Holy See will not join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin says Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘countercultural’ repentance on first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate Olympic ski jumping silver, bronze medals lay on altar as young athlete’s faith goes viral Pope Leo XIV on Ash Wednesday: Ask the Lord for the gift of true conversion this Lent A quick guide to fasting in Lent Local News Baltimore chapter of Young Catholic Professionals celebrates successful first year Katie V. Jones February 18, 2026 A national organization based in Texas, Young Catholic Professionals offers adults in their 20s and 30s opportunities to network, socialize and share their faith at various events throughout the year. In Baltimore, Principe and his team host one event each month. Mount St. Joseph’s BJ Ransom selected as BCL Player of Year; league unveils new academic honors Gerry Jackson February 16, 2026 Mount St. Joseph senior guard BJ Ranson, who led the Gaels to a 29-win regular season, earned the Baltimore Catholic League’s Jerry Savage Player of the Year Award for the 2025-26 season. Radio Interview: Archbishop Lori’s pastoral letter: ‘In Charity and Truth’ Catholic Review Staff February 16, 2026 In a new pastoral letter released Feb. 9, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore takes the occasion of the nation’s 250th anniversary to address “a moment of grace and responsibility.” Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with the archbishop about the motivation for the letter, which is subtitled, “Toward a Renewed Political Culture.” St. Carlo Acutis Camping Retreat builds faith in the great outdoors Katie V. Jones February 16, 2026 Youths ages 5 to 17 who are involved with outdoor troops such as Scouting America, Trail Life, American Heritage Girls, Camp Fire, Troops of St. George and the Federation of North American Explorers are invited, along with their families, to the retreat April 17-19, which will be held for the first time at the O’Dwyer Retreat Center in Sparks. More Local News World News Holy See will not join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin says Kate Scanlon February 18, 2026 The Holy See “will not participate” in President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said Feb. 17, citing “points that leave us somewhat perplexed.” Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘countercultural’ repentance on first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate Courtney Mares February 18, 2026 Beneath the Roman pines of the Aventine Hill, Pope Leo XIV led a solemn penitential procession Feb. 18 to Rome’s oldest extant basilica, marking the first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate with a call for “countercultural” repentance for sins from individuals, institutions and the Church itself. Bishops praise Virginia Legislature for halting assisted suicide bill Gina Christian February 18, 2026 SB359, which would have permitted doctors to prescribe lethal, self-administered drugs to terminally ill patients deemed to have less than six months to live, failed to advance in a full state senate committee hearing Feb. 5. Diocese of Camden reaches ‘long overdue’ $180 million abuse settlement Gina Christian February 18, 2026 The Diocese of Camden, N.J., has announced plans to resolve more than 300 abuse claims with a $180 million settlement. More World News Commentary Question Corner: Why doesn’t the Church require more demanding fasting for Lent? Jenna Marie Cooper February 18, 2026 A more demanding common discipline would require far more exceptions, which could make it difficult for the majority of the Church to observe them together as one spiritual family. Remembering Angelo Gugel George Weigel February 18, 2026 He was a quiet man who sought no attention and knew he was serving a saint. May he rest in peace, reunited with his old master at the Throne of Grace. A quick guide to fasting in Lent Michael R. Heinlein February 18, 2026 Lent begins Feb. 18 this year. During this holy and penitential season, fasting is required of adult Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. The required days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Leo’s Lenten lessons Michael R. Heinlein February 18, 2026 Pope Leo XIV’s first Lenten message is a great gift for those looking for a roadmap to the season. Stepping up to Lent Jaymie Stuart Wolfe February 17, 2026 Everything we love, cherish and enjoy — the best and most meaningful experiences we remember all our lives — require people who are willing to spend their resources, share their talents and work their tails off to make them happen. More Commentary Featured Video U.S. archbishop on ICE and religious liberty
Baltimore chapter of Young Catholic Professionals celebrates successful first year Katie V. Jones February 18, 2026 A national organization based in Texas, Young Catholic Professionals offers adults in their 20s and 30s opportunities to network, socialize and share their faith at various events throughout the year. In Baltimore, Principe and his team host one event each month.
Mount St. Joseph’s BJ Ransom selected as BCL Player of Year; league unveils new academic honors Gerry Jackson February 16, 2026 Mount St. Joseph senior guard BJ Ranson, who led the Gaels to a 29-win regular season, earned the Baltimore Catholic League’s Jerry Savage Player of the Year Award for the 2025-26 season.
Radio Interview: Archbishop Lori’s pastoral letter: ‘In Charity and Truth’ Catholic Review Staff February 16, 2026 In a new pastoral letter released Feb. 9, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore takes the occasion of the nation’s 250th anniversary to address “a moment of grace and responsibility.” Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with the archbishop about the motivation for the letter, which is subtitled, “Toward a Renewed Political Culture.”
St. Carlo Acutis Camping Retreat builds faith in the great outdoors Katie V. Jones February 16, 2026 Youths ages 5 to 17 who are involved with outdoor troops such as Scouting America, Trail Life, American Heritage Girls, Camp Fire, Troops of St. George and the Federation of North American Explorers are invited, along with their families, to the retreat April 17-19, which will be held for the first time at the O’Dwyer Retreat Center in Sparks.
Holy See will not join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin says Kate Scanlon February 18, 2026 The Holy See “will not participate” in President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said Feb. 17, citing “points that leave us somewhat perplexed.”
Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘countercultural’ repentance on first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate Courtney Mares February 18, 2026 Beneath the Roman pines of the Aventine Hill, Pope Leo XIV led a solemn penitential procession Feb. 18 to Rome’s oldest extant basilica, marking the first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate with a call for “countercultural” repentance for sins from individuals, institutions and the Church itself.
Bishops praise Virginia Legislature for halting assisted suicide bill Gina Christian February 18, 2026 SB359, which would have permitted doctors to prescribe lethal, self-administered drugs to terminally ill patients deemed to have less than six months to live, failed to advance in a full state senate committee hearing Feb. 5.
Diocese of Camden reaches ‘long overdue’ $180 million abuse settlement Gina Christian February 18, 2026 The Diocese of Camden, N.J., has announced plans to resolve more than 300 abuse claims with a $180 million settlement.
Question Corner: Why doesn’t the Church require more demanding fasting for Lent? Jenna Marie Cooper February 18, 2026 A more demanding common discipline would require far more exceptions, which could make it difficult for the majority of the Church to observe them together as one spiritual family.
Remembering Angelo Gugel George Weigel February 18, 2026 He was a quiet man who sought no attention and knew he was serving a saint. May he rest in peace, reunited with his old master at the Throne of Grace.
A quick guide to fasting in Lent Michael R. Heinlein February 18, 2026 Lent begins Feb. 18 this year. During this holy and penitential season, fasting is required of adult Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. The required days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Leo’s Lenten lessons Michael R. Heinlein February 18, 2026 Pope Leo XIV’s first Lenten message is a great gift for those looking for a roadmap to the season.
Stepping up to Lent Jaymie Stuart Wolfe February 17, 2026 Everything we love, cherish and enjoy — the best and most meaningful experiences we remember all our lives — require people who are willing to spend their resources, share their talents and work their tails off to make them happen.
