Prague Blocks Vatican Pact: Confession Secrecy and Church Archives at the Heart of Constitutional Clash

Apr 02, 2026 21:34

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Church and World

How Many Catholics Are There in the World? The Catholic Church Reaches a Record of 1,422 Billion. These Are the Data from the 2026 Pontifical Yearbook

The most recent data, corresponding to 2024, indicates that the number of clergy worldwide totals 465,048, with 5,525 Bishops, 407,421 priests, and 52,102 permanent deacons. The number of priests worldwide increased by 425, rising from 406,996 in 2023 to 407,421 in 2024.

Mar 30, 2026 17:54

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Religious Freedom

Problem Resolved: Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets and Reaches Agreement with Israeli Police for Remaining Holy Week Celebrations

The Police and Ecclesial Authorities have agreed that, due to the complex security situation, the remaining Holy Week and Easter ceremonies will be celebrated in a symbolic and limited manner.

Mar 30, 2026 17:50

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

Oldest Benedictine Abbey in the West Approaches Landmark 1500th Anniversary

The historic Benedictine monastery was founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in 529 and was the cradle of the Benedictine Order.

Mar 30, 2026 16:05

Rafael Llanes

Pro Life•Religious Freedom

Brazilian student acquitted after facing years in prison for calling abortion murder

The court ultimately ruled in her favor, recognizing that her statements were protected expressions of religious belief and opinion rather than criminal incitement

Mar 30, 2026 15:46

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Local Church

UK: Bishop Hendricks urges responsible use of artificial intelligence

Recognising the rapid progression of AI, Bishop Hendricks explained that while it isn’t yet possible to share a definitive Bishops’ Conference policy, it is nonetheless important to be part of the conversation, especially given the ethical concerns which AI raises.

Mar 30, 2026 14:06

ZENIT Staff

Amid the polarization between Trump and Leo XIV, U.S. police respond to a bomb threat at the home of the Pope’s brother

Police in New Lenox, a suburban community outside Chicago, responded on the evening of April 15 at approximately 6:30 p.m. to reports of a bomb threat at the home of John Prevost, one of the Pope’s two older brothers

Leo XIV on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people

Pope Benedict XVI appeared three times, while Francis was featured on six occasions, reflecting different phases in the Church’s engagement with global issues

Prague Blocks Vatican Pact: Confession Secrecy and Church Archives at the Heart of Constitutional Clash

The U.S. and the LGBT+ Community: The Supreme Court Rules on So-Called “Conversion Therapy,” and the Outcome Is Surprising

Ben Gannon, Premier League Forward, Is a Devotee of Saint Michael the Archangel

Questions about liturgy: Prayers Over the People

Pope Leo XIV Speaks Again About Trump and the War (and It Is Announced That the Pope Will Carry the Cross Throughout the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday)

Pope Leo XIV Reverses Another Decision of Pope Francis: World Children’s Day Cancelled in Rome

German bishops push their progressive agenda in Rome: an audience with Pope Leo XIV and the presentation of a synodal project to the Curia

How Many Catholics Are There in the World? The Catholic Church Reaches a Record of 1,422 Billion. These Are the Data from the 2026 Pontifical Yearbook

Problem Resolved: Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets and Reaches Agreement with Israeli Police for Remaining Holy Week Celebrations

Oldest Benedictine Abbey in the West Approaches Landmark 1500th Anniversary

Brazilian student acquitted after facing years in prison for calling abortion murder

UK: Bishop Hendricks urges responsible use of artificial intelligence