World News

The Vatican press office has clarified that an award given to the Iranian ambassador to the Holy See is not an exclusive honor, but a customary award routinely given to ambassadors after two years of service.The clarification came after several Iranian outlets reported May 12 that Pope Leo XIV had g...

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith reiterated Wednesday that if the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X carries out plans to illicitly consecrate bishops in July, those involved will commit an act of schism and be subject to the canonical penalty of excommunication.Cardinal Víctor Manuel F...

When a country has been engulfed by civil war for five years, it’s surprising to hear a cardinal describe the local Church as “incredibly flourishing.”Cardinal Charles Bo, pictured on May 12, 2016. © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.ShareBut that is the phrase Cardinal Charles Bo used to sum up the Catholi...

While a search warrant remains sealed by court order, a recently unsealed arrest warrant details the extent of financial crimes alleged against Chaldean Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, whose resignation from ecclesiastical office was accepted by Pope Leo XIV in early March.Bishop Emanuel Shaleta. Credit: C...

The Institute for Works of Religion posted its best financial results in a decade, according to its annual report released Monday.The Torrione di Niccolò V, the Vatican headquarters of the Institute for the Works of Religion. Joi Ito/wikimedia CC BY 2.0.The institute, commonly referred to as the Vat...

Hey everybody,Last week, I wrote about bagels, and then a very kind New York City bagel maker promptly sent me a case of bagels, cream cheese, salmon, and a t-shirt. It was awesome.That’s why this week I’ve decided to mention how much I love visiting beautiful beach and lake houses with my family. R...

Welcome to Starting Seven, The Pillar’s daily newsletter.I’m Luke Coppen and I seek to guide you each weekday morning to the most interesting Catholic news and commentary. Read more

Pope Leo XIV named Monday a new apostolic administrator to oversee Australia’s ordinariate for groups of former Anglicans, amid questions about its long-term future.Bishop Steven Lopes. Credit: victorpanlilio/wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.0.The Vatican announced May 11 that the pope had named Bishop Steven L...

The Israeli government has declined to renew the visa of a Catholic priest in the West Bank, who was responsible for youth ministry among the region’s Christian community.Fr. Louis Salman. Courtesy photo.According to sources close to the situation, Fr. Louis Salman was interrogated by Israeli offici...

Azerbaijan and the Vatican signed an agreement on April 30 for the renovation of four statues at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, weeks after the Azerbaijani regime demolished an Armenian cathedral in an occupied region under dispute between both countries.Basílica of St. Paul Outside t...

In 1938, a young French couple approached their parish priest, Fr. Henri Caffarel, asking for advice on how they could grow together spiritually within their marriage.After praying about the request, Caffarel – who had only been a priest for eight years — went on to form a group of four couples who...

Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández cranked up the pressure on Germany’s bishops Wednesday with a new statement on the country’s guidelines on blessings for unmarried and same-sex couples.German bishops await the opening Mass of their spring plenary assembly at Würzburg Cathedra...