world news
Catholic Church holds firm on not taking stand on political candidates, despite possible IRS shift
The Catholic Church “maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates,” said U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spokesperson Chieko Noguchi, following a recent court case in which a long-standing federal ban against such activity appeared to have been partly relaxed.
Pope’s prayer intention for July: That the faithful might again learn how to discern
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for July is for expanded formation in discernment.
Barron: With no clergy-penitent exception, WA abuse law threatens religious liberty
A contested Washington state law that would require priests to violate the seal of confession to report abuse “represents an egregious violation of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment,” Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who is a member of the U.S. Religious Liberty Commission, told OSV News.
Augustinian prior opens up about papal vacation, first encyclical, appointments and tennis
Pope Leo XIV began his summer break July 6 at Castel Gandolfo, where he’ll stay through July 20. But don’t expect the Holy Father to simply relax.
3 North Americans named to Vatican dicasteries for ecumenism, interreligious dialogue
Three North Americans are among recent appointees to Vatican dicasteries that address issues of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.
ANALYSIS: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ cuts expected to outweigh benefits for low-income families
It’s a question with profound implications for millions of Americans: With the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law July 4, will families thrive or languish? Will poverty increase, or decrease? Will more go hungry, or will more be fed?
Safeguarding remains a top priority with new appointment, US cardinal says
Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors shows that safeguarding remains a top priority, its former president said.
Pope at Angelus: Be a laborer in the field of mission
Addressing the faithful gathered for his Sunday Angelus on July 6, Pope Leo offered a reflection on the missionary nature of the church, grounded in the Gospel of Luke.
Catholics mourn, offer support, as Texas flood’s catastrophic death toll rises
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott declared Sunday, July 6 a day of prayer throughout the state, as the death toll from catastrophic flooding July 4 has now risen to at least 82 people as of July 7, including 28 children in Kerr County. More than 40 people remain missing.
Pope names French Archbishop Verny as new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, replacing retired Cardinal
Archbishop Thibault Verny is the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. He will put his French experience at the service of the universal church, while retaining his diocesan responsibilities.