OSV Newscast

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 May 13, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, said the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X would commit "a schismatic act" if it proceeds with plans to consecrate new bishops July 1 without papal approval.A New Mexico diocese is citing a breach of religious freedom protections, as it pushes back against the Trump administration's efforts to seize land from a pilgrimage site to build a portion of a border wall. Pope Leo XIV's upcoming address to Spain's parliament is being seen as a historic and potentially unifying moment in one of Europe's most politically polarized countries. Forty-five years after the assassination attempt on St. John Paul II, Pope Leo XIV paused in St. Peter's Square on May 13 to pray at the spot where the Polish pontiff was shot in 1981.Sharing the Gospel means "we must be present in digital spaces," and an annual collection held May 16-17 this year by the nation's Catholic bishops aims to bolster those efforts. (You can donate online to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Catholic Communications Campaign at https://www.igivecatholic.org/story/USCCB-CCC)

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 May 12, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode: Religious freedom advocates are urging President Donald Trump to quickly fill a key ambassador role as concerns grow about protecting persecuted faith communities worldwide.  Israeli soldiers were disciplined after separate incidents involving the desecration of Christian statues in southern Lebanon sparked outrage among local Christian leaders.  Catholic educators in Indonesia are reviewing child protection policies after a major abuse scandal at an Islamic boarding school exposed failures in oversight and safeguarding.  Catholic leaders gathered in Detroit for the “Witness to Hope” summit to discuss how the Church can better accompany and protect immigrant communities amid expanded immigration enforcement.  Chicago-area Catholics marked the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election with a pilgrimage to his boyhood parish and family home, celebrating the pope’s roots and legacy.

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 May 11, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com. Read the stories in this episode:President Donald Trump said May 11 he plans to discuss the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai during his upcoming visit to China; however, he suggested the prominent Catholic and pro-democracy campaigner "caused a lot of bedlam."A Texas-based bishop, who leads one of the Catholic Church's three "Anglican ordinariates," has seen his pastoral care expanded to Australia, as a fellow prelate has been tapped to lead a Vatican dicastery.The Vatican’s dialogue with German bishops over blessings for same-sex couples remains ongoing, and it is too early to discuss sanctions, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said May 6 in Rome.Pope Leo XIV thanked the people of Spain’s Canary Islands after authorities allowed a cruise ship carrying passengers exposed to hantavirus to dock in Tenerife.During his May 7 visit to St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, sat down with OSV News to share his insights on Christian hope, the dangers of AI and weaponizing the Christian faith, and the need for patience in the spiritual life. (Listen to our full podcast interview right here on this channel.)

Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think. God bless!Gina Christian of OSV News sits down with Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, for his thoughts on a range of topics, including hope amid an angst-ridden world; artificial intelligence (AI); countering -- and healing -- the weaponization of the Christian faith for political gain; and the need for patience. Bishop Varden also shared what he's reading right now, his favorite music, and one pastime he manages to fit into his busy schedule. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com, and visit Bishop Varden's website at coramfratribus.com. (Many thanks to St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, for hosting this interview.)Read our OSV News interview with Bishop Erik Varden.

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 May 8, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV marked the first anniversary of his election today with a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Pompeii, celebrating Mass before 20,000 people and entrusting his pontificate to the Virgin Mary on the very feast day that coincided with his election.A lighthearted story about Pope Leo XIV being hung up on during a customer service call to his Chicago bank has gone viral, charming Catholics worldwide with a surprisingly relatable glimpse of life as the first American pope.A photograph of an Israeli soldier appearing to desecrate a statue of the Virgin Mary in Lebanon is drawing international condemnation, adding to a growing pattern of anti-Christian incidents tied to the ongoing regional conflict.Catholic health workers and Caritas Bangladesh are on the front lines of a deadly measles outbreak that has killed at least 336 children since mid-March, with Church-run clinics providing care and public health education despite Christians comprising less than one percent of the population.Hundreds of Catholics in Los Angeles turned out to venerate relics of 36 Cristero War martyrs, with many attendees drawing personal family connections to the conflict and finding in the martyrs a renewed call to live and defend their faith openly and without fear.

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 May 7, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican today for more than 45 minutes of talks on Iran, humanitarian aid and global conflicts, amid ongoing public tensions between the pope and President Trump over the war.A Vatican parish hosted a public discussion on UFOs and extraterrestrial life, reflecting the Church's long tradition of engaging timely cultural questions at the intersection of science, philosophy and Catholic faith.The French bishops' conference announced Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit France in late September, with stops likely at the Marian shrine of Lourdes and in Paris — marking his first official trip to the country as pope.The Minnesota Senate narrowly passed a sweeping firearms bill on a 34-33 vote, with debate centering on last August's deadly shooting during an all-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church that killed two young children.As the House-passed $390 billion farm bill heads to the Senate, Catholic organizations are urging lawmakers to preserve robust funding for SNAP, arguing that the needs of farmers, rural communities and hungry Americans are fundamentally aligned, not opposed.

