Sydney newlyweds James Lu and Fiona Choi ticked off some unusual items on their Europe vacation list: wedding clothes and shoes along with an Akubra hat and Pope Leo XIV’s estimated head size.

A human rights expert has warned that anti-Christian hate crime is being fueled by “religious illiteracy” among Western officials, as an intergovernmental report confirmed worsening discrimination across Europe.

The parents of both children confirmed as victims of the Aug. 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church issued their first statements in the aftermath, mourning the loss of their children.

As the sun set the evening of Aug. 28, mourners lingered in front of Annunciation Catholic Church before a robust memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, toys and candles.

Bishop Paul Tighe, a top official at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education, is urging caution on artificial intelligence — warning that its hidden environmental costs, impact on jobs and broader social risks can’t be overlooked.

California’s Catholic bishops are teaming up with a national marriage ministry to strengthen family life throughout the state.

Ahead of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, ministry leaders and crisis experts are listing practical steps that individuals, families and churches can take to help prevent suicide.

The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina marks a call to “renew our commitment to racial equity and justice in every sector of public life,” said two U.S. Catholic bishops.

Ukraine’s religious leaders have appealed to Pope Leo XIV for his continued help in returning thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war, hostages and deported children, as deadly Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities in that nation continue to claim civilian lives amid stalled global peace negotiations.

Hugs and tears preceded a service the evening of Aug. 27 to mourn and pray for those killed and injured after a shooting earlier in the day at a Minneapolis Catholic elementary school.