Mario J. Paredes, CEO of SOMOS Community Care in New York, is the recipient of Catholic Extension Society’s 2025 New York Spirit of Francis Award in recognition of his yearslong commitment to “safeguarding the health and well-being of countless families in need.”

The Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis was often filled with laughter and loud, excited talk as thousands of teens made their way back and forth through its wide hallways during the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 20-22.

Although the ancient city of Nicaea lies in ruins and the geographic center of Christianity has shifted West, Pope Leo XIV and Christian leaders gathered at an archaeological site in Turkey to celebrate the enduring faith set out in the Nicene Creed.

Meeting leaders of Turkey’s small and varied Catholic communities, Pope Leo XIV asked them to embrace their “littleness” as they strive to be a leaven of God’s love in Turkish society.

The Diocese of Hong Kong is calling for prayer and mourning after a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po left at least 128 people dead and around 200 still missing. As a sign of solidarity, the diocese turned its website black and white and shared a prayer for residents affected by the Nov. 26 blaze, urging the faithful to remember that “we are one family.”

Whether on stage or screen, however — papal endorsement notwithstanding — this recounting of the early years of the Trapp Family singing group gives short shrift to their Catholic faith.

Many have written fan mail to celebrities and imagined getting a reply. When high school senior Selena Mullinax of Chattanooga tried it, writing a letter to Pope Leo XIV, she received quite a reply — with a special rosary blessed by the first American-born pontiff.

A widely discussed new documentary about UFOs, “Age of Disclosure,” includes an allegation from a former CIA official that the Vatican holds evidence of the existence of non-human intelligence — and he does not mean angels.

Pope Leo XIV began his first papal trip speaking of dialogue, peace and thanksgiving — referring to both the holiday and his own gratitude.

Catholic bishops are offering prayers following the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members in the nation’s capital Nov. 26.