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 May 6, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:A new poll published the day after President Donald Trump renewed his series of social media and verbal attacks on Pope Leo XIV, showed Americans broadly disapprove. The Catholic Church is the guardian of hope, whose members are called to speak clearly against all evil and in defense of human life, Pope Leo XIV said.African Catholic leaders are calling for urgent action to stop rising xenophobic violence in South Africa, where attacks on foreign nationals have left several dead and others injured.Several Catholic aid organizations said they remain "united in hope" for Ukraine, as Russia's war on that nation relentlessly rages on. New research shows the number of undocumented immigrants -- if defined as those without long-term authorization to reside in the U.S. including those granted short-term legal status -- reached an estimated 14.6 million in 2024, an "increasingly settled" population that reflects shifts in migration patterns.

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 May 5, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode: U.S. bishops are urging the FDA to move quickly on a long-promised safety review of the abortion drug mifepristone amid concerns of delay.  Plans are underway in Illinois for a national shrine honoring Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States.  Catholic leaders are raising alarm after reports of damage to a Christian school in Lebanon, warning of growing threats to Christians and sacred sites in the Holy Land.  Federal authorities have charged a juvenile in a cybercrime-linked swatting attack that disrupted Mass at Villanova University, Pope Leo XIV’s alma mater.  Irish dancer Michael Flatley reflects on faith and vocation after a personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

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 May 4, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Justice Samuel Alito issued an administrative stay today temporarily blocking a lower court ruling that had sought to restrict mail distribution of mifepristone, restoring the policy until at least May 11th while the Supreme Court weighs next steps.The Archdiocese of New York has proposed an $800 million settlement to resolve approximately 1,300 clergy abuse claims, with each survivor potentially receiving $250,000 if the deal is unanimously accepted — though the risk of bankruptcy looms if any claimants hold out.Pope Leo XIV met with Catholic Charities USA leadership at the Vatican today, praising their mission of compassionate service and offering a word of Gospel encouragement to an organization facing rising demand amid growing economic hardship across the United States.Pope Leo XIV condemned a deadly April 25th bombing in Colombia's Cauca province that killed 20 people, calling on all parties to reject violence and choose peace as the country's bishops echoed his appeal for reconciliation and respect for human life.Poland's Marian sanctuary of Gietrzwałd — the country's only Vatican-recognized apparition site — is preparing to mark its 150th anniversary with hopes of a papal visit, as the Church also advances the sainthood cause of one of the two young visionaries who witnessed Mary's reported appearances in 1877.

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 April 30, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:The Trump administration's Department of Justice released a report today accusing the Biden administration of "anti-Christian bias" in its policy approach to abortion, marriage and gender — a move critics say is politically motivated ahead of the midterm elections.At an April 30th federal commission hearing, panelists warned that children are among the most defenseless victims of global religious persecution, with governments around the world deliberately targeting youth to erode faith communities across generations.Pope Leo XIV released his May prayer intention today, calling on Catholics worldwide to combat global hunger through practical solidarity, as the World Food Program warns 318 million people face severe food insecurity in 2026.Israeli authorities arrested a suspect in the violent assault of a French nun near Jerusalem's Cenacle, drawing international condemnation amid growing concerns over anti-Christian harassment in the region.Jessica Cox — born without arms and now a record-breaking pilot, martial arts black belt and Catholic speaker — is inspiring audiences around the world with her message that faith can conquer any obstacle, as she sets her sights on building a custom four-seat aircraft she calls "The Impossible Airplane."

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 April 29, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:King Charles III appealed to the Christian faith and invoked "shared values" between the United Kingdom and the United States as he called for peace around the globe during an address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress April 28.The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled April 29 that a group of faith-based pregnancy centers in New Jersey can challenge in federal court an investigation by that state's attorney general alleging they misled people about their services and seeking information about their donors.The Vatican Observatory announced in an April 29 press release that an asteroid has been named in honor of Pope Leo XIII, who formally reestablished the observatory in 1891.Christians in the Holy Land are dwindling under the pressures of war, economic hardship and emigration, according to Benedictine Father Nikodemus Schnabel, head of Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem.Pope Leo XIV said in his April 29 general audience he wanted his journey to Africa to highlight the serious injustices continuing there and propose a message of peace to a world marred by conflict and violations of international law. 

