This is how Catholicism declined in Latin America during Pope Francis’ pontificate

Mar 05, 2026 09:47

Enrique Villegas

The New York Times published an opinion piece written by Pope Francis Photo: Vatican Media

Justice and Peace•Local Church

USA: Bishops take a stand against Trump before the Supreme Court and argue in favor of birthright citizenship

In a friend-of-the-court brief filed before the high court, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops argued that ending the automatic conferral of citizenship to children born on U.S. soil would be “immoral,” legally unfounded, and incompatible with core principles of Catholic social teaching

Mar 01, 2026 09:19

ZENIT Staff

Analysis Opinion•Local Church•Pope Leo XIV

One in three Mexican bishops will be replaced by Pope Leo XIV between 2026 and 2027

The generational shift is also visible in the provenance of current appointments. As of the beginning of 2026, 52.5 percent of Mexico’s bishops and archbishops were appointed by Pope Francis, 27.6 percent by Benedict XVI, 17.2 percent by John Paul II, and just 2.6 percent by Leo XIV himself. That last figure is set to rise sharply

Feb 28, 2026 20:31

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

Brazilian bishop declares excommunication for Catholics who participate in “traditional” Masses

On February 11, the Archdiocese of Maceió announced that the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass according to the Missal of St. Pius V would be permitted exclusively in a single location: the São Vicente de Paulo Chapel, and only once a week. Any celebration of that rite elsewhere — whether in another church, a private venue or even within a civil association — would, the note warned, constitute a “public act of schism” and would entail excommunication latae sententiae

Feb 28, 2026 20:22

Enrique Villegas

Local Church•Pope Leo XIV

For the first time, a Pope will address the Spanish Parliament: it will be Leo XIV during his visit to Madrid in June 2026

According to converging confirmations from parliamentary and ecclesial sources, the Vatican and the Spanish Congress have agreed to convene a joint session of both chambers of the Cortes Generales so that the Pope may address deputies and senators gathered in the hemicycle

Feb 28, 2026 12:45

Covadonga Asturias

Local Church•Pro Life

Notre Dame University Backs Away from a Contested Appointment

On February 26, the administration of University of Notre Dame confirmed that Professor Susan Ostermann will not assume the directorship of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, a post she had been scheduled to take up in July 2026

Feb 27, 2026 12:34

Tim Daniels

The Middle East, the spread of war, and the position of the Pope and the Catholic Church

As the Middle East faces the prospect of a broader regional war, the Vatican’s hope remains that diplomacy — not missiles — will ultimately shape the future of the region.

Leo XIV perfects the mission of the Pontifical Academy for Life

The 2026 update is narrower in scope. Its most visible innovation is the formal introduction of “collaborators” — a new category distinct from the academy’s academic members.

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This is how Catholicism declined in Latin America during Pope Francis’ pontificate

The Middle East, the spread of war, and the position of the Pope and the Catholic Church

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Bills Passed in the National Assembly: The Church in France Reacts

Barcelona’s Basilica of the Holy Family Becomes Officially The Tallest in Europe

Lebanon: more than 30,000 displaced by escalating violence

Beyond emotion: Spanish bishops publish a critique of the emotionalism of spiritual retreats

German bishops ask Vatican to allow lay people to give homilies, despite rejection in 2023

USA: Bishops take a stand against Trump before the Supreme Court and argue in favor of birthright citizenship

One in three Mexican bishops will be replaced by Pope Leo XIV between 2026 and 2027

Brazilian bishop declares excommunication for Catholics who participate in “traditional” Masses

For the first time, a Pope will address the Spanish Parliament: it will be Leo XIV during his visit to Madrid in June 2026

Notre Dame University Backs Away from a Contested Appointment