Church governance begins with holiness, not bureaucracy, Bishop Varden says at Curia retreat February 27, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Lent, News, World News Church governance depends more on holy, prayerful leaders than on bureaucratic expertise, Norwegian Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim said during the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat.
Bones of St. Francis draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims February 27, 2026By Josephine Peterson OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, World News Eight hundred years after his death, the bones of St. Francis of Assisi have been placed on public display for the first extended public viewing in history, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the hilltop town.
Pope Leo XIV pens book introduction: ‘Only peaceful hearts can build a world of peace’ February 27, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Books, News, Vatican, World News The text of Pope Leo XIV’s introduction to his book “Peace Be with You!” published by HarperCollins and available in bookstores in the United States and English-speaking countries starting Feb. 24.
Mother Cabrini garners most votes as person to be depicted in planned statue for Chicago park February 27, 2026By Simone Orendain OSV News Filed Under: Immigration and Migration, News, Saints, World News A statue of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint, will be put in a public park on Chicago’s Near West Side. It will replace a Christopher Columbus statue that was removed during the pandemic.
Catholic legal network’s coalition challenges key claim blocking immigration from 75 countries February 27, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Immigration and Migration, News, World News A Catholic legal network and other opponents of the Trump administration’s suspension of immigration from 75 countries are calling into question a key claim the government made in support of that policy.
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.
