Causes of Saints•Local Church

Sale of relics of Blessed Carlo Acustis: Italian prosecutor’s office investigates one month before his canonization

Under Catholic Church law, the sale of first- and second-class relics is strictly forbidden. First-class relics—such as body parts or hair from a saint—are considered sacred and cannot be bought or sold under any circumstances. Only donations, properly authorized, are permitted. Even second-class relics, which include items used or worn by a saint, are subject to similar restrictions.

Mar 30, 2025 19:36

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Pope Francis•Protection of vulnerable people

Pope Francis Calls for a Cultural Shift in Child Protection Within the Church

«Prevention of abuse is not a blanket to be pulled out in times of emergency but one of the foundations on which to build communities faithful to the Gospel,» the pope wrote to the participants of the PCPM’s Plenary Assembly, held from March 24 to 28.

Mar 28, 2025 18:20

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Cardinals and Bishops•Pope Francis

Cardinal Parolin gives details on Pope in Vatican and raises juncture for new form of government

Speaking on March 27 at an event in Sacrofano, near Rome, Parolin shared that he continuously receives messages from people praying for the pope’s full recovery. «Perhaps he won’t be able to work as before, and in that case, we must find different ways for him to continue leading the Church,» he said.

Mar 27, 2025 22:07

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Cardinals and Bishops•Dicasteries•Pope Francis

Pope Francis does not accept Cardinal Koch’s resignation: could continue at least until anniversary of Council of Nicea

Koch has served as the head of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity since 2010, overseeing the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue and collaboration among Christian denominations. His extended tenure suggests that Francis values continuity in the Church’s ecumenical work at a time when unity is both a theological and practical challenge.

Mar 25, 2025 20:16

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Pope Francis

A new stage in Francis’ Pontificate: he must relearn to speak again

Beyond his voice, the Pope is also dealing with muscle weakness after weeks of limited movement. Fernández described how challenging this has been for Francis, a man accustomed to being active and engaging directly with people

Mar 23, 2025 20:09

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Pro Life•Testimonies•Woman

Ukrainian Nun Honored for Her Work Supporting Parents Facing Fatal Pregnancy Diagnoses

Sister Giustina emphasized that no life is too brief to leave an imprint on the world. The hospice’s approach focuses on helping parents cherish every possible moment with their child, no matter how short.

Mar 06, 2025 18:52

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Pope Francis•Vatican City

From hospital, Pope changes Vatican City law, broadens powers for new governor, appoints two “vice-governors»

Beyond simply holding the title, Sister Raffaella Petrini has been granted the authority to delegate specific responsibilities and assignments to the two vice governors. This reflects the Pope’s trust in her leadership and decision-making, reinforcing his broader efforts to elevate the role of women in Vatican administration.

Feb 25, 2025 19:33

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Pope Francis

What does the Pope’s family say about his health condition? His cousin speaks

Beyond his Italian relatives, Pope Francis’ closest living family member is his younger sister, María Elena Bergoglio, who resides in Argentina. One of his nephews, who plays professional soccer, also lives in Italy.

Feb 25, 2025 11:33

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Good News•Local Church

Signs of Renewal: Catholic Mass Attendance Rises in England and Wales

Catholicism remains a minority faith in the UK, with Catholics comprising about 10% of the population. However, historical trends indicate that the Catholic community has had moments of unexpected strength. In 2009, for example, the number of practicing Catholics (861,000) briefly surpassed that of practicing Anglicans (852,000)

Feb 09, 2025 22:06

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Cardinals and Bishops•Pope Francis

Pope Francis Extends Cardinal Re’s Term as Dean of the College of Cardinals

Re, 91, has held the position since January 2020, following the resignation of Cardinal Angelo Sodano. His appointment was shaped by Pope Francis’ December 2019 motu proprio, which revised the Dean’s role from a lifetime appointment to a five-year renewable term.

Feb 08, 2025 21:43

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Vatican City

Vatican security concerns resurface: person desecrates altar in St. Peter’s Basilica

This is not the first time St. Peter’s Basilica has faced such an incident. In June 2023, a man stripped naked and climbed onto the same altar, an event that was widely recorded by visitors.

Feb 07, 2025 21:40

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Pope Francis

Fourth priest ex-communicated for denying that Francis is Pope

His defiant stance, rooted in the claim that Pope Benedict XVI never truly abdicated, mirrors a rising undercurrent of skepticism within a faction of Catholics who have refused to recognize the authority of Francis since Benedict’s resignation in 2013. The Vatican’s swift response signals its determination to curb what it sees as a dangerous theological rebellion.

Feb 06, 2025 18:22

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