We Are Catholic

The new Statutes of the Pontifical Academy for Life introduce a new category. The Academy was founded by John Paul II in 1994 to defend and promote the value of human life and the dignity of the person. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pontifical-academy-for-life-new-statutes-supporters.html

Israel and the United States launch joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-02/israel-u-s-iran-strikes.html

Pope Leo XIV invites men preparing for the priesthood to embrace their supernatural relationship with God so that their ministry may be fruitful, as he meets with seminarians from Spain. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-xiv-spanish-seminarians-relationship-god.html

As the Church observes the Second Sunday of Lent, Jenny Kraska offers this reflection on the theme, "Mountaintop Moments and Monastery Kitchens." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/sunday-gospel-reflection-transfiguration.html

Fr. Ariel Suárez Jáuregui from Havana speaks to Vatican News about the current situation in the country, describing it as “frankly difficult”, but he points out that the Church in Cuba is a sign of hope and comfort. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/church-cuba-sign-of-charity-consolation-people-long-for-dignity.html

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, speaks to Vatican News following the official announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s journey to Algeria in April. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/cardinal-jean-paul-vesco-pope-journey-algeria-st-augustine.html

The Vicar General of the Catholic diocese of Moscow speaks to Vatican News about the ‘countless lives’ lost during the conflict in Ukraine, the importance of empathising with the ‘other’, and the situation of Russia’s tiny Catholic community. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/moscow-russia-kirill-gorbunov-ukraine-empathy-catholic.html

Bishop Erik Varden delivers his tenth reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme of 'On Consideration'. The following is a summary of his reflection. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/lenten-retreat-tenth-reflection-on-consideration-st-bernard.html

Global military expenditure continues to grow amid persistent geopolitical tensions, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-02/iiss-report-military-spending-geopolitical-strife-wars-defence.html

The local Church in Monaco is looking forward with joyful expectation to the upcoming Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV, with civil and ecclesial authorities highlighting the historic nature of the papal visit. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/church-in-monaco-awaits-pope-leo-with-joy.html

The Holy See reiterates the moral imperative of disarmament amid massive expansion of arms budgets, and warns against the militarization of outer space, which must remain the “province of all mankind.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/holy-see-un-disarmament-conference-weaponization-space-ai.html

The Holy See Press Office announces Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming Apostolic Journeys: ten days in Africa, between Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, in April; one day in the Principality of Monaco at the end of March; and six days in Spain, between Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands archipelago, in June. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-to-visit-africa-spain-and-monaco.html

Bishop Erik Varden delivers his sixth reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme: “The Fall of Thousands.” The following is a summary of his reflection. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/lenten-retreat-bishop-varden-reflects-on-25-february-2026.html

Bishop Erik Varden delivers his fourth reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme: “Becoming Free.” The following is a summary of his reflection. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/lenten-retreat-fourth-reflection-bishop-varden-becoming-free.html

On February 7, 2026, people gathered in Poland to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the birth of Servant of God Helena Hoffmann, known as Sr. Maria Dulcissima, whose short life bore witness to love united in the cross of Jesus Christ, inspiring many who seek meaning in suffering and fidelity to God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/poland-spiritual-message-for-the-116th-anniversary-of-the-birth.html

As South Sudan struggles with continued violence and a humanitarian crisis, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Diocese of Tombura Yambio urges the faithful to embrace Lent as a season of spiritual rebirth, reconciliation, and solidarity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/south-sudan-s-bishop-calls-for-peace-and-healing-amid-violence-a.html

The Head and Father of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, reflects on the years that have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, saying that despite the worsening tragedy, the people of Ukraine continue to resist, and remain grateful for international solidarity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/interview-with-major-archbishop-shevchuk.html

Thousands of people pass by the major relics of St Francis of Assisi, which are exposed for the veneration of the faithful for the first time in almost 800 years. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/assisi-thousands-of-pilgrims-venerate-relics-of-st-francis.html

Bishop Erik Varden delivers his second reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme: “Bernard, the Idealist.” Here is a summary of his reflection. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/lent-spiritual-exercises-pope-leo-second-reflection-bernard.html

