Earthquake Aid to Venezuela, McElroy on Exorcist Removal, Ukrainian Bishops on Freedom, and More

Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think. God bless!Gina Christian of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for July 8, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Catholic leaders and organizations in the U.S. continue to aid Venezuela as that nation recovers from two deadly earthquakes that struck 39 seconds apart June 24.Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington said his decision to remove a high-profile priest as an archdiocesan exorcist was driven by the public way he exercised his ministry, not by his specific beliefs about UFOs.As the United States marked its 250th anniversary, Ukrainian Catholic bishops urged Americans to reflect on the true meaning of freedom through Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's full-scale invasion.Father Mike Schmitz, one of the most popular priest-influencers on social media, brought his signature warmth and energy to Fort Lauderdale on his "Parables" tour, inviting audiences to rediscover the timeless message of Christ's Gospel through the parables.Pope Leo XIV marked the 250th anniversary of the United States with a relaxed July 4 dinner at the Rome residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch, offering a rare glimpse of the first American pope in an informal setting.