President Donald Trump and Pope Francis are not likely to become fast friends or — in the main — political allies. As governors, however, Trump and Pope Francis are remarkably similar in several respects.
National News
Monk Reignites Benedictine Tradition One Hot Sauce Bottle at a Time
In the eyes of Father Richard Walz, a Benedictine monk at Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas, hot sauces are like rosaries: everybody who wants one should get one.
Polka Dancing, Hershey’s Kisses and Novenas for World Marriage Day
A sea of heart-shaped cards, candy and decor reminds couples that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. But at the same time, many Catholic parishes are preparing to celebrate a related but different memorial to love — World Marriage Day.
‘This is Very Difficult,’ Caritas Puerto Rico Director Says Amid Funding Freeze
Amid the uncertainty around the future of federal funding, Father Enrique Camacho said he has received calls at the Caritas Puerto Rico office from concerned citizens looking for answers — answers he is unable to provide until he gets some clarity.
Trump’s School Choice Executive Order ‘Rightly Affirms’ Role of Parents, Say U.S. Bishops
Applauding a recent executive order that promotes parental choice in education, Bishop David O’Connell highlighted that the order “rightly recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children.”
Pope, Catholic Leaders Offer Prayers Following Deadly Plane Crash
Pope Francis has expressed his “spiritual closeness to all those affected” by the midair collision of a passenger plane and military helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington on Jan. 29.
Trump Administration Walks Back Memo But Reiterates Commitment to Funding Freeze
In a move that has created even more confusion for nonprofit organizations and states, among others, President Donald Trump’s budget office has rescinded a memo that ordered a temporary pause on federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs.
Trump White House Suggests It Will Strip Funds From Catholic Charities
The White House Jan. 28 sought to clarify what would and would not be impacted by a directive to freeze federal financial assistance programs and suggested it would seek to strip federal funds from nongovernmental organizations including Catholic Charities as part of its effort to enforce its immigration policies.
Vance Spars with U.S. Bishops Over Their Pushback on Trump’s Immigration Policy
Vice President JD Vance questioned the motives of the U.S. bishops’ criticism of President Donald Trump’s new immigration policies in a Jan. 26 interview — including raids on churches and schools — asking if they are actually concerned about receiving federal resettlement funding and “their bottom line.”
Trump Bars Taxpayer Funding for Abortion in the U.S. or Overseas
President Donald Trump on Jan. 24 used executive authority to block taxpayer funds from paying for elective abortion procedures both in the U.S. and abroad.