Muslim and Catholic communities began the period of Ramadan and Lent simultaneously on Wednesday, 18 February. At the Sacred Heart Parish in Abobo Anador, within the Archdiocese of Abidjan, this spiritual coincidence was marked early Wednesday evening by a collective breaking of the fast in an atmosphere of fraternity, reflection, and conviviality. Prayers were offered for peace, unity, and social cohesion in Côte d’Ivoire. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2026-02/as-lent-and-ramadan-coincide-christians-and-muslims-in-cote-d-i.html

Pope Leo XIV visits the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the neighbourhood of Castro Pretorio in Rome, close to the Termini train station and meets the parish community. In his homily he invited them to be “the yeast of the Gospel in the dough" of an area marked by many difficulties. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-castro-pretorio-termini-parish-visit-hope-charity-salesians.html

“In stepping back from digital excess, we reclaim interior silence, deepen relationships, and rediscover God’s presence in daily life,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said.

In a telegram, Pope Leo XIV offers his condolences for the passing of Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-telegram-cardinal-polycarp-pengo-tanzania-dar-es-salaam.html

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, announced that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace," promoted by the U.S. president to address Gaza and other conflicts.

The behind-the-scenes series can be seen on EWTN+, EWTN.com, EWTN’s YouTube Channel, and on EWTN’s broadcast channel.

Pope Leo encourages the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles to continue their mission in difficult regions across the globe and amongst those most in need. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-sisters-religious-charity-solidarity-christ-consecrated.html

To mark Temperance Sunday and the Lenten season, Armagh Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Michael Router welcomed the rewording of Ireland’s traditional Confirmation Pledge.

The Vatican will open new parts of St. Peter’s — including the full terrace — and roll out a “SmartPass” digital entry system as it marks the basilica’s 400th anniversary.

The brief Ash Wednesday walk between two hilltop basilicas marks the start of Lent in Rome.

Bad Bunny’s halftime show at Super Bowl LX drew mixed reactions. For some, it was a Latino triumph while for others it contained obscene lyrics that did not represent the best of Latin America.

The longtime activist was a fixture in U.S. politics for decades, including two presidential runs.

The Church should engage with universities about how to take “an ethical approach” to the dignity of unborn life, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life said.

“My service is much more individual and open to everyone, even nonbelievers,” Father Oldřich Chocholáč, chaplain of the Czech Olympic team, told EWTN News.

Rubén Quezada, author of the book “For Greater Glory,” released along with the film of the same name in 2012, assesses the impact of the Cristero War on religious freedom in Mexico today.

Former bodybuilder Bruno Toral shared his personal conversion story from being totally hostile to the faith to becoming a dedicated disciple of Christ.

A leading voice from the Cardinal Newman Society shares how the new accreditation program will accelerate Catholic education reform and help support Catholic families to pass on the faith.

Torrential rains have triggered two landslides that killed seven people and caused floods that displaced more than 3,000 villagers in the southeastern Philippines. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-02/storm-triggers-deadly-landslides-and-floods-in-philippines.html

The General Secretariat of the Synod creates a new Commission tasked with developing ideas for the revision of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches “in light of the synodal journey.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/new-commission-dedicated-eastern-churches-established-by-synod.html

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, beginning a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in the Catholic Church.

Catholic U.S. House Democrats cited Church teaching in defense of the dignity of migrants as Trump administration officials defend immigration enforcement.

Marco Rubio’s speech elicited a standing ovation and widespread accolades, including from the bishop of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota.

Pope Leo XIV has eliminated the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, transferring the committee’s functions to the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza was the focus of a day of the arts at the Lateran Apostolic Palace on Feb. 14, drawing attention to the ongoing suffering of residents in the Gaza Strip.

Father John Berinyuy Tatah was among six Catholic priests abducted in Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese last year and later released.

Tyler J. VanderWeele, a Catholic, is an epidemiologist and director of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University.

Pope Francis moved the prelature’s Vatican oversight from the office for bishops to that of clergy, triggering an ongoing review and rewrite of its governing norms.

