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Read more: The historic pontificate of Pope Leo XIV
Read more: The historic pontificate of Pope Leo XIV

US Church faces these areas of ‘critical concern’ on religious liberty, says bishops’ report

by Kate Scanlon

The U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty issued its “Annual Report on the State of Religious Liberty” Feb. 17 outlining areas of critical concern.

As drought strikes hard, Church leaders in Eastern Africa call for Lenten prayers
Diocese of Camden reaches ‘long overdue’ $180 million abuse settlement
Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘countercultural’ repentance on first Ash Wednesday of his pontificate
Bishops praise Virginia Legislature for halting assisted suicide bill
Ash Wednesday boom gives hope to French Catholics they’re witnessing rebirth of faith

U.S. Church

Death is close; Jesus and his love are closer, say clergy in Ukraine war zone

by Gina Christian

The human heart finds its home in God and in communion with others, said two Catholic clergy from embattled eastern Ukraine at the annual New York Encounter.

Shevchuk: Ash Wednesday collection has helped ‘resurrect’ Church in Ukraine

Holy See will not join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin says

A quick guide to fasting in Lent

‘Unborn children are dying’: Pro-life leaders challenge ICE detention of pregnant women

USCCB calls for adoration hours, works of mercy to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

The No. 1 person former President Obama most wants to meet? It’s Pope Leo XIV

World

Olympic ski jumping silver, bronze medals lay on altar as young athlete’s faith goes viral

by Katarzyna Szalajko

At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Polish ski jumper Kacper Tomasiak made history — and then went to Mass.

Bangladesh’s bishops urge protection of minority rights amid joy over moderates’ election win
Commission issues ‘painful’ abuse report on Polish diocese, a first in the crisis-hit nation
UK Catholic lawmakers fight to stop ‘outrageous’ bills on assisted suicide, abortion up to birth
Catechist, pregnant wife among kidnapped in latest anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria
European bishops appeal for unity, warn against ‘idolatry’ of nationalism

Olympic skater aims to honor Italy’s Catholic culture with ‘Conclave’ program

Cuban bishops postpone ‘ad limina’ visit, citing current instability and uncertainty

French priest hears confessions while riding chairlift in the Alps

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV on Ash Wednesday: Ask the Lord for the gift of true conversion this Lent

by Courtney Mares

Opinion

Why doesn’t the Church require more demanding fasting for Lent?

by Jenna Marie Cooper

Adoption is choosing life

by Katie Yoder

Leo’s Lenten lessons

by Michael R. Heinlein

Reviews

Wuthering Heights

by Joseph McAleer
Hamnet
Movie Review: Sinners
‘Offer It Up’ explores finding grace in the pain of chronic illness
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