Lord we pray "Help me to continually increase parish vitality and reflect the presence of Christ in the world."

Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Archbishop Caccia condemns racism, warns against AI stereotypes (Holy See Mission)

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the new apostolic nuncio to the United States, reiterated the Holy See’s “full and firm condemnation of racism and racial discrimination in all their forms.”

Addressing a UN meeting, Archbishop Caccia said that “at first glance, racism appears to persist in manifesting itself as discrimination founded on erroneous assumptions of racial superiority. However, at a more profound level, this pervasive scourge is operating through more subtle and complex mechanisms that often evade immediate recognition.”

Citing Pope Leo, Archbishop Caccia warned that AI systems can reflect the biases of those who construct them.

Archbishop Caccia’s mandate as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations officially ceased on March 7. However, no replacement has been named, and he has continued to represent the Holy See at the UN.

French bishops announce program for abuse victims (Église catholique en France)

The French bishops overwhelmingly approved the formation of Renaître (To be reborn), a program to accompany abuse victims.

Renaître will come into existence on September 1, following the expiration of the mandate of the Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation. The bishops’ conference explained that “personalized support is set up by people specifically trained by the national authority ... The support will make it possible to find restorative approaches with the person recognized as a victim.”

Under Renaître, the local bishop will send a “letter of acknowledgment of the violence suffered” upon the canonical or civil conviction of the accused. In other cases, such as when the accused priest is deceased, the bishop will acknowledge the suffering that has been experienced.

Catholic population remains stable at 17.8% of world population; baptisms decline, number of priests rises (CWN)

17.8% of the world’s people are Catholic, a figure that remained steady in 2024, according to statistics published in the new editions of the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae (2024 edition) and Annuario Pontificio (2026 edition).

Pope Leo appoints new Sostituto and new Prefect of the Papal Household (CWN)

Pope Leo XIV today named Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, the apostolic nuncio to Colombia, as the new Sostituto. The Pontiff also named Archbishop Petar Rajič, the apostolic nuncio to Italy and San Marino, as the new Prefect of the Papal Household, and in doing so filled a position that has been vacant for three years.

13-year decline in worldwide priestly vocations accelerates (CWN)

The 13-year decline in the number of major seminarians worldwide accelerated during 2024, the last full year of Pope Francis’s pontificate, according to statistics published in the new editions of the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae (2024 edition) and Annuario Pontificio (2026 edition).

Israeli Police Block Cardinal, Custos From Entering Church of the Holy Sepulchre

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Mar. 30 Monday of Holy Week, Triduum

For those following the readings of daily Mass in Lent, the Biblical best has been saved for Holy Week. The book of the prophet Isaiah contains four separate descriptions of a "Suffering Servant"--a shadowy figure called by God to suffer and give his life for the people. Today we read the first description of the Christ-like Suffering Servant. Isaiah shows him as chosen by God and patiently preaching justice to the nations. It is almost a description of the dedicated, patient Jesus. The Responsorial Psalm is the prayer of the Suffering Servant.

Holiness Is the Best Defense of the Faith

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The Difference St. Joseph Makes

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Sir James MacMillan’s ‘Angels Unawares’ Makes World Premiere in the Sistine Chapel

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