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 April 28, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV advances five sainthood causes, including Sister Teresia of the Most Holy Trinity, a Dutch Carmelite nun who served and suffered quietly in Missouri. Seoul organizers announce five patron saints for World Youth Day 2027, highlighting holiness, justice, and faith for a new generation of Catholic youth.Msgr. Robert Coll, the priest behind Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl program, is remembered for a legacy of service that helped raise nearly $350 million for the poor.Catholic leaders in South Sudan renew calls for justice three years after the disappearance of Father Luke Yugue Mbokusa and his driver.Universities across the U.S. report a surge in students seeking confirmation, with many young adults saying they found faith while searching for meaning and belonging.

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 April 24, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV has wrapped up his first trip to Africa, closing an 11-day, four-nation visit marked by urgent appeals for peace, justice and unity. Church leaders in Cameroon say Pope Leo XIV's visit could mark a turning point for peace in a nation strained by conflict. At a memorial Mass marking one year since Pope Francis' death, Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva delivered a sharp message to Argentina's political leaders: stop the infighting and embrace unity.A vote for the Right to Recover Act would be a vote to "choose life and not death" and build a civilization that cares, Cardinal Frank Leo said in April 20 letters to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and all members of Parliament from the Toronto area, amid debate over expansion of that nation's assisted suicide program.Supporters of Maryknoll Father Vincent Capodanno's sainthood cause are marking a meaningful milestone with cautious optimism.

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 April 23, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV wrapped up an 11-day visit to Africa with a vibrant Mass in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, urging Catholics to find strength, justice and hope in the Gospel and the sacraments.A national garden proposed by survivors of clergy sexual abuse promises to foster healing not only for survivors but also for the Catholic Church as a whole in the nation's capital.Lebanese Christians in Debel are celebrating the gift of a new statue of Jesus on the cross after a recent act of desecration by two Israeli soldiers drew global outrage. An Indigenous coalition filed an updated lawsuit in federal district court in Phoenix on April 22, their latest attempt to block a land transfer including their sacred site at Oak Flat, Arizona, and protect the site from destruction by a copper mining giant. This spring, the U.S. will see more than 400 men ordained to the priesthood, and an annual report conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University for the U.S. bishops takes a look at what factors shaped the priestly class of 2026.

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 April 22, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:In Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV urges citizens and leaders to use their nation’s wealth for the common good while safeguarding human dignity during a major Mass in Central Africa’s largest Catholic church. Missionaries across Africa say Pope Leo’s first papal trip was not political, but a pastoral message of peace, solidarity, and hope rooted in Christ. President Donald Trump reads Scripture at a national Bible event amid controversy over past posts targeting Pope Leo and an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. A federal appeals court narrowly upholds a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms, reigniting debate over religion and public life. A new Marquette survey finds most Americans believe the U.S. lacked sufficient reasons for the Iran war, even as bipartisan support remains for a ceasefire.

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 April 21, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV remembers Pope Francis as a shepherd of mercy and closeness to the poor one year after his death. A Mass at St. Mary Major highlights Pope Francis’ lasting legacy of mercy, peace and pastoral leadership. Pope Francis’ longtime nurse shares personal memories of the pope’s humility, final moments and quiet holiness. Catholic leaders condemn Pakistan court's decision upholding the marriage of a 13-year-old Christian girl, warning of threats to religious freedom. Organizers clarify the “one nation under God” theme as a call to prayer and unity, not a political message.

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 April 20, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV has personally donated $100,000 to provide access to clean water in El Salvador, supporting a program launched by the papal nuncio to that nation and by Catholic Relief Services, the official humanitarian and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.The U.S. Supreme Court April 20 agreed to hear a case over a clash between Catholic preschools and the state of Colorado over whether those schools can participate in the state's universal preschool program. Israel's military is investigating after a viral image showed an Israeli soldier desecrating a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon.Pope Leo XIV celebrated an outdoor Mass April 19 in Kilamba, drawing an estimated 100,000 faithful and delivering a message of hope to a nation still marked by civil war. Pope Leo XIV traveled to the heart of Angola's diamond country April 20, urging the tens of thousands gathered at the papal Mass in the country's northeast to trust that "Christ hears the cry of the people" in the face of evil. 

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 April 17, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for more than 120,000 people in Cameroon’s largest city April 17, urging the "beloved children of the African continent" to respond to hunger with both charity and faith, sharing material food and "the bread of life."The Catholic Church's just war doctrine is not "a blank check for violence," and the pope is the "guardian of conscience," said Auxiliary Bishop James Massa of Brooklyn, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Doctrine. An increasing number of the nation's young men say religion is "very important" in their lives, marking a return to levels seen 25 years ago, and edging them ahead of young women on the issue, according to Gallup.Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence could reshape how humanity relates to truth. Speaking April 17 at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, he urged students to pair technical skill with ethical formation in a rapidly digital world. Ten years after her death in Ecuador's 2016 earthquake, Sister Clare Crockett is being remembered as a joyful witness to the faith whose story continues to resonate worldwide.

