Religious Liberty Commission examines imperiled Native American sacred site, mandatory reporter law June 17, 2025By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Religious Freedom, World News Key religious liberty challenges facing Americans include the threat of the destruction to an Apache sacred site by a copper mining giant, as well as a new law in Washington state requiring clergy to report child abuse or neglect without exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege, said witnesses at the inaugural meeting of the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission on June 16.
As ‘new nightmare’ unfolds between Israel and Iran, ‘never-ending tragedy’ in Gaza continues June 17, 2025By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News As Israel’s continued bombardment of Iran entered its fifth day, Catholic clergy in both countries called for peace and an end to further bloodshed in the Holy Land and the Middle East.
Thank you to a one-of-a-kind teacher June 17, 2025By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Feature, Schools, The Narthex She had a gift – not just for teaching, but for connecting with people and making them feel seen and valued.
Almost half of U.S. adults have Catholic connection, but Mass makes significant difference in Catholic identity June 17, 2025By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, World News, Worship & Sacraments Close to half of the nation’s adults have a personal or family connection to Catholicism, but Mass attendance makes for significant differences in what Catholics say is essential to their identity.
Prodigal son to priest June 17, 2025By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, New Priests 2025, News, Vocations In the eyes of the world, Deacon James “Jamie” Lancelotta is the unlikeliest candidate for the priesthood.
U.S. bishop calls for ardent prayer, diplomacy as Israel-Iran strikes continue June 16, 2025By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News A U.S. bishop called for ardent prayer and robust diplomacy, as Israel and Iran traded strikes for the fourth day.
Pope addresses instances of violence against Christians, prays for peace June 16, 2025By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV decried escalating violence around the world, spotlighting attacks against Christian communities and calling for peace and justice in conflict-ridden areas.
Radio Interview: Books and Authors: Inspiring Trailblazers June 16, 2025By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Books, CR Radio, Evangelization, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with two authors whose books feature literal and spiritual trailblazers.
Over 20,000 permanent deacons serve church, but death, retirement bring overall number down June 16, 2025By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: deacons, Feature, News, Vocations, World News The nation’s Catholic permanent deacons were estimated to number more than 20,000 in 2024 — but “as is the case with priests in the United States, there are not enough new permanent deacons being ordained to make up for the numbers who are retiring from active ministry and dying each year,” according to a new report.
Future priest from Congo has a heart of service June 16, 2025By Samantha Smith Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, New Priests 2025, News, Vocations Faith has been a vibrant part of Deacon Ilanga’s 46 years of life. It all began in his childhood with his mother bringing him and his eight siblings – five sisters and three brothers – to daily and Sunday Masses as a family. With the church being a five-minute walk from home, Deacon Ilanga was also involved in ministries such as singing in the choir and being an altar server.
Minnesota lawmaker who once taught Catholic Sunday school shot and killed in apparent ‘politically motivated assassination’ June 15, 2025By Joe Ruff OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Gun Violence, News, World News Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman, who once taught Sunday school at St. Timothy in Blaine, Minn., and was a speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home early June 14 in what Gov. Tim Walz said “appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”
A pending element of tackling the abuse crisis: transparency June 15, 2025By Paulina Guzik OSV News Filed Under: Child & Youth Protection, Feature, News, World News While much was done during Pope Francis’ pontificate to tackle the global abuse crisis — a crisis moving at differing speeds in the church, depending on the country — one significant element is still pending and left for Pope Leo XIV to implement. That element is transparency.