The pope told the Pontifical Academy for Life it is hypocritical to call health a universal value while ignoring policies that drive disparities.

A Catholic bishop calls on Bangladesh’s newly elected government to protect minority rights after the BNP’s landslide victory in the country’s first election since the 2024 uprising.

“Adoption visas are not guaranteed” amid a travel freeze, said lawmakers who have asked the State Department to restore a “categorical exemption for adoption visas.”

Amaya Valcárcel, International Advocacy Advisor at Jesuit Refugee Service, speaks to Vatican News about the Spanish government’s recent decision to grant legal residency to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-02/spain-migrant-regularisation-sanchez-valcarcel-church-jrs.html

The near-unanimous resolution calls on Ankara to respect religious freedom and allow expelled Christian workers to return.

Father Fermín González Melado, who was recently named a “chaplain of His Holiness” by Pope Leo XIV, explains the qualifications and purpose of bestowing this honorary title.

Pope Leo XIV will preside over the traditional Ash Wednesday procession and Mass on Feb. 18 on Rome’s Aventine Hill, an important place of Christian pilgrimage for more than 1,500 years.

Washington, D.C., Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala talks immigration and dialogue with high-ranking Catholics in the Trump administration.

The pontiff urged “coherence between faith and life” and persistent prayer for peace.

“The pope encouraged us to use AI responsibly, to use it in a way that helps us grow, not to let it work against us, ” said Davide Bolchini, the moderator of an AI panel at the weekend conference.

In his catechesis before the Angelus, Leo said Jesus fulfills the Law by calling Christians beyond minimal righteousness to great love.

David Ryan, a 61-year-old Irishman who suffered sexual abuse as a teenager, shared his story face-to-face with Pope Leo XIV, the first time the pope met with a victim individually.

Restoration work is progressing rapidly on two 13th-century historic mural reliefs at the ancient Mar Behnam and Sarah Monastery.

During World War II, the unexpected intervention of the Maharaja of Nawanagar, known as “the Good Maharaja,” provided hundreds of Polish children a home at his personal estate in India.

“We can say that, thanks to God, thanks to our faith, we have a strong foundation,” Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk said.

According to Pew data, the share of U.S. adults identifying as Christian is down from 2007 levels but has held steady since 2020.

The St. Carlo Acutis Shrine & Center for Eucharistic Encounter in Malvern, Pennsylvania, launches a new mobile app inspired by the young Italian St. Carlo Acutis. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/st-carlo-acutis-eucharistic-miracles-new-mobile-app.html

Archbishop Richard Moth served as bishop of Arundel and Brighton in southern England for the past decade until Pope Leo XIV nominated him in December.

The Holy Father accepted the resignation of Amarillo Bishop Patrick Zurek, who has reached retirement age.

Ave Maria University, a Catholic liberal arts university in Florida, is opening a new campus at a former monastery in rural Ireland. Learn more in this Catholic education news roundup.

Bonnie Engstrom, the mother of boy healed through the intercession of Fulton Sheen, provides an update on her son following the announcement of the archbishop’s upcoming beatification.

With Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, Mexican priest Father Manuel Corral called on those involved in criminal violence to use this liturgical season as an opportunity for inner conversion.

Founded under Russian imperial rule in 1910, Lithuania's Ateitis federation has survived occupations and secularization to become a rare model of sustained Catholic youth engagement in Europe.

The school has indicated it will stick by its decision for Professor Susan Ostermann to lead a university institute.

Written, created, and directed by Simón Delacre, “The Apocalypse of St. John” will air in theaters across the United States Feb. 15–17.

The archdiocese has seen growing interest in the ceremony for several years.

Here is a roundup of recent pro-life and abortion-related news.

Archbishop Alexander Sample issued a statement stressing the Church’s duty to safeguard detainees’ access to the sacraments.

Clergy had argued they “have lost their own religious freedom, by blanket denial of any opportunity to provide spiritual consolation.”

