Catholic News
- Pope Leo recalls victims of Stalinism, Nazism; pays tribute to Blessed Władysław Findysz (CWN)
At the conclusion of his August 19 general audience, Pope Leo XIV recalled the victims of Stalinism and Nazism, paid tribute to Blessed Władysław Findysz (1907-1964), and spoke about the importance of forgiveness and overcoming evil with good. - Pope encourages faithful to cultivate a commitment to peace (CWN)
Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to cultivate a commitment to peace. - Citing recurrent depression, German bishop resigns at 66 (CWN)
Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann from the governance of the Diocese of Speyer, Germany. - Pope prays for Polish pilgrims killed in bus accident (Vatican News)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, sent a telegram of condolence in Pope Leo’s name following a bus accident in Hungary that killed 12 Polish pilgrims returning from Medjugorje. “Pope Leo XIV learned with deep sorrow of the tragic traffic accident,” Cardinal Parolin wrote in his telegram to the bishops of the dioceses from which the pilgrims came. “Returning from their pilgrimage of faith, [they] have concluded their earthly pilgrimage.” - Brazilian bishops issue report on violence against indigenous peoples (CWN)
The Brazilian bishops’ Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI) released a 254-page report on violence committed against indigenous peoples in the South American nation in 2025. - Canadian bishops criticize ban on military chaplains referring to God in spiritual reflections (Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops)
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) joined the bishop of the nation’s Military Ordinariate in criticizing a ban on references to God in spiritual reflections by military chaplains. The Canadian Armed Forces instructed chaplains not to “use religious specific language, including references to God,” in spiritual reflections. Chaplains have been instructed instead to “reflect upon lessons learned, beliefs, values, and experiences to inspire gratitude, remembrance, hope, and integrity.” The bishops’ conference noted that Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C., of the Military Ordinariate “objects to the new policy” and said that “the CCCB stands in solidarity with Bishop McCaig as he raises these concerns on behalf of the Catholic faithful entrusted to his pastoral care.” - Swiss bishop calls for broader access to traditional Latin Mass to prevent SSPX growth (AdVaticanum)
Stating that “ignoring a grassroots movement—especially among young people—is a very bad idea,” a retired Swiss bishop called for broader access to the extraordinary form of the Mass. “The SSPX is not the solution, and we should not drive the faithful who are dissatisfied with the liturgical reform or with what they often see in parishes into its arms,” Bishop Marian Eleganti, O.S.B., said in an interview. “The SSPX is schismatic and will remain just another Christian denomination.” Bishop Eleganti also spoke about the Petrine ministry: I have the impression that popes have too little time for prayer, reflection, study and leadership. They are constrained by a schedule of audiences, greetings, liturgical celebrations and trips. John Paul II was almost always travelling. But the Curia needs the presence and leadership of the Pope. Others have filled that gap. I now have the impression that, because of the high bar set by John Paul II, there has been almost a compulsion to travel—or at least the impression that a pope must show himself everywhere. For me, it is enough if he teaches the faith and is a rock in doing so. - San Francisco parishes hit with large assessments for abuse settlement (National Catholic Reporter)
To help fund its recent $395-million settlement with over 500 abuse-suit plaintiffs, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has imposed assessments on its parishes. At least one parish has received a $5-million assessment, and several have been asked to contribute at least $1 million. Parishes will fund “less than 40% of the total agreed-upon settlement,” said archdiocesan spokesman Peter Marlow. “Our goal is to fund the proposed settlement trust by the end of the year.” - USCCB publishes clergy notes, Q&A on abortion pills (CWN)
In conjunction with its recently announced campaign of prayer and action against abortion pills, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published “Notes for Clergy on the Abortion Pill“ and “Abortion Pill Q&A.” - Juries should have 12 members, USCCB argues in Supreme Court brief (CWN)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) called upon the Supreme Court to overturn Williams v. Florida, a 1970 ruling that upheld the constitutionality of juries of six members. - Pope mourns victims of Zimbabwe ferry accident (Vatican Press Office)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, wrote a telegram in the Holy Father’s name following a ferry accident in Zimbabwe that left over 90 people dead. Cardinal Parolin said that Pope Leo was “deeply saddened” to learn of the accident and that “entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, he sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss.” The Pope also prayed for civil authorities and military personnel, Cardinal Parolin wrote in his August 18 telegram. - Baptisms in Ireland fall 30% over 10 years (Iona Institute)