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 April 16, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon this week, calling for peace and dialogue in a nation ravaged by separatist conflict, just days after armed factions announced a temporary ceasefire ahead of his visit.In an emotionally charged gathering in Bamenda, Pope Leo delivered a forceful appeal for an end to Cameroon's decade-long Anglophone crisis, hearing firsthand accounts of violence against worshippers and communities while urging the faithful that "we can always begin anew."A U.S. bishop defended the Church's just war tradition after Vice President JD Vance warned Pope Leo to "be careful" when speaking about theology and pushed back on the pope's characterization of the Iran conflict as unjust.The Trump administration canceled an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of Miami, abruptly ending its shelter program for unaccompanied migrant children and giving the agency just three months to relocate those in its care.A new survey from the Vinea Research Group found that two-thirds of Catholics who haven't been to confession in the past year say they're open to returning, with mercy identified as the primary motivator drawing both regular penitents and the long-absent back to the sacrament.

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 April 15, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:More of the nation's Catholic bishops have weighed in after President Donald Trump began denouncing Pope Leo XIV at length on social media, and then posted a now-deleted image of himself as Jesus. More than a year after Donald Trump pardoned 23 pro-life activists convicted for violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE Act, the Justice Department released a sweeping 882-page report that alleges the Biden administration weaponized those prosecutions. Separatist groups in Cameroon's Anglophone regions have announced a temporary ceasefire as Pope Leo begins a high-stakes visit to the country.In a letter to the College of Cardinals released April 14, Pope Leo XIV thanked the prelates them for their participation in the January consistory, and he prepared the conversation for their next gathering June 26-27 -- right before the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. A record surge in adult and teen baptisms at France's Easter Vigil is drawing widespread attention, with secular media calling it an “astonishing phenomenon.” 

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 April 14, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:The Justice Department’s Religious Liberty Commission concluded its final hearing as Christian criticism swirls over President Trump’s recent attacks on Pope Leo and controversial social media posts. A coalition of 78 pro-life organizations is pressing the Justice Department to back state efforts challenging Biden-era expansions of mifepristone access. Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Algeria, calling Catholics to inherit the saint’s legacy of truth, faith and charity. Church leaders in Cameroon say Pope Leo’s upcoming visit has sparked hope, unity and even practical improvements ahead of his arrival. Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona has been elected patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, taking leadership at a critical time for Middle Eastern Christians.

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 April 13, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:President Donald Trump publicly lashed out at Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff condemned threats of mass destruction and continued urging peace amid the Iran conflict. Pope Leo says he has "no fear" of the Trump Administration and insists his response to war and conflict remains rooted in the Gospel’s call to peace. Pope Leo arrives in Algeria for the first papal visit to the country, beginning an 11-day Africa trip centered on peace, dialogue and interfaith outreach. Three U.S. cardinals speak out on national television against the Iran war, mass deportations and the politicization of the Church’s message. U.S. bishops are urging federal officials to protect pregnant women and nursing mothers in immigration detention, citing reports of miscarriages and family separations.

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 April 10, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV will begin his first apostolic journey to Africa on April 13, traveling more than 11,000 miles over 11 days across Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.The Holy See Press Office issued a statement April 10 disputing a report by The Free Press several days earlier that the Vatican's top diplomat in the U.S. was brought to the Pentagon in January for a "bitter lecture" about comments from Pope Leo XIV that some senior U.S. defense officials​​ perceived as criticism of the Trump administration. 'Pope Leo XIV met Olympic and Paralympic athletes from  the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, praising sport as a path to humility, resilience and peace.A new pastoral letter from Indiana's Catholic bishops calls on the faithful to see God-given human life and creation as interwoven, and to live "eucharistic lives as we care for both our human community and for God's good world."As the Artemis II mission wraps up, OSV News looks at how space exploration has long stirred both curiosity and faith in Catholics.

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 April 9, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Conflicting accounts emerge over a January meeting between U.S. defense officials and the Vatican’s ambassador, as both sides downplay reports of a tense exchange over Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of war. As a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire teeters, escalating strikes in Lebanon prompt the Vatican’s nuncio to urge peace, warning that war is “not the right path” amid mounting civilian suffering. Hungarian Catholics voice concern ahead of a contentious national election, as Church leaders remain largely silent and political tensions raise fears of deeper division. A Notre Dame peace scholar says rising military threats by global powers are undermining the international order, warning that unchecked force erodes trust and accountability. Across the U.S., dioceses and parishes are organizing prayer vigils in response to Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for peace, emphasizing spiritual unity amid escalating global conflict.

