Aaron Weldon, Assistant Director for Religious Liberty at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, talks with George Matysek about ongoing challenges to religious freedom and what will happen during Religious Freedom Week.
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Pope leads Corpus Christi procession through streets of Rome
In carrying Jesus through the city streets in a Corpus Christi procession, Christians are called to be witnesses of his love, sharing both their material and spiritual gifts, Pope Leo XIV said.
Excitement and pride abound at ordination of five priests for Archdiocese of Baltimore
Joy, excitement and pride permeated the air during the long-awaited priestly ordination of five men during a June 21 Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.
‘Slaughter of innocents’ in suicide bombing at Syrian church called ‘unspeakable evil’
An Islamist suicide bombing at a packed Damascus church that killed at least 20 and injured dozens of worshippers June 22 has sparked international outrage. Sectarian violence continues to plague Syria’s new leadership seven months after toppling Bashar Assad’s regime.
Pilgrims walk in the footsteps of America’s first saint
In celebration of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s 50th anniversary of canonization this year, the four-day pilgrimage was organized to trace the steps of the first American-born saint’s journey from Baltimore to Emmitsburg in the 19th century.
Trump orders US attack on Iran nuclear sites, as Pope Leo, bishops plead for peace
The U.S. has attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran, in a move that comes amid repeated pleas from Pope Leo XIV and other church leaders for peace and dialogue in ending multiple conflicts throughout the world, including that between Israel and Iran.
Washington Roundup: Trump weighs options in Israel-Iran conflict, CLINIC condemns expanded ICE raids
The White House said President Donald Trump would decide whether the U.S. military will get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran within two weeks amid negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear efforts.
Finance experts launch report at Vatican on foreign debt relief
The Holy Year 2025 can have a lasting impact on the world’s poorest countries if governments and international institutions embrace a key element of the biblical concept of jubilee by forgiving, restructuring or pausing foreign debt repayments, said a report commissioned by Pope Francis.
Hundreds of thousands march in Poland’s Corpus Christi processions
In Catholic Poland, Corpus Christi is more than a feast — it’s a nationwide act of faith.
Traditionalist Catholics see evangelization potential of Latin Mass
Traditionalist Catholics have urged Pope Leo XIV to ease his predecessor’s restrictions on the Latin Mass, insisting the move was based on misunderstandings and is hampering a Western church revival.
Juneteenth seen as day to reflect on freedom, ending racism and Black Catholics’ contributions
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the last Confederate state that continued to uphold the practice of slavery two years after it was abolished in the country — an event marked by Juneteenth, a federal holiday since 2021.
Deacon O’Donnell’s ‘normal’ faith life led to priestly vocation
Deacon Thomas P. O’Donnell started attending daily Mass more often, going to confession and eucharistic adoration and reading more about the faith. All this led to a deepening of his life.