At his weekly general audience May 3, the pope reflected on his visit April 28-30 to Budapest, Hungary.

Shortly after urging people to pray the rosary for peace and entrusting the people of Ukraine to Mary’s care, Pope Francis met briefly with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, director of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Abortion bans failed in Nebraska and South Carolina, two Republican-led states, in the final week of April following a successful effort in North Dakota.

Moscow is not working with the Vatican to end the war in Ukraine, said a Kremlin spokesperson.

As a small Texas community grapples with a mass shooting, a Catholic parish is turning to prayer and trust in God.

A Florida-based Catholic relief and development organization has been playing an important part in assisting with Pope Francis’ aid efforts for Ukraine, the organization’s president said.

While only one Indigenous North American — St. Kateri Tekakwitha — has achieved it, the six American Black Catholics with causes underway have waited a total of 720 years for sainthood.

King Charles III reaffirmed his Protestant identity in speeches after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 — and will reaffirm it again during the coronation service.

Praising the piety and charity of Hungarian Christians and their commitment to supporting traditional family life, Pope Francis said Christ also calls them to open their hearts — and perhaps their borders — to others in need.

To be Christian is to be open and welcoming to others, Pope Francis said as he celebrated Mass outside Hungary’s Parliament building.