World News

Thousands of pilgrims gathered at a Marian shrine in northern Bangladesh on Jan. 16 to express gratitude to Mary for protecting villagers during the country’s 1971 War of Independence.The annual pilgrimage at Nabai Battala village in the Rajshahi Diocese concluded a nine-day novena with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur. The pilgrimage ... read more

The ongoing protests in Iran are considered the largest in years, both in duration and geographic spread. Since erupting on Dec. 28, 2025, demonstrations have continued without interruption, expanding across the country’s north, south, east, and west. Large numbers of Iranians from diverse social and religious backgrounds have taken part, including Christian citizens. ... read more

When Pope Leo XIV announced this week’s consistory in Rome — somewhat earlier and more unexpectedly than most Vatican watchers predicted — it sent ripples of surprise and speculation through the Church. Yet perhaps the consistory shouldn’t surprise us at all. In fact, it may well offer a window into the inner logic of a ... read more

Aerial view of St. Peter’s Square, filled with thousands of mourners including clergy and dignitaries gathered for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass under a clear blue sky, in Vatican City, April 26, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News , Jan 21, 2026 / 11:30 am (CNA). A survey finds widespread dissatisfaction among lay ... read more

A survey finds widespread dissatisfaction among lay employees of the Holy See. Aerial view of St. Peter’s Square, filled with thousands of mourners including clergy and dignitaries gathered for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass under a clear blue sky, in Vatican City, April 26, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News Jan 21, 2026 / ... read more

Father Gregorio Nadal offers advice on how to engage on social media in a truly Christian manner. Credit: Antonio Salaverry/Shutterstock Jan 21, 2026 / 11:00 am (CNA). During a time “marked by aggression, fragmentation, and polarization,” Argentine priest Father Gregorio Nadal has released a Spanish-language book, “How to Be Christians on Social Media: ... read more

During a time “marked by aggression, fragmentation, and polarization,” Argentine priest Father Gregorio Nadal has released a Spanish-language book, “How to Be Christians on Social Media: Human Relationships and Ethical Presence in the Digital World,” which offers perspective not only for believers but also for “anyone who wonders how to safeguard their own dignity and ... read more

As President Donald Trump boosts his rhetoric on the United States acquiring Greenland, whether by sale or force, ahead of a gathering of political and business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, Catholic social teaching has something to say to the situation, said a political scientist at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. ... read more

The wool of the blessed lambs will be used to make pallia, narrow white vestments worn by metropolitan archbishops. Pope Leo XIV meets a pair of lambs blessed for the feast of the Roman virgin and martyr St. Agnes in the Urban VIII Chapel in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Jan. 21, 2026. | ... read more

Pope Leo XIV meets a pair of lambs blessed for the feast of the Roman virgin and martyr St. Agnes in the Urban VIII Chapel in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Jan. 21, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media , Jan 21, 2026 / 10:30 am (CNA). The wool of the blessed lambs ... read more

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis — whose territory has become a flashpoint in the nation's immigration policy debate — is calling for "comprehensive immigration reform now," citing "human cost on all sides." ... read more

A Pew Research Center report found that despite an increase in the number of religiously unaffiliated, belief in God remains high. The traditional procession of Holy Week takes place annually in Ayacucho, Peru. | Credit: Milton Rodriguez/Shutterstock Jan 21, 2026 / 10:00 am (CNA). A Pew Research Center report found Catholics remain the ... read more

A Pew Research Center report found Catholics remain the largest religious group across Latin America despite increases in other religious identities.The report, “Catholicism Has Declined in Latin America Over the Past Decade,” draws on a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 6,234 adults conducted from Jan. 22 to April 27, 2024, in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, ... read more

Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV greets Kiko Argüello on Jan. 19, 2026, at the Vatican. The Holy Father highlighted the missionary zeal of the families that make up this ecclesial movement of Catholic initiation, founded in Madrid, Spain. ... read more

Daniel Ibanez Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful on Jan. 6, 2026 during the Angelus. COMMENTARY: Why bother fact-checking when the facts, if ascertained, might get in the way of a good trigger-warning or a slap at a leading American churchman? ... read more