The number of baptisms in Ireland fell by 29.9% between 2015 and 2025. The number of births fell by 18.8% over the ten-year period. The decline in the number of baptisms was steepest in the Diocese of Meath (-40.8%) and the Archdiocese of Dublin (-39.9%), according to a report from the Iona Institute. The number of baptisms rose in one diocese: the Diocese of Elphin (+0.9%). - Pope, in audience on Vatican II, reflects on sacred music (CWN)
Continuing his series of Wednesday general audiences on the Second Vatican Council and its documents, Pope Leo XIV today reflected on sacred music. - Cardinal Parolin recalls St. Agatha, prays for persecuted Christians (Vatican News)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, paid tribute to St. Agatha during an August 17 Mass marking the 900th anniversary of the return of her relics to Catania. “Celebrating this anniversary, means recognizing that the Lord has been faithful to his Church throughout the centuries, sustaining her in times of trial, purifying her in difficulties, and continually making her flourish anew through the witness of the saints,” Cardinal Parolin preached, adding: Let us therefore remember and pray at this moment for all these brothers and sisters of ours scattered throughout the various parts of the world who suffer persecution for the name of the Lord and for his Gospel. But let us not forget that there is also, so to speak, a bloodless martyrdom to which we too are called. Cardinal Parolin also paid tribute to St. Agatha during a prayer vigil the previous evening. - USCCB announces initiative against abortion pills (USCCB)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced an initiative of prayer and action against abortion pills. The initiative concludes on October 31, at the end of Respect Life Month. In late July, the bishops’ conference posted information about the initiative on its website. - Australian state's inquiry raps Catholic schools over 'bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTIQA+ students' (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
A parliamentary inquiry in the Australian state of Tasmania issued a 225-page report on discrimination and bullying in Tasmanian schools. Brian Mitchell, the member of parliament who chaired the committee, highlighted “the bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTIQA+ students in Tasmania’s Catholic schools.” “We owe it to every young Tasmanian to provide schools that are both temples of learning and sanctuaries, where they feel nurtured, heard, safe, and secure, not dread, fear, and anxiety,” Mitchell said. - American CEO, 2 Notre Dame professors named consultors to Vatican dicastery (Vatican Press Office)
Pope Leo XIV named 12 new consultors to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, including two professors at the University of Notre Dame and the CEO of a California asset management company. Father Emmanuel Katongole, a Ugandan priest, is professor of theology and peace studies at the university; Clemens Sedmak is professor of social ethics and director of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies. Katie Koch, the president and CEO of TCW, also has connections to the Indiana university: she is an alumna and member of the board of trustees. - St. Bernadette's relics to tour the United States (EWTN News)
The relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879), to whom Our Lady appeared in Lourdes, will tour the United States in 2026-27. The tour will begin on September 18 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. - Cologne cardinal says defining synodality a 'major challenge' for Church (Catholic Herald)
Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, Germany, said in an interview that “a major challenge lies in defining for the universal Church what synodality is.” “There will be no ‘German special path,’” he continued. “Now we are waiting to see where the Holy Father and his collaborators will make the corrections that I believe are necessary.” Cardinal Woelki praised the work of Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, whose priests celebrate the sacraments in the extraordinary form, and said “we need a healthy mix of traditions that can grow together.” He added, “I see myself as firmly rooted in the tradition and teaching of the Second Vatican Council. The liturgical reform was one of the essential reforms there—we shouldn’t forget that.” - Vatican vegetable garden goes 100% organic (Vatican City State)
The Vatican City State announced that the vegetable garden adjacent to Mater Ecclesiae Monastery is now 100% organic. In 1994, Pope St. John Paul II established the monastery for contemplative nuns within the Vatican City State; the monastery became Pope Benedict XVI’s residence after his resignation. In 2023, it again became a monastery for contemplative nuns. - More...