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 April 8, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:After threatening Iran’s “whole civilization” with destruction, President Donald Trump backed down hours before his deadline, saying he would suspend attacks for two weeks if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, following condemnation from Catholic leaders including Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley. A federal judge in Louisiana temporarily halted the state’s challenge to the FDA’s abortion pill rules until the agency completes a promised safety review of mifepristone, though the court indicated the legal fight could continue afterward.At the opening of the National Catholic Educational Association convention in Minneapolis, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens told educators that Catholic schools must help heal young people’s wounded hearts by guiding them toward truth, love and self-giving. As Vilnius prepares to host the sixth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, pilgrims will reflect on the legacy of St. Faustina Kowalska and witness mercy in action at a hospice inspired by the message of Divine Mercy. One year after the fatal shooting of beloved pastor Father Arul Carasala, parishioners in Seneca, Kansas, gathered in prayer and remembrance, reflecting on grief, faith and the legacy of the priest who served their community for decades.

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 April 7, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Paul Coakley and Pope Leo XIV, rebuked President Donald Trump after he threatened Iran’s “whole civilization will die tonight,” urging negotiations and prayer for peace instead of further escalation in the war. Catholic clergy visiting migrant detainees at a Chicago-area ICE facility during the Easter Triduum said the Holy Thursday foot-washing and prayers were received as a powerful sign of care and humanity. After 17 years evaluating reported healings at the Marian shrine of Lourdes, Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis has retired, emphasizing that physicians assess medical facts while the Catholic Church ultimately determines whether a healing is a miracle. Amid ongoing violence in the Middle East, a Washington Catholic parish hosted Jewish, Muslim and Christian neighbors for a shared meal inspired by Abraham’s hospitality and aimed at strengthening peace and unity. During NASA’s Artemis II lunar flyby, astronaut Victor Glover reminded Earth of Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor, sharing a message of faith and unity moments before the spacecraft temporarily lost communication behind the moon.

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 April 6, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:From the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV delivered an Easter appeal for peace April 5, telling tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square that the risen Christ’s power is "entirely nonviolent."Pope Leo XIV on April 6 honored Pope Francis and urged Catholics to follow the late pope’s example by boldly proclaiming the truth in a world clouded by confusion and falsehood. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services is raising serious moral concerns about the U.S. war in Iran, questioning whether it meets the standards of Catholic just war teaching.Pope Leo XIV sent Easter greetings to Catholics in Gaza, offering prayers and support to a community living amid war and uncertainty.NASA's first crewed lunar flyby in half a century has sparked wonder, reflection and prayer -- both in space and on the ground -- with pilot Victor Glover sharing his faith as he and his fellow crew members make history.

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 April 2, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:President Donald Trump defended U.S. military action in Iran during a primetime address citing nuclear threats, while Catholic leaders including Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley urged prayer, dialogue and an end to the war.  The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called on Catholics to “pray ardently” for peace during Holy Week, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to remember those suffering amid violence in the Middle East.  Pope Leo XIV marked his first Holy Thursday as pope by washing the feet of 12 priests at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, pointing to Christ’s example of humility, service and love at the Last Supper.  The U.S. bishops’ pro-life chair backed legislation seeking to revoke FDA approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, arguing women deserve compassionate support rather than what he called the isolating effects of chemical abortion.  Filmmaker Martin Scorsese explores the story and humanity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a special Easter episode of his docudrama series The Saints, now streaming on Fox Nation.

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 April 1, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Church leaders in Jerusalem are voicing deep concern after Israel’s parliament approved a new death penalty law targeting Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, calling it a blow to human dignity.The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 1 on President Donald Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship, with the president in attendance. The Trump administration signaled it would provide another year of Title X grant money to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, the day before those funds were set to expire, prompting condemnation from leaders of pro-life groups.In the days ahead of Holy Week, several Catholic leaders issued messages denouncing antisemitism, stressing Church teaching on the issue as the faithful solemnly commemorate Christ's passion and death. Pope Leo XIV is calling on Catholics to pray for priests experiencing crisis, especially those facing loneliness, doubt, and exhaustion. 

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 March 31, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Catholic Charities USA has launched a traveling museum titled People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors in New York City, beginning a three-year nationwide tour designed to inspire service and highlight the impact of Catholic charitable work across the United States. JD Vance will publish a new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, this summer recounting his adult conversion to Catholicism and spiritual journey since entering the Church in 2019. Catholics in Chicago are mourning the killing of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University Chicago, as church leaders and her family urge prayer and remembrance while warning against politicizing the tragedy. French priest Father Arnaud de Boissieu is sharing his story of abuse and healing in a new memoir, describing decades of silence after being assaulted as a teenager and his ongoing journey toward forgiveness and spiritual recovery. The Archdiocese of Paris is moving forward with a major architectural project transforming a former convent into housing and community space for vulnerable people and young volunteers in the heart of the French capital. 

