Local Church

USCCB Statement on the Executive Order Pertaining to the U.S. Department of Education

The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children and should have the freedom and resources to choose an educational setting best suited for their child

Mar 23, 2025 20:11

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Pope Francis

Biden’s gift to the Pope: Medal of Freedom arrives in Buenos Aires

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian distinction in the United States, rarely bestowed upon religious figures. Before Pope Francis, only one pontiff had received it: John Paul II, who was honored by President George W. Bush in 2004 for his role in promoting religious freedom and helping to end communism in Eastern Europe.

Mar 22, 2025 22:50

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Persecuted Christians

Legal Battle in Kansas: Archbishop Seeks Return of Stolen Eucharist Amid Planned Satanic Ritual

According to court documents, the case hinges on Stewart’s own admissions, which were made publicly through Reddit posts and private phone calls. Using the online alias “xsimon666x” and calling himself “Simon Satanas,” Stewart boasted on social media that his group had already obtained a consecrated host and wine

Mar 22, 2025 22:48

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Testimonies

Lord Mayor of Westminster receives Papal Knighthood

Elected to Westminster City Council in 2010, Cllr Rigby – who became Lord Mayor in May 2024 – is a former chair of the Catholic Union who has used his Mayoral year to speak publicly about his Catholic faith in public life. One of his two chosen charities for the one-year term of Lord Mayor is the Cardinal Hume Centre, which specialises in helping homeless teens.

Mar 22, 2025 22:46

ZENIT Staff

Church and World•Documents

How many Catholics are there in the world? Vatican releases 2025 statistics

The global Catholic population increased by 1.15% between 2022 and 2023, rising from approximately 1.39 billion to 1.406 billion, a percentage very similar to that of the previous biennium. The distribution of baptized Catholics varies in the various geographic areas, in accordance with the different demographics of each continent.

Mar 22, 2025 22:38

ZENIT Staff

Liturgy and Divine Worship

Questions about liturgy: Anointings for the Mentally

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.

Mar 19, 2025 17:28

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

Pope’s Letter From The Hospital: Disarm Words, Disarm Minds and Disarm The Earth

The Pope’s answer to the Director of an Italian newspaper about war

Mar 18, 2025 05:46

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Vocations

Salesian General Chapter approves that lay people be community superiors

This position of the GC29 has its roots in the Rescript signed by Pope Francis in 2022, which authorized non-priest religious to hold positions of governance within communities.

Mar 17, 2025 17:13

ZENIT Staff

Jubilee 2025•Local Church

«Avvolti»: A Digital Journey into the Mystery of the Holy Shroud of Turin

With no public display of the Shroud planned for 2025, the Archdiocese of Turin, under the leadership of Cardinal Roberto Repole, has launched «Avvolti» as an alternative way to engage the faithful and the curious alike. The initiative presents a fresh perspective on the Shroud, inviting visitors to experience its significance through digital immersion and interactive storytelling.

Mar 16, 2025 19:48

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Interview

Walking in synodal style: Vatican accelerates “synodal” applications (in resistant dioceses?)

The Secretary General of the Synod explains to Vatican Media that the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly will offer an opportunity to gather the fruits that have matured during the Synod on Synodality.

Mar 16, 2025 19:46

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Marriage and Family

Divorce Will Continue To Be Illegal in The Philippines

Supporters of the law have vowed to continue their plan to promote divorce. The Philippine Congress passed the bill to legalize divorce, but the Senate adjourned without hearing it.

Mar 14, 2025 19:31

ZENIT Staff

Marriage and Family•Pope Francis

“My Husband Cheats on Me. Is It Right to Continue Forgiving Him?” Pope Francis’ Answer to a Betrayed Wife

Before being hospitalized, Pope Francis paid attention to Catia’s case, which represents the condition of many couples and families today.

Mar 13, 2025 06:56

ZENIT Staff