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Former finance director admits to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from New Jersey parish
The former finance director of a New Jersey parish has pleaded guilty to stealing more than half a million dollars from the church to “fund a lavish lifestyle.”State Attorney General Jennifer Davenportʼs office said in a May 15 press release that Joseph Manzi pleaded guilty to “one count of second-d...
World News
‘Never going out of style’ — How Catholic colleges aim to navigate the demographic cliff
Marian University in Indianapolis. Courtesy photo.Whatever else they’re thinking about, every college president in the U.S. has one common concern right now — the coming demographic cliff.This year marks 18 years since the 2008 financial crisis — a watershed moment in American demographics.Historica...
World News
Polish archdiocese trials new priest appointment model
In a possible first in Poland, an archbishop has invited priests to apply to lead vacant parishes by submitting a résumé and a proposed pastoral program tailored to the needs of the respective parish.Archbishop Stanisław Budzik of Lublin, Poland. Credit: Screenshot from @ArchidiecezjaLubelska1805.Ar...
World News
On the marches, extra omnes, and playing God
This Pillar Post is available entirely for free to all readers through a sponsorship from Source and Summit.Listen to Ed read this Pillar Post here: The Pillar TL;DRHappy Friday friends,I got to do a fun thing yesterday.Our pastor had the idea to bring back the tradition of walking the entirety of o...
World News
Starting Seven: May 15, 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
Save our Catholic colleges
It is the end of the school year at most colleges and universities. Having spent many, many years as a student and as a professor, I know that this is an exciting time on campus. But not everywhere.We already know the doors of at least eight schools are closing permanently, while six others are merg...
World News
Survey: Fewer Russians identify as Orthodox
The proportion of Russians identifying as Orthodox has fallen from 78% to 65% in the past 15 years, according to a new survey.The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Russia. Credit: Юрий Д.К./wikimedia CC BY 4.0.The survey, conducted by Russia’s Public Opinion Foundation on behalf of St. Tikho...
World News
India’s Christians are under threat, and U.S. inaction isn’t neutral
Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Indian External Affairs Minister J. Jaishankar. Credit: US State Dept.If you listen, the accounts of religious persecution against Catholics in India are difficult to ignore.Many of those working with and for Catholics in the country have to speak carefully, and...
World News
Ahead of Leo visit to Spain, monument remains controversial
When Pope Leo travels to Spain in June, he’ll find himself in the middle of a complex situation involving the Spanish bishops and the country’s socialist government.The Valley of the Fallen. Credit: Godot13 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0Subscribe nowWhile the focuses of tension are varied, perhaps the la...
Spirituality
The Paradox of the Ascension
Ascension Sunday presents a paradox: Jesus leaves His apostles for Heaven, but He assures them He is always with them. What kind of departure was this? Gospel (Read Mt. 28:16-20) Sunday’s Gospel records the end of Jesus’ forty days of post-Resurrection appearances and teaching. The account of wha...
Spirituality
Restoring the Ascension to Thursday: A Strong Step in Renewing Catholic Culture
One of my tasks while working at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State was to handle letters written to the pope from bishops throughout the world. I would briefly summarize their contents before forwarding them to the Holy Father so that he might decide how to respond. Although the range of concerns e...