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 March 30, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV used his first visit to Monaco March 28 to challenge the wealthy principality to center its life on the poor and the protection of human life, warning that the Last Judgment "places the poor at its center." In his first Palm Sunday homily, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong message of peace, presenting Jesus as the "King of Peace" who rejects violence and stands with all who suffer. Christians in Gaza City marked Palm Sunday with an unexpected sign of hope, gathering at Holy Family Parish for Mass and a procession despite rain, gunfire and ongoing hardship. Georgetown University in Qatar, located in Doha, has closed its buildings as war in the Middle East continues -- with the Iranian regime now explicitly naming American universities as "legitimate targets" in retaliation for strikes on two schools in Iran. As the Church enters Holy Week, the story of Japanese sculptor Etsuro Sotoo offers a powerful witness to faith shaped through art. 

Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think. God bless!Gina Christian of OSV News recently sat down with Basilian Sisters Sevastiana Karvatska, Inokentiia Brattsiv and Lucia Murashko, who serve in Ukraine, to ask the sisters how they bring God's presence to a war-weary nation. The sisters, who spoke during a March 2026 visit to the U.S., shared their fears, their faith and their determination to continue bringing the light of Christ amid the darkness of Russia's ongoing attacks. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read our related story: On front lines of war, Basilian sisters bring the presence of God

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 March 27, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:On March 24, to commemorate the feast day of the martyr St. Óscar Romero, hundreds of people joined in a march and vigil calling for an end to mass deportations and mass detention led by El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz and other Catholic bishops, clergy and organizations in downtown El Paso. More than 20,000 catechumens in France are preparing to enter the Church this Easter, marking a striking 20% increase over last year.Spain's bishops are urging a renewed commitment to care and accompaniment following the March 26 euthanasia death of 25-year-old Noelia Castillo. Cardinal Arthur Roche is urging Catholics to see liturgical debates through the lens of unity, not personal preference.As Russia's war in Ukraine rages on, Basilian Sisters Sevastiana Karvatska, Inokentiia Brattsiv and Lucia Murashko shared with OSV News their experiences of ministering in a nation both ravaged and resilient -- a place where faith is tested to the extreme, and proven. Make sure to check out our extended podcast with the Basilian sisters which drops Saturday March 28.

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 March 26, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV prepares for a historic nine-hour visit to Monaco March 28, with Vatican officials describing the wealthy city-state as a “laboratory of peace” where the pope will highlight human dignity and hidden social struggles.As Pope Leo prepares to visit Monaco, attention turns to Princess Grace Kelly, the American-born Catholic princess whose faith shaped her marriage, motherhood, charity work and devotion during her years in the principality.A group of U.S. senators has sent investigatory letters to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and manufacturers of the abortion drug mifepristone seeking information about its manufacturing, sales and online distribution.Pope Leo XIV has urged French bishops to ease tensions over the traditional Latin Mass and find ways to include Catholics attached to the Church’s older liturgy while maintaining unity after the decree Traditionis Custodes.A new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith affirms that the Catholic Church’s Anglican ordinariates continue to make a lasting contribution to evangelization through their distinctive spiritual and liturgical heritage.

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 March 25, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:The Vatican announces Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified Sept. 24 in St. Louis, marking what Church leaders call a moment of immense grace.The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on whether a policy turning away asylum seekers at the border can be reinstated.Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Barron reject claims of anti-Catholic bias tied to the removal of a former Religious Liberty Commission member.Residents of Taybeh, the West Bank’s last all-Christian village, describe growing fear and hardship amid rising violence.Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to defend life from conception to natural death during a world marked by what he calls the madness of war.

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 March 24, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Omaha’s archbishop praises the declaration of Father Edward Flanagan as venerable, highlighting the Boys Town founder’s legacy of charity toward vulnerable youth.War-related restrictions are forcing major changes to Holy Week in Jerusalem, including canceling the traditional Palm Sunday procession.Eastern Catholic bishops in the U.S. issue a call for peace and justice as war and persecution affect their communities’ homelands.Pope Leo XIV meets the head of Israel’s Holocaust memorial center to discuss remembrance, research and rising antisemitism.Catholic priests are using the Reddit forum “Ask a Priest” to answer faith questions and extend ministry into the digital world.

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 March 23, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Newly opened Church archives in Poland report that Cardinal Karol Wojtyla acted decisively in abuse cases, challenging claims made in a controversial 2023 documentary.Pope Leo XIV declares Boys Town founder Father Edward Flanagan venerable, advancing the priest known for helping vulnerable youth toward sainthood.Pope Leo calls the suffering caused by war a “scandal for the entire human family” as he urges prayer and peace during his Sunday Angelus.U.S. bishops are urging Congress to pass legislation investigating the legacy and impact of Indian boarding schools on Native American communities.A Catholic television producer is bringing Old Testament stories to life through a new drama series focused on the women of the Bible.

