Faith
Atlanta archdiocese launches $185 million campaign, its first in 30 years, to keep pace with a fast-growing flock
The Archdiocese of Atlanta has launched "Rooted in Christ—Growing in Faith," a $185 million campaign — its first archdiocese-wide campaign in nearly 30 years — to expand parishes and Catholic schools, form clergy and lay disciples, and aid vulnerable neighbors across north and central Georgia.
Pope Leo XIV marks All Souls' Day at Rome's Verano Cemetery: 'Our bond with the departed is not severed, but transformed'
Pope Leo XIV celebrated All Souls' Day Mass on Monday at Rome's Verano Cemetery, praying for the dead — especially those no one remembers — and for families torn apart by war: 'May the tears of so many mothers, children, and elderly people touch the consciences of those who have the power to silence the weapons!'
Five Georgia Martyrs beatified in Savannah, the first beatification in the American South
Five Spanish Franciscan friars killed on Georgia's coast in 1597 were beatified October 31 before about 10,000 people in Savannah, and a Mass of thanksgiving followed November 1 on All Saints' Day.
Pope Leo XIV: holiness is 'not a privilege reserved for a few'
On All Saints' Day, Pope Leo XIV told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square that holiness is a universal vocation for every life, recalled the five Franciscan martyrs beatified in Savannah, and announced an All Souls Mass at Rome's Verano Cemetery.
Pope Leo urges swift, safe, transparent rebuild a decade after central Italy quakes
Pope Leo XIV met delegations from central Italy's earthquake-hit municipalities on Saturday, October 31, and urged that reconstruction, ten years after quakes that killed 299 people, proceed as quickly as possible, safely and transparently.
Pope Leo jokes he won't take sides as Villanova and Notre Dame meet in Rome
Pope Leo XIV greeted his alma mater Villanova and rival Notre Dame at the Vatican on Saturday, October 31, joking that the pope doesn't take sides — before the two Catholic universities tip off Sunday in Rome's Eternal City Tip-Off.
After years of decline, American faith levels off, new Pew data show
A Pew Research Center report released October 28 finds religious identification and practice holding steady since 2020: 70% of adults identify with a religion, 47% pray daily, and 44% say religion is very important in their lives.
Pope Leo XIV becomes first pope to vote in a U.S. election
The Vatican confirmed Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff has submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago for the November 3 midterms; U.S. bishops said his vote sets an example of civic responsibility.
Pennsylvania Lutheran synod to install its first woman bishop Saturday
The Rev. Jennifer K. Dee will be installed Saturday as the first woman bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, leading more than 235 congregations.
Cardinal Tobin to undergo surgery Thursday to remove kidney mass
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, is scheduled for surgery on October 29 to remove a mass from his kidney; the archdiocese said testing indicates the mass appears confined to the kidney and doctors are optimistic.
Pope Leo XIV will meet abuse survivors on his November trip to South America, Vatican says
The Vatican announced October 27 that Pope Leo XIV will hold several meetings with people who suffered abuse by members of the clergy during his November 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Pope Leo XIV: live the faith without 'hostility towards the world'
At his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV said believers should not live their faith in a spirit of opposition or hostility toward the world, continuing his catechesis on the Vatican II constitution Gaudium et Spes.
Dallas megachurch votes overwhelmingly to leave the United Methodist Church
Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas voted 90.35% to leave the denomination after two days of voting October 25–26, amid a lawsuit with its regional conference over church governance.
Madras High Court: non-Hindus need signed undertaking to enter Agamic temples
In an October 23 judgment reported Tuesday, the Madras High Court held that non-Hindus who do not sign an undertaking affirming reverence for the deity cannot pass the flag-pole of an Agamic temple in Tamil Nadu.
Pope Leo XIV will meet abuse survivors during Latin America trip, Vatican says
The Holy See Press Office said Tuesday that meetings with people who suffered abuse by clergy and other Church members are planned during Pope Leo XIV's November 6–17 journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Pope Leo XIV to Assisi gathering: “Only peace is holy” as 40th peace meeting closes
In a video message to the closing day of the Sant'Egidio interreligious peace meeting in Assisi, Pope Leo XIV urged the world to rebuild peace rather than prepare for more wars, 40 years after St. John Paul II's first World Day of Prayer for Peace.
