What’s Driving the Rise in Catholic Conversions Across the US?

Mar 30, 2026 14:01

As Easter approaches, thousands of Americans are flocking to one of the oldest institutions in the world: the Catholic Church. Photo: The New York Times

Good News•Local Church

More than 8,000 people will formally convert to Catholicism this Easter 2026 in the Diocese of Los Angeles alone

In 2023, LA welcomed 3,462 catechumens and candidates — both children and adults who had never been baptized, plus those who had been baptized but had never completed the other sacraments — into the Church at Easter. Then in 2024, there were 3,596. In 2025, a significant bump of a combined 5,587 entered.

Mar 28, 2026 21:00

ZENIT Staff

Causes of Saints•Local Church

Cardinal Tagle to preside over the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen: here is the date and location

A lecturer and brilliant speaker, he also hosted the weekly television series «Life is Worth Living,» which reached approximately 30 million viewers and earned him two Emmy Awards. From 1961 to 1967, he hosted «The Fulton Sheen Show.»

Mar 28, 2026 20:13

ZENIT Staff

Ecumenism•Pope Leo XIV

First female Anglican leader to visit Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican: here’s what we know

The newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury will travel to Rome from April 25 to 28, in what will be her first direct engagement with the Vatican since assuming office on March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral

Mar 28, 2026 19:52

Elizabeth Owens

Gender Ideology•Justice and Peace•Woman

International Olympic Committee bans transgender men from competing against women in sports

In redefining who belongs where, the IOC is not merely regulating sport—it is, in effect, arbitrating one of the most sensitive anthropological debates of the modern era.

Mar 27, 2026 21:36

ZENIT Staff

Interview•Rome

Exorcisms, New Technologies, and Cults: A Step Toward Hell. Interview with a Leader of the World’s Exorcists

Leo XIV met with the leaders of the International Association of Exorcists. Among their priorities is the growing number of people who come to them after having been involved with a cult. The Internet also plays an important role, Vice-President Father Francesco Bamonte explained to La Bussola.

Mar 27, 2026 10:51

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

What’s Driving the Rise in Catholic Conversions Across the US?

New Series for Parents: Digital Age Family Safety. From Family Theater Productions and the Daughters of St. Paul

Israeli police prevent a Mass from being celebrated at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and bar Cardinal Pizzaballa from entering

Holy Land: Cardinal Pizzaballa Says Palm Sunday Mass Ban in Jerusalem Was a Misunderstanding

Louisville to pay $800K after court rules for Christian photographer

Pope Meets with Israeli and Palestinian Women at the Vatican

France is set to break conversion records this Easter: here are the numbers, the reasons, and the origins

More than 8,000 people will formally convert to Catholicism this Easter 2026 in the Diocese of Los Angeles alone

Cardinal Tagle to preside over the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen: here is the date and location

First female Anglican leader to visit Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican: here’s what we know

International Olympic Committee bans transgender men from competing against women in sports

Exorcisms, New Technologies, and Cults: A Step Toward Hell. Interview with a Leader of the World’s Exorcists