12 new resources to encounter Christ this Lent 2026 February 27, 2026By Katie Yoder OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Lent, Lenten Resources, News, World News Here are 12 new resources — online retreats, apps, podcasts, books and more — that promise to help Catholics grow in faith and draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ ahead of Easter.
Inviting pilgrims back is more than business, it’s family history, Holy Land shop owners say February 27, 2026By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Lent, News, World News As Lent begins in Jerusalem, the usually crowded streets of the Old City remain quiet, with only a small number of international pilgrims returning after years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Israel-Hamas war.
Prolific catechist Paul Thigpen, who mused on extraterrestrial life, dies at 71 February 26, 2026By Maria Wiering OSV News Filed Under: Journalism, News, Obituaries, World News Catholic theologian and prolific writer Thomas “Paul” Thigpen died Feb. 24 at the age of 71. A resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, he wrote more than 60 books and hundreds of articles on religion and faith.
Pro-abortion professor withdraws from University of Notre Dame institute appointment February 26, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Colleges, News, Respect Life, World News A pro-abortion University of Notre Dame professor has declined a research appointment at the school, following weeks of outcry from students, staff and several U.S. Catholic bishops.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the model of ‘perfect inculturation,’ Pope Leo says February 26, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Marian Devotion, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV has pointed to Our Lady of Guadalupe as the model of “perfect inculturation” as Mexico prepares to mark the 500th anniversary of the apparition in 2031 with a jubilee year.
U.S. bishops end lawsuit against Trump administration over refugee resettlement February 26, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Bishops, Immigration and Migration, News, World News The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has ended its lawsuit against the Trump administration over the suspension of a long-running refugee resettlement contract, with monies owed to the USCCB now recovered.
Empty school desks on Minnesota Capitol grounds signify children lost to gun violence February 26, 2026By Joe Ruff The Catholic Spirit Filed Under: Gun Violence, News, Schools, World News They were preparing for three days of presence and legislative testimony as they seek gun safety laws. The desks represented more than 200 Minnesota children lost to gun violence since 2021, the group said.
Louisiana asks court to reinstate in-person dispensing rule for abortion pill February 26, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: News, Respect Life, World News Lawyers for the state of Louisiana asked a federal judge to roll back Biden administration-era eased restrictions on mifepristone, a drug commonly, but not exclusively, used for most first trimester abortions, at a hearing Feb. 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour, trips to Spain, Monaco February 26, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV will travel to six countries over the next four months, including a 10-day tour of Africa and trips to Monaco and Spain, the Vatican announced Feb. 25.
Spanish bishops clarify Pope Leo XIV’s remarks following media reports February 25, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Religious Freedom, Vatican, World News The executive commission of the Spanish bishops’ conference clarified a recent report that alleged Pope Leo XIV had warned about attempts by far-right political parties in the country to “weaponize the Church.”
Amid clash with Notre Dame administration, students pray for life with Bishop Rhoades at university grotto February 25, 2026By Gretchen R. Crowe OSV News Filed Under: Colleges, News, Respect Life, World News Two weeks after calling on the University of Notre Dame to withdraw its appointment of pro-abortion professor Susan Ostermann as head of one of the school’s research centers, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend joined students to pray for life at the university’s Marian grotto.
Sydney Archdiocese welcomes record numbers at Rite of Election February 25, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Evangelization, News, World News The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney said it welcomed a record number of catechumens and candidates during the annual Rite of Election at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