Pope Leo XIV receives Mongolia's top Buddhist leader in Vatican audience
Pope Leo XIV granted a private audience Monday to Cardinal Giorgio Marengo and Venerable D. Javzandorj, abbot of Mongolia's Gandan Monastery, ahead of the Assisi interreligious peace meeting.
Two Catholic bishops say they regret Trump Oval Office meeting
Archbishop Grob of Milwaukee said the meeting was manipulated and recorded without the bishops' permission; a second bishop said it was exploited for partisan purposes.
Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV's South America trip will go ahead November 6–17
Medical examinations found no contraindications to the Uruguay, Argentina and Peru journey after his October 13 surgery.
Pope Leo XIV urges Sisters of Charity to care for body and soul alike
Meeting the congregation's General Chapter, Leo praised its founder and greeted its newly re-elected superior general, Sister Maria Rosa Muscarella.
After 45 years, Oklahoma megachurch pastor Marty Grubbs steps into emeritus role
Grubbs told Crossings Community Church members Sunday he is stepping down as senior pastor, becoming senior pastor emeritus while continuing to preach on occasion; the board's successor choice will be named November 1.
New York Archdiocese reaches $800 million settlement with about 1,300 abuse survivors
Survivors unanimously agreed to the $800 million deal, second only to Los Angeles' $880 million settlement, with a formal signing expected the week of November 6.
Pope Leo XIV at Angelus: 'You cannot love on command'
Reflecting on the greatest commandment, the Pope said love for God must overflow into love for brothers and sisters.
Vatican bars traditional Latin Mass pilgrims from entering St. Peter's Basilica
A September 30 Vatican letter denied the Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage's procession; the group was stopped in St. Peter's Square on October 24, Catholic press reports say.
Assisi peace meeting opens with 384 faith leaders, 40 years after John Paul II's gathering
The Sant'Egidio meeting runs October 25–27 with 155 speakers across 24 forums; Pope Leo XIV will send a message instead of attending in person.
Pope Leo XIV urges Jesus Youth to keep missionary zeal at first full audience
The movement's first full audience with a pope marked 40 years since its founding in Kerala, India, a day after its revised statutes won definitive approval.
Pope Leo XIV declares six new Venerables, a step closer to sainthood
The decrees, promulgated October 24, recognize heroic virtue in missionaries and Focolare laywoman Margarita “Luminosa” Bavosi.
Patriarch Bartholomew meets Pope Leo XIV in warm Vatican audience
The Ecumenical Patriarch wished Leo a swift recovery after his Oct. 13 surgery; the two discussed matters of concern to both Churches.
Gunmen kill seven at church funeral in Jordan; manhunt underway
The attack struck a Greek Orthodox church in Karak during a funeral. The U.S. Embassy stepped up security across Jordan.
Pope cancels audience with 'Church of the Sheaves' conference
Pope Leo XIV scrapped the Oct. 24 audience with mission-conference participants as he recovers from Oct. 13 lung surgery.
Haitian pastors lead 40-mile march from Springfield to Ohio Statehouse demanding end to deportations
Pastors and community members began a four-day, 40-plus-mile pilgrimage to the Ohio Statehouse, ending with an Oct. 24 rally.
Pope Leo XIV cancels Assisi trip on doctors' advice as he recovers from surgery
The Vatican said the pope will skip the Oct. 27 peace gathering to avoid a helicopter flight. No further cancer treatment is needed.
Vatican releases 'Venite ad Me,' warns against 'triumphalism' over rising baptisms
France saw a 26% rise in baptisms in 2026 — but the Church cautions that baptisms alone don't guarantee lasting faith.
Pope Leo XIV holds first general audience since lung cancer surgery — needs no further treatment
The Vatican confirmed the cancer was localized. The pope thanked the faithful: "Thank you for the support of your prayers."