Read & Reflect
Articles, reflections, news, and homilies — thoughtful Catholic content for the faithful, published regularly.
World News
World News
What does Georgia’s new patriarch mean for Rome-Orthodox ties?
The Vatican welcomed Monday the election of a new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the 14 universally recognized self-governing Eastern Orthodox Churches.Shio III of Georgia. Credit: President.ge/wikipedia CC BY 4.0.Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Uni...
World News
Did the Vatican really give a special award to the Iranian ambassador?
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...
World News
If the SSPX consecrations happen, who exactly is excommunicated?
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...
World News
How Myanmar’s Catholics are faring amid civil war
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...
World News
Shaleta arrest warrant details embezzlement case
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...
World News
IOR posts best returns in a decade
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...
World News
St. Pancras’ clock, and performative piety
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...
World News
Starting Seven: May 12, 2026
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
World News
‘There is plenty of life’: Bishop Lopes on the Australian ordinariate’s future
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...
World News
Israel expels West Bank priest leading West Bank youth ministry
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...
World News
Azerbaijan continues ‘caviar diplomacy’ with Vatican after cathedral demolition
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...
World News
‘We want whatever you have’ – Teams of Our Lady seek holiness in marriage
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...