Italy Weighs Restoring Feast of St. Francis as National Holiday Amid Calls for Unity

Sep 22, 2025 18:02

Valentina di Giorgio

St. Francis of Assisi Photo: Vatican News

Local Church•Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV scores 8 out of 10 in US approval poll: here are the results

Leo’s early popularity mirrors the reception Francis enjoyed at the beginning of his papacy in 2013, when Pew also recorded an 84 percent approval rating among U.S. Catholics

Sep 16, 2025 17:53

Jorge Enrique Mújica

Local Church•Young People

Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis stolen in Venezuela: risk of online sale?

For those closest to the relic, its loss is not about material value. “It has a great spiritual significance,” said Adrián García, coordinator of the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group, who confirmed that police are investigating. He added, with quiet hope, “We believe it will be found.”

Sep 16, 2025 17:49

Enrique Villegas

Local Church•Pro Life

S Korean bishops discuss abortion law with lawmakers

Bishop Moon of Cheju, chairman of the Bishops’ Conference’s Committee for Family and Life, met with Democratic Party lawmakers who are promoting a bill that the Church sees as a path towards unlimited abortions. The issue came to the fore in 2019 after a ruling by the Constitutional Court. For Bishop, “We must move towards respect for life.”

Sep 16, 2025 17:42

ZENIT Staff

Causes of Saints•Local Church

This is the new bronze statue of Saint Carlo Acutis unveiled in Assisi

Acutis was canonized by Pope Leo XIV in a ceremony held in St. Peter’s Square. Within the Sanctuary of the Spogliation are now two statues: one honoring St. Francis, and another dedicated to Acutis, who is buried precisely in this place.

Sep 15, 2025 17:23

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee Approves Transition of Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism to a Permanent Subcommittee

The new subcommittee will begin its work following the conclusion of the November Plenary Assembly

Sep 15, 2025 17:20

ZENIT Staff

Leo XIV begins 2026 with a new papal staff: here is the meaning… and the photos

In a Church often scrutinized for its symbols, Leo XIV’s choice is neither ornamental nor nostalgic. It is a visual theology, compressed into metal and form, reminding both shepherd and faithful that the path forward passes through the wounds of history—but does not end there

Ordinary time, our baptism, and the memory of a gift received: a simple reflection by Leo XIV

Address on the occasion of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, January 11, 2026

Italy Weighs Restoring Feast of St. Francis as National Holiday Amid Calls for Unity

Leo XIV, China and attention to communities suffering for their faith

Bomb Threat at Córdoba’s Cathedral Sparks Debate Over Sacred Heritage and Security

FBI admits staff dismissals due to investigations against Catholics in the Biden administration

Nigeria: Report shows that 100 churches are attacked every month and 32 Christians are killed every day in the country

Germany: Dancing on Good Friday will remain illegal, according to the Constitutional Court

Beijing sets online rules for clergy: no sermons, no rituals, no educational activities

Pope Leo XIV scores 8 out of 10 in US approval poll: here are the results

Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis stolen in Venezuela: risk of online sale?

S Korean bishops discuss abortion law with lawmakers

This is the new bronze statue of Saint Carlo Acutis unveiled in Assisi

U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee Approves Transition of Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism to a Permanent Subcommittee