leaders to take action to end religious persecution. Flags fly at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, Sept. 16, 2025. | Credit: Chen Fangxiang/Shutterstock The pontifical foundation Aid to the ... read more