In a developing story, three people were confirmed dead and nine were injured, including a parish pastor, following what initial reports say was a mid-morning Israeli tank attack on the Holy Family Parish Church in Gaza on July 17.
International News
New Catholic Scouting Patch Honors Pope Leo XIV
Catholic scouts have several new achievements to aim for, including a Pope Leo XIV patch.
Understanding the Brown Scapular: A Symbol of Mary’s Love and Protection
On July 16, 1251, the Virgin Mary appeared to Carmelite priest St. Simon Stock and presented him with a brown scapular. “It must be a sign and a privilege for you and for all Carmelites,” she promised him. “Whoever dies wearing the scapular will not suffer eternal fire.”
Gaza’s Christian Community Persevering Amid Hardship and Hope
The parish priest of Gaza Strip’s small Christian community spoke to Vatican Radio amid tragedy after tragedy unfolding in the enclave, with at least 32 people killed by Israeli strikes only on July 13, including six children at a water collection point.
Trump Administration To Appeal After Judge Blocks ICE Detentions Based on Race
The Trump administration plans to appeal a federal judge’s July 11 ruling that bars immigration officers in Southern California from conducting immigration enforcement actions based solely on a person’s race or the fact that person is speaking Spanish.
ICE Deports Iowa Parishioner to Guatemala Homeland as Supporters Pray for His Release
Hours after a July 6 prayer vigil that Bishop Dennis G. Walsh of Davenport, Iowa, led for immigrant construction worker Pascual Pedro Pedro, Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities deported the 20-year-old West Liberty, Iowa, parishioner to Guatemala, his homeland.
Judge Blocks Trump Birthright Citizenship Order as Part of Class Action Lawsuit
A federal judge on July 10 placed a temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump’s executive order to to end the practice of birthright citizenship as part of a class action lawsuit.
San Bernardino Diocese Suspends Mass Obligation for Those With ‘Genuine Fear’ of ICE Raids
Amid concern over immigration enforcement raids in the area, the bishop of San Bernardino, California, on July 8 issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the faithful if they fear for their well-being.
Pope Leo XIV: Vatican Still Ready To Host Peace Talks Between Russia, Ukraine
Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his willingness to host representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican for peace negotiations.
Ending TPS for Honduras, Nicaragua Shows ‘No Discernment,’ Sparks Fear, Say Experts
On July 7, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would terminate the designation of Temporary Protected Status for the nations of Honduras and Nicaragua, effective Sept. 8.