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 March 20, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Catholic dioceses and organizations are canceling events and rethinking initiatives honoring the late civil rights icon César Chávez, following newly reported allegations the activist -- who publicly drew on his Catholic faith in his work -- sexually abused several women and girls.The Napa Institute -- the California-based organization dedicated to equipping Catholic leaders "to bring the light of Christ into every sphere of culture" -- held its second Ecumenical Forum on March 18 at the Museum of the Bible, including the first Catholic Mass at the museum.About 240 students from the Chesterton Schools Network began a 10-day pilgrimage to Italy with Pope Leo XIV's general audience in St. Peter's Square. Israel has closed Jerusalem's holiest sites -- including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher -- citing security concerns amid escalating conflict with Iran.

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 March 19, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Pope Leo XIV announces he will bring the presidents of bishops’ conferences to Rome in October for a global discussion on strengthening the Church’s pastoral response to marriage and family life.At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the role of religion in public life while Pope Leo XIV encouraged prayers for national leaders.President Donald Trump issued presidential messages honoring the Catholic feast days of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, highlighting the saints’ legacy of faith, virtue and cultural heritage.Catholic leaders and pro-life advocates in England are warning that a new amendment advancing in Parliament could create what critics call one of the most extreme abortion laws in Britain.Catholic universities are making a strong showing in the 2026 NCAA basketball tournaments, with a dozen programs competing in March Madness across both the men’s and women’s brackets.

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 March 18, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Registration for public events during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage opened March 18, revealing abundant opportunities for Catholics to join the nine "perpetual pilgrims" traveling the East Coast route from Florida to Maine that culminates in an Independence Day weekend celebration in Philadelphia.The Vatican's top diplomat to the United Nations called for a "holistic approach" in securing access to justice for women and girls.  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, is warning that invoking God to justify war is, in his words, "the gravest sin we can commit at this time." Scotland’s Catholic bishops welcomed a major vote in Holyrood, or the Scottish Parliament. Lawmakers March 17 rejected a bill that would have allowed assisted dying for terminally ill adults, shelving the proposal after a closely watched debate.After years of spiritual searching, former professional astrologer Molly Curtis is preparing to enter full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter. 

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 Mar. 17, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com. Sláinte!Read the stories in this episode:On St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland celebrates Oscar-winning Catholic actress Jessie Buckley, whose acceptance speech for Hamnet praised mothers, family life and her faith-shaped upbringing at an Ursuline school in Thurles.At a funeral Mass at the University of Notre Dame, family, friends and Church leaders remembered legendary football coach Lou Holtz as a devoted Catholic whose faith, love of family and commitment to excellence defined a Hall-of-Fame coaching career.The U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments on whether the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, a decision that could affect more than 350,000 people as Catholic bishops warn the move is unrealistic given Haiti’s turmoil.Catholic leaders and immigration advocates gathered in Phoenix for a “Witness to Hope” conference to explore how parishes can respond pastorally to mass deportations while upholding Church teaching on the dignity of migrants.Pope Leo XIV told members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors that every Church institution must listen to abuse survivors and take direct responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable people.

Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think. God bless!He's the stuff of legends (lots of them), but who was the real St. Patrick, the fifth-century missionary and bishop who became known as the Apostle of Ireland? Gina Christian of OSV News speaks with scholar Philip Freeman of Pepperdine University, author of "St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography," to find out. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.

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 March 16, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this podcast:Pope Leo XIV will travel more than 11,000 miles across four African countries in April on a 10-day apostolic trip highlighting peace efforts, works of mercy, and the Catholic Church's vibrant presence on the continent.As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV will be honored with the Liberty Medal in the nation's former capital of Philadelphia for his efforts to promote religious liberty as well as freedom of expression and conscience. The University of Notre Dame is awarding the prestigious Laetare medal, an honor reserved exclusively for American Catholics, to Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics.Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, called for an end to mass deportation and redoubled efforts to show solidarity with those affected by that policy in a new pastoral message released March 15.The war between Israel, Iran and regional militias is leaving Christians in the Holy Land living with fear and economic hardship, according to leaders of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

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 Mar. 13, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Edward J. Weisenburger, archbishop of Detroit, said Catholics in southeast Michigan “stand in solidarity” with the Jewish community after a gunman attacked Temple Israel, while synagogue leaders confirmed all children at the nearby early childhood center were safe.The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is backing continued legal protections for Haitian migrants as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a request from the Trump administration to allow the end of Temporary Protected Status for more than 350,000 Haitians living in the United States.Speaking at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged Christian leaders responsible for war to undertake a serious examination of conscience and rediscover the sacrament of reconciliation as a path toward restoring peace and unity with God.Scotland’s Catholic bishops warned that proposed assisted suicide legislation could undermine conscience protections for faith-based institutions and health care providers, raising ethical concerns about the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.After years of hands-on charity work in Rome, Konrad Krajewski — widely known as the pope’s “Robin Hood” for his service to the poor — is returning to Poland to serve as archbishop of Łódź.

