New Jersey’s top court ruled June 16 that grand juries can be empaneled to investigate clerical sex abuse allegations in that state.
Almost half of U.S. adults have Catholic connection, but Mass makes significant difference in Catholic identity
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.
U.S. bishop calls for ardent prayer, diplomacy as Israel-Iran strikes continue
A U.S. bishop called for ardent prayer and robust diplomacy, as Israel and Iran traded strikes for the fourth day.
Over 20,000 permanent deacons serve church, but death, retirement bring overall number down
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.
Vatican can take 3 key steps to bring Ukrainian kids back from Russia, says child advocate
The Vatican can take three key steps to provide greater assistance than it already has in securing the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia, a Ukrainian child advocate and former government official told OSV News.
Pew: Christianity up in sub-Saharan Africa, down worldwide due to those leaving the faith
Sub-Saharan Africa has replaced Europe as the locus for the world’s Christians, due to both higher birthrates and Western Europe’s “widespread Christian disaffiliation” — with Christians declining as a share of the world’s population due to adherents leaving the faith, according to new research by the Pew Research Center.
Prayers continue for release of abducted Nigerian priest who recently served in Alaska
Faithful on two continents are praying for the safe return of a Nigerian priest who once served in Alaska, and has been kidnapped in his home country.
Parishes will pay $80 million in Buffalo Diocese’s $150 million bankruptcy settlement
Parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y., are set to pay a total of $80 million into the diocese’s $150 million bankruptcy settlement, with the funds due to be paid into a trust by July 15.
In move called a ‘dark day’ for residents, N.Y. Senate passes assisted suicide law
The New York Senate has voted to legalize medically assisted suicide, a move that one Catholic bioethicist told OSV News marked “a dark day” for the state’s residents, and the act will now head to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
L.A. archbishop calls for prayer, restraint, immigration law reform amid ICE protests
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles is calling for prayer, while urging “restraint and calm” as clashes have broken out in that city over recent immigration arrests. President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard amid pushback from California officials and is threatening to mobilize Marines.
N.J. diocese hopes proposed law will resolve religious worker visa problems
The Diocese of Paterson, N.J., and several of its foreign-born priests are hoping proposed legislation will resolve their lawsuit regarding religious worker visas.
Report: Abuse allegations and costs down, but complacency a threat
The U.S. Catholic bishops’ latest annual report on child and youth protection shows abuse allegations continue to decline — but authors warned of the dangers of complacency among dioceses and the laity in upholding key aspects of bishops’ safe environment protocols.