Pope Leo on Disabilities, Vatican Diplomat in Moscow, Cistercian Monk's Novel, Faith and Science Study Bible and Irish Baptisms Decline

Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think. God bless!Maggie Murray of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for August 25, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV told members of Spain's Marsodeto Federation that recognizing Christ in the faces of people with disabilities helps society grow, praising their 45 years of service to more than 2,600 people.Archbishop Paul Gallagher arrived in Moscow for a four-day diplomatic visit as European leaders gathered in Kyiv for Ukraine's independence anniversary, reflecting the Vatican's commitment to keeping dialogue open.Father Thomas Esposito of Our Lady of Dallas Cistercian Abbey published "Blue Miles," a debut novel following an elderly monk through a single day and exploring both the joys and struggles of monastic life.Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer's new "Science, Reason, and Faith: Catholic Study Bible" aims to show that science and faith are complementary, addressing a leading reason young Catholics leave the Church.A new Iona Institute report found Catholic baptisms in Ireland fell nearly 30 percent over the past decade, driven by declining birth rates and accelerating secularization.