Jerusalem Church leaders decry death penalty law, ‘lifeless’ holy city ahead of Easter April 1, 2026By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, News, World News Church leaders in Jerusalem expressed sorrow over the news of the passage by the Israeli Knesset of a death penalty law — by hanging — for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks on Israelis, noting that Easter, which celebrates life, represents the opposite.
All Catholics share in Church’s mission, not just clergy, pope says April 1, 2026By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Laypeople are not passive members but active participants in the Church’s mission, called to live and spread the Gospel in everyday life, Pope Leo XIV said.
Pope urges Catholics to pray for priests in crisis April 1, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, Vocations, World News Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to pray for priests who find themselves in crisis and to “support those who so often support us.”
Cultural trends and technology threaten contemplation, Cardinal Roche says April 1, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Arts & Culture, News, Vatican, World News Modern cultural influences, including technology and shifting views on identity, risk weakening human relationships and spiritual development, said Cardinal Arthur Roche, the prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Why is St. Francis of Assisi patron of the environment? April 1, 2026By Katie Yoder OSV News Filed Under: Environment, News, Saints, World News St. Francis of Assisi was declared a saint nearly 800 years ago, just two years after his death. Not until much more recently — about 50 years ago — was the beloved 13th-century Italian friar called the patron of ecology.
Pope Leo XIV to carry cross at all 14 stations of Colosseum Way of the Cross April 1, 2026By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Lent, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV will carry the cross himself through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum on the first Good Friday of his pontificate.
‘With all my heart I want to say how sorry we are,’ says Albany bishop as abuse settlement reached March 31, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Child & Youth Protection, News, World News Just over three years to the date after filing for Chapter 11 protection under the crush of nearly 440 Child Victims Act claims, the Diocese of Albany reached a $148 million settlement agreement with the survivors of sexual abuse by diocesan priests and others on March 27.
Supreme Court backs challenge to Colorado conversion therapy ban March 31, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: News, Supreme Court, World News The U.S. Supreme Court March 31 issued a ruling finding that a Colorado law banning professional counseling services that practice “conversion therapy” for minors likely infringes on the First Amendment.
Vance to publish book exploring his conversion to Catholicism March 31, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Books, News, World News Vice President JD Vance will publish a new book this summer exploring his conversion to Catholicism as an adult, The Associated Press reported March 31.
Missouri bishops back amendment to limit abortion, gender transition for minors March 31, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: News, Respect Life, World News The Catholic bishops of Missouri on March 26 issued a statement offering their support to a ballot measure that would both limit abortion and certain types of medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for minors who identify as transgender.
4 U.S. leaders named to Vatican dicastery that promotes Church’s humanitarian vision, work March 31, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Immigration and Migration, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV has appointed four U.S.-based scholars and leaders as members of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development.
Bishop Murphy of Rockville Centre recalled for ‘joyful witness’ of pastoral leadership March 31, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Bishops, News, Obituaries, World News The “faithful service” of retired Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, who died March 26 at age 85, “leaves a lasting legacy on Long Island and throughout the universal Church,” said Bishop John O. Barres, the diocese’s current shepherd.