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 Mar. 12, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:Several U.S. Catholic bishops warn that the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran fails to meet the Catholic Church’s “just war” criteria, urging prayer, diplomacy and moral reflection instead of escalating conflict.Pope Leo XIV met with the evacuated Catholic archbishop of Tehran after ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran, renewing his appeal for peace and prayers for civilians across the Middle East.Pope Leo XIV appointed Spanish Augustinian Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Service of Charity, overseeing papal charitable outreach worldwide.As measles cases rise across the United States, a Catholic infectious disease specialist and deacon reminds families that the Church supports vaccination to protect children and communities.After deadly storms and tornadoes swept the Midwest, Catholic school communities in Illinois and Michigan report damage but also signs of hope, prayer and faith amid recovery efforts.

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 Mar. 11, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:A new Vatican Synod report calls for expanded leadership roles for women in the Catholic Church through a “charismatic path” rooted in baptism and charisms, while maintaining that ordained ministry remains reserved to men.Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Louis Sako as patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church after 13 years of leadership during difficult times for Middle Eastern Christians.Escalating violence across the Middle East is forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes in Lebanon and raising fears among Christian communities in both Lebanon and Iraq of renewed displacement.Experts at a University of Notre Dame conference warned that strengthening U.S. peacebuilding efforts is both a strategic and moral imperative as global conflicts intensify.A Catholic farming initiative run by Edmundite Missions in Alabama is helping small Black farmers gain supplies, training and business guidance to sustain their farms.

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 Mar. 10, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:A Chaldean Catholic bishop in California pleaded not guilty to 16 felony counts of embezzlement and money laundering, as the Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV had accepted his resignation and appointed an apostolic administrator for the San Diego-based eparchy.Wyoming’s governor signed a “heartbeat” abortion ban into law despite concerns it may face legal challenges, while Catholic leaders in the state voiced support for the measure as a step toward protecting unborn life.Mexico’s bishops condemned vandalism against churches during International Women’s Day protests, as Catholics formed human chains to protect cathedrals while acknowledging the serious concerns over violence against women driving the demonstrations.A Maronite Catholic priest in southern Lebanon was killed by Israeli tank fire while rushing to help neighbors wounded in an initial strike, after publicly declaring he would remain with his parishioners despite evacuation orders.Pope Leo XIV encouraged students gathered at Loyola University Chicago for a peacebuilding conference to become “co-workers for peace with Christ,” urging young people to reject despair and work together for the common good across cultures and faiths.

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 Mar. 9, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:The Vatican’s representative to the United Nations warned that Christians remain the most persecuted religious community in the world, with nearly 400 million believers facing violence, discrimination or pressure for their faith.Catholic leaders are urging caution and continued dialogue after a growing split within the Anglican Communion prompted new doubts about prospects for restored unity between Anglicans and Catholics.Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace and urged world leaders to halt the escalating Iran-linked conflict in the Middle East, warning the growing violence risks plunging the region into deeper instability.Catholic ministry leaders from several U.S. dioceses brought migrants’ stories to Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to pursue comprehensive immigration reform while sharing the struggles faced by detained families.A national shrine in Wisconsin is planning a nine-day “Catholic Saints of America” celebration this summer, highlighting U.S. saints and causes for canonization as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

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 Mar. 6, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:In a March 5 video prayer, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to renounce violence, halt the arms race and pursue dialogue as global tensions rise following the outbreak of the U.S. and Israel-Iran war.As war spreads across the Middle East, Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem has become a place of shelter, prayer and interfaith solidarity, where Muslim, Christian and Jewish students gathered together during air-raid sirens.A six-year investigation by the Rhode Island attorney general identified 75 credibly accused clergy linked to more than 300 abuse victims in the Diocese of Providence between 1950 and 2011.Catholic environmental advocates say the rapid growth of AI data centers is straining water and power resources while placing pollution burdens on vulnerable communities.A Polish officer saved by the sacrifice of a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan said the experience led him through trauma to a renewed faith and mission to testify to God’s grace.

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 March 5, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.Read the stories in this episode:President Donald Trump announced March 5 that Kristi Noem is leaving her post as head of the Department of Homeland Security, and that he had chosen Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to replace her.Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio told OSV News that politics and profits are helping to drive inhumane treatment of migrants in the U.S.Catholic patriarchs and bishops in Lebanon are urging an end to escalating violence across the Middle East and calling for renewed diplomacy. Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan are condemning a deadly attack that left nearly 178 people dead in northern South Sudan on March 2.Legendary Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who died March 4, is being remembered for his skills, virtue, example of faith and humor.