The Olympics and why Catholic Church cares about sports February 23, 2026By Maria Wiering OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Sports, World News Pope Pius’ recognition of the good of physical play foreshadowed formal efforts now established in the Vatican to support athletics as a means of virtue and human excellence, on all levels — from neighborhood kickball to the Olympics, including this year’s Milan-Cortina Winter Games, whose closing ceremony was held Feb. 22.
Slavery display removal by feds ‘robs us’ of history, racial healing, say Black Catholic leaders February 23, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Black Catholic Ministry, News, Racial Justice, World News The Trump administration’s effort to remove a slavery exhibit at a national historic site in Philadelphia distorts history, while eroding racial justice and healing, several Black Catholic leaders told OSV News.
‘High-adventure faith’ at retreat center in Emmitsburg February 23, 2026By Jay Sorgi Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Youth Ministry Damascus, an Ohio-based ministry that says it serves more than 50,000 with its camps and missionary outreach, has purchased the Summit Lake Christian Retreat Center in Emmitsburg from a Baptist group, and will operate summer camps for Catholic youths from sixth graders to seniors in high school.
For its 400th anniversary, St. Peter’s Basilica to get 21st-century upgrade, Vatican announces February 22, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Arts & Culture, News, Vatican, World News Four hundred years after its consecration, St. Peter’s Basilica is getting a 21st-century upgrade, with the Vatican unveiling plans for AI-powered translation services, expanded pilgrim access and high-tech structural monitoring as part of yearlong anniversary celebrations.
Three young sisters launch ‘Grace Keys’ musical ministry with Lenten program February 22, 2026By Dianne Towalski The Central Minnesota Catholic Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Lent, News, World News When we share God’s grace through music, we turn hearts and eyes toward him. That’s the vision behind “Grace Keys,” a new musical ministry founded by three young sisters, with the help of their mom.
Archbishop Lori cancels Rite of Election liturgies in anticipation of winter storm February 21, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Evangelization, Feature, Local News, News In anticipation of an impending winter storm Feb. 22, Archbishop William E. Lori has canceled the Rite of Election liturgies that had been planned for that afternoon at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland and the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg.
What can the Year of St. Francis do for the world? A lot, say these Franciscans February 21, 2026By Kimberly Heatherington OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, World News After Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the Jubilee Year of St. Francis from Jan. 10, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027, the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary also issued a decree granting a plenary indulgence to mark the 800th anniversary year of the popular saint’s death.
Artist prays daily for Pope Leo XIV after painting his portrait for U.S. seminary in Rome February 21, 2026By Rebecca Omastiak The Catholic Spirit Filed Under: Arts & Culture, News, Vatican, World News So began the first steps on the artistic road that led Moran, 62, a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace in Edina, to complete an oil painting of Pope Leo for the refectory of the Pontifical North American College, the major seminary for American seminarians studying in Rome.
Lt. Gov. Miller, college leaders seek student feedback on AI at St. Frances Academy forum February 20, 2026By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: AI, Feature, Local News, News, Schools St. Frances Academy in Baltimore hosted Maryland’s “AI Future: Education, Equity and the Emerging Workforce” students’ town hall event with Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and a panel of college presidents Feb. 20.
As France holds day of prayer for people at the end of life, world’s euthanasia numbers soar February 20, 2026By Katarzyna Szalajko OSV News Filed Under: News, Respect Life, World News As Catholics in France prepare for a nationwide prayer and fasting initiative Feb. 20 in anticipation of the final vote on a bill that “leads our country down the path of euthanasia and assisted suicide” and to “ask the Lord to enlighten consciences on the gravity of the challenges posed by this proposed law” — numbers of euthanasia procedures spike around the world.
Key pro-life group warns lack of action on Hyde, mifepristone may ‘demotivate’ Republican voters February 20, 2026By Kate Scanlon Filed Under: News, Respect Life, World News A key national pro-life group released polling Feb. 19 it said shows a potential failure by the Trump administration to act on pro-life policy priorities may demotivate Republican primary voters in the upcoming midterm elections.
Lawmakers, attorneys general back abortion pill challenge DOJ wants to pause February 20, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: News, Respect Life, World News Twenty-one state attorneys general and 60 members of Congress were among the Republicans who filed amicus briefs in support of Louisiana’s efforts to roll back the Biden administration’s eased restrictions on mifepristone, a drug commonly, but not exclusively, used for most first trimester abortions.
