More than 50,000 Catholics in Sri Lanka have appealed to the Vatican to recognize the 171 victims of the 2019 Easter massacre as martyrs. This tragedy unfolded on April 21, 2019, when eight suicide bombers struck two Catholic churches, a Protestant church, and three luxury hotels, resulting in the loss of 269 lives and leaving over 500 wounded.
International News
People in the Holy Land Still ‘Open to the Dream’ of Reconciliation, Cardinal Dolan Says
When Cardinal Timothy Dolan recently met with victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and families of hostages taken during it, he said what stood out was that in a “land of broken hearts,” people will not give up on peace.
A Better World Can’t Be Built ‘Lying on the Couch,’ Pope Tells Children
Peace can spread and grow from “small seeds” like including someone who is left out of an activity, showing concern for someone who is struggling, picking up some litter and praying for God’s help, Pope Francis told Italian schoolchildren.
Pope, Council of Cardinals Continue Discussion of Women in the Church
Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals continued their discussions about the role of women in the church, listening to women experts, including a professor who spoke about how culture impacts women’s roles and status.
Eastertide Joy Turns to Tears as Sydney Catholics Mourn Horrific Knife Attack’s Victims
The joy of Eastertide has turned to shock and bewilderment across Sydney’s Catholic community in the wake of a deadly knife attack at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping center April 13, in which seven people were killed and a dozen injured, including a nine-month-old baby.
Notre Dame’s Reopening is ‘Occasion of Spiritual Awakening for France,’ Cathedral’s Rector Says
With the scaffolding removed from the newly installed spire of Notre Dame Cathedral and reconstruction work going full speed inside France’s most iconic church, the home of precious relics and a tourist site visited by millions of people yearly will be ready to reopen Dec. 8.
Pope Francis Pleads for Military Restraint in the Middle East
The morning after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel, Pope Francis pleaded with nations to avoid a further escalation of the violence.
Cardinal Dolan Safe in Jerusalem Amid Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
By Maria Wiering (OSV News) — Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York is presently safe in Jerusalem amid Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, where air raid sirens in the late hours of April 13 alerted the country to incoming drones and missiles. Joseph Zwilling, communications director for the Archdiocese of New York, who is […]
U.S. Catholics Support for Pope Francis Still High, but Lower Than Before
A new report has found that Pope Francis’ favorability rating among American Catholics has fallen from 83% in 2021 to 75% in 2024, with those who view the pontiff unfavorably also saying he represents a change in the direction of the Church.
Pope Plans to Travel to Asia in September, Vatican Confirms
Pope Francis is planning to make the longest trip of his papacy in September, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, the Vatican press office announced.