The father behind the pope: How Karol Wojtyla Sr. helped shape St. John Paul II June 17, 2026By Katarzyna Szalajko OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, World News Karol Wojtyla Sr., the father of the future St. John Paul II, raised his son alone after the death of his wife, leaving an enduring example of fatherhood rooted in faith, sacrifice and daily presence which helped shape one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
Meet the first American bishop June 17, 2026By D.D. Emmons OSV News Filed Under: America's 250th anniversary, Feature, News, World News Who is Bishop John Carroll? We may not hear much about him today, but he was the first bishop of the United States, the father of American Catholicism and a highly regarded patriot of the American Revolution. Father Carroll has been credited with influencing the words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Pope reflects on Spain trip, says migration concerns call for Christians to reread the Gospel June 17, 2026By Josephine Peterson OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Reflecting on his weeklong trip to Spain, Pope Leo XIV said one of his clearest impressions came from the Canary Islands, where migration revealed both the challenges facing Europe and what he described as a Christian path toward a “civilization of love.”
Papal Spain trip: 2.5 million participants, revenue over $174 million, spiritual boost priceless June 17, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Despite minor setbacks, including the last-minute thwarting of a separatist demonstration and the grounding of the papal flight to Rome, organizers said Pope Leo XIV’s weeklong visit to Spain was an overwhelming success.
Sister Joseph Patrica Ann Ash dies at 83 June 17, 2026By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Obituaries A funeral Mass for Sister of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill (formerly Sister St. Lawrence) was offered June 5 at St. Joseph Villa in Philadelphia. Sister Joseph Patricia died May 22.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage includes boardwalk evangelization along Atlantic shore June 17, 2026By Cathy Rossi OSV News Filed Under: Eucharist, Feature, News, World News As he began to process on a warm and breezy morning June 12 along the boardwalk, local Catholic Chris Cikanovich said, “I wanted to be a part of this and show what the Eucharist means to us.”
Deacon Connor Schmidt believes in saying ‘yes’ as he nears finish line June 17, 2026By Gerry Jackson Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, New Priests 2026, News, Vocations “I think I’m looking forward to the ways the Lord works through me to give hope and joy to people,” Deacon Schmidt said. “The Lord wants to give us good things. It’s inspiring that I might be able to provide some of that hope and joy through the sacraments.”
Pope Leo praises newly beatified Salesian martyrs killed for their fidelity to Christ June 16, 2026By Katarzyna Szalajko OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, Vatican, World News Nine Polish Salesian priests killed in German Nazi concentration camps during World War II were beatified June 6 at the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II in Kraków during a Mass that highlighted not only their martyrdom but also their lives as educators, pastors and mentors to young people.
Pew: More governments cracking down on religion, with spikes in religious hostility in 2023 June 16, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Religious Freedom, World News A new report shows more countries saw spikes in religious hostility by individuals and groups in 2023, the last year for which data is available — with the rise attributable in part to harassment of religious minorities and the ongoing impact of the Israel-Hamas war.
Trump and Iran reach tentative deal to end war, but obstacles to peace remain June 16, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News WASHINGTON (OSV News) — After President Donald Trump, Pakistani mediators, and Iranian officials said a framework has been reached for a deal to end the war in Iran, a Catholic expert in peacekeeping said that while there is cause for optimism, key obstacles remain. Trump said June 14 that an agreement had been reached, and […]
Powerful experience at adoration helps lead Calvert Hall grad to the priesthood June 16, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, New Priests 2026, News, Vocations After graduating from Tulane University with a degree in chemistry, Deacon Kulik put aside medical school acceptance to serve two years as a missionary with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. The experience deepened his sense of purpose and pointed him toward seminary.
Eucharistic pilgrims focus on bringing Jesus to everyone June 15, 2026By Christopher Gunty Catholic Review Filed Under: Eucharist, Feature, Local News, News For the nine “perpetual pilgrims” traveling with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage from Florida to Maine to Pennsylvania, prayer and mission are at the center of their journey.
