Israel Turns Archaeology into a Tool for Annexation: How It Seized the Site Linked to the Tomb of John the Baptist

Aug 19, 2026 22:28

The land surrounding the Roman columns -- olive groves cultivated by families for generations --, is under an Israeli confiscation order. Photo: Jerzy Kraj/CTS

Gender Ideology•Homosexuality

Poland Says No to EU on Gay: President Vetoes Bill That Equates Same-Sex Unions With Marriage

The President and the Court justified their actions by citing the Polish Constitution, which protects marriage between a man and a woman. Their acts defy intense pressure from EU officials and direct orders of the EU court to bring Polish law in line with progressive EU policies.

Aug 18, 2026 18:44

Stefano Gennarini

Pro Life

US Takes Lead in Global Pro-Life Coalition

The Geneva Consensus Declaration was launched in 2020 by the Trump administration and a cross-regional group of nations from all continents. The declaration is focused on international cooperation to improve women’s health through a pro-life, pro-family and pro-sovereignty approach.

Aug 18, 2026 18:31

Stefano Gennarini

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV Sued in Spanish Courts: The Case of the “Templars” Seeking Ecclesiastical Rehabilitation… and Money

At the center of the case is the suppression of the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. The modern organization presents itself as its heir and argues that Pope Clement V’s decision in 1312 was illegitimate, maintaining that the suppression took place under political pressure from King Philip IV of France.

Aug 18, 2026 17:56

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

Is There an Absolute Right to a Catholic Funeral? Bishop Responds with Guidelines for His Diocese

Suetta’s answer is deliberately uncompromising. The funeral is not principally a public ceremony in which a community celebrates the life of the deceased. It is an act of the Church: prayer for the dead, reverence for the body in anticipation of the resurrection and consolation for those who remain

Aug 18, 2026 17:45

Valentina di Giorgio

Vatican City

Historic: The Vatican Will Participate in the Mediterranean “Olympics” (competing against 26 countries in 4 sports)

The participation of Athletica Vaticana was unanimously approved by the Olympic committees of all 26 participating nations, a gesture that reflects the unusual position occupied by the Holy See in international sport

Aug 17, 2026 23:06

Valentina di Giorgio

What Should Good AI Legislation Look Like? Leo XIV Offers Guidance to Catholic Legislators

Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the “International Catholic Legislators Network”

Lebanon Turns to the Pope: Lebanese President Visits Leo XIV Amid the Israeli Siege

On Thursday, August 20, Pope Leo XIV received Aoun at the Apostolic Palace for a private meeting lasting around half an hour. The Lebanese president then held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations

Israel Turns Archaeology into a Tool for Annexation: How It Seized the Site Linked to the Tomb of John the Baptist

Missionary and Missioned Partner: The Remarkable Brazilian Case of Two Martyrs on the Path to the Altars

U.S. Bishops’ Initiative to Inform Communities on the Danger of Abortion Pills Includes Prayer, Education, and Advocacy

Italian Episcopal Newspaper Calls for the Nobel Peace Prize to Be Awarded to the Children Killed in Gaza

How Many Catholics Support the Death Penalty? U.S. Study Releases Findings

A “synodality” that fails to convince: the best-articulated doubts of bishops and cardinals who are speaking out and appealing to Pope Leo XIV

AI and materials analysis offer new insights into the Qumran scrolls

Poland Says No to EU on Gay: President Vetoes Bill That Equates Same-Sex Unions With Marriage

US Takes Lead in Global Pro-Life Coalition

Pope Leo XIV Sued in Spanish Courts: The Case of the “Templars” Seeking Ecclesiastical Rehabilitation… and Money

Is There an Absolute Right to a Catholic Funeral? Bishop Responds with Guidelines for His Diocese

Historic: The Vatican Will Participate in the Mediterranean “Olympics” (competing against 26 countries in 4 sports)