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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...
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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...
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Where is the Rome-Germany blessings battle heading?
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...
World News
The newest synod reports: A reader's guide
Two Vatican study groups tied to the synod on synodality released final reports on Tuesday, with one focused on “emerging issues,” including homosexuality, and the other on the selection of bishops.St. Peter’s Basilica. public domain.The “emerging issues” group offered no concrete proposals, but inc...
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Vatican orders Baton Rouge bishop investigation
The Vatican has ordered an investigation in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, over allegations that the Bishop Michael Duca discouraged a whistleblower from calling the police, after a local priest allegedly admitted to sexual contact with minors.St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge. Credit: Farragutful/wiki...
World News
Starting Seven: May 8, 2026
Welcome to Starting Seven, The Pillar’s daily newsletter.I’m Luke Coppen and I aim to guide you each weekday morning to the most interesting Catholic news and commentary. Read more
World News
Leo’s first year, the Germans’ coming surrender, and Met life
Pillar paid subscribers can listen to Ed read this Pillar Post here: The Pillar TL;DRHappy Friday friends,And a happy first anniversary to our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, long may he reign.Thinking back to the moment last year when Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost was announced from the loggia with th...
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Reviewing ‘Raphael: Sublime Poetry’ at the Met
Yonder’s a work now, of that famous youthThe Urbinate who died five years ago.(’Tis copied, George Vasari sent it me.)Well, I can fancy how he did it all,Pouring his soul, with kings and popes to see,Reaching, that heaven might so replenish him,Above and through his art—for it gives way— from “Andre...
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Jesus does not recycle
Usually my husband takes the family trash to the dump, but he was sick, so I made the drive. I actually kind of enjoy this chore. Trash gets hurled into one dark hole of a bin, but there are several others waiting to receive plastic, glass, metal, and paper. What happens next, I don’t really know; b...
World News
‘There must be justice’ - Venezuelan bishops denounce death of political prisoner
Several Venezuelan bishops decried Friday the Venezuelan regime’s admission that a political prisoner died under law enforcement custody in July 2025.Our Lady of the Valley Basilica in Margarita Island, Venezuela. Credit: Wilfirdor / Wikimedia CC0.Subscribe nowOn May 7, the Ministry of Penitentiary...