The Archdiocese of Liverpool says it’s ditching X, kidnappings continue in Nigeria, and World Youth Day preparations are in full swing. All this and more in this week’s world news roundup.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin visits the new dialysis unit at the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital and speaks at a conference titled "The Culture of Giving", affirming that every contribution becomes “providence passing through human hands.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/cardinal-parolin-organ-donation-act-of-love-that-trascends-death.html

Multiple U.S. bishops have criticized the school’s decision and urged it to rescind the appointment.

Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González signed into law on Feb. 12 a bill amending the penal code to recognize unborn babies as human beings at “any stage of gestation.”

The archbishop called for prayers for both the family of the killer’s victims and the killer himself.

A popular summer destination for tourists, Ostia will be the first of five parishes where the pope, as bishop of Rome, will celebrate Mass on Sundays in February and March.

The parish priest in the Kaduna Archdiocese in Nigeria has confirmed the kidnapping of the parish catechist, his pregnant wife, and over 30 other people in a bandit attack.

The diocese has already paid out more than $100 million to over 500 victims of abuse.

The presidents of the French, Italian, German, and Polish bishops’ conferences called on Christians to help shape Europe’s future.

Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026.

The prohibition of pastoral missions in the Diocese of León and the tightening of restrictions on Catholic religious events in Managua and other cities continues in Nicaragua.

In a new apostolic exhortation, “Your Light Will Break Forth Like the Dawn” (Is 58:8), the Venezuelan bishops said they seek to convey “a message of hope” to their fellow citizens.

Manuel Nin Güell, newly appointed exarch of an ancient Byzantine monastery near Rome, explains the origins of Byzantine-rite Catholicism and its role in the search for Christian unity.

The first season introduced viewers to James Little, a student fresh out of college desperate for a job.

The country’s growing economic and social instability prompts request to delay meeting with Pope Leo XIV.

U.S. parishes and other Catholic groups are expected to participate in the initiative ahead of the Fourth of July.

After a report found that nearly two-thirds of abortions are chemical, advocacy groups are pushing for national and local safeguards against mail-order abortion pill prescriptions.

The aid has been coordinated between the Catholic Church in Cuba and the United States government, bypassing the communist regime.

The university has endured sustained backlash for nominating the outspoken abortion advocate to lead an academic department.

A sitting mayor attended the past five archbishop installations in New York dating back to 1939.

Communion and Liberation’s annual cultural event, the New York Encounter, will begin Friday in the heart of New York City.

An official replica of Manila’s centuries-old Jesús Nazareno image has been entrusted to Holy Family Parish in Artesia, California, bringing one of the world’s largest Catholic devotions to the U.S.

Among the most populous nations, the U.S. ranks first in religious diversity. Singapore is the most religiously diverse country overall, and the U.S. ranks 32nd.

The Vatican’s doctrinal office told a traditionalist group that consecrating bishops without a papal mandate would mean a “decisive rupture” of communion.

The Archdiocese of Corrientes, Argentina, announced that it will act ex officio in accordance with canon law to take any “formal canonical disciplinary measures that may be appropriate.”

Pope Leo XIV is a 1977 alumnus of Villanova University and an avid sports fan.

At least 10 people are dead, including young teens, and many are wounded in a mass shooting in northern British Columbia, Canada.

In his Angelus reflections on the Sunday Gospel, Pope Leo explains how the Gospel teaches us that we must love greatly for true righteousness. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-at-the-angelus-true-righteousness-demands-great-love.html

Two indexes with 50 companies each that adhere to Catholic social teachings were announced by the Vatican Bank in order to promote ethical Catholic investing.

Nina Shea, Hudson Institute senior fellow, called on Pope Leo XIV to summon Chinese bishops to the Vatican for supporting the “suppression of Chinese Catholicism.”

Though backlash to the appointment has been growing for weeks, the university has not backed off the controversial decision.

Authorities are using zoning laws and urban planning regulations to prevent construction of Christian institutions, according to a new report documenting restrictions across multiple cities.

The 2033 Jubilee will commemorate the bimillennium of the Redemption but the main ecumenical obstacle is the rift between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

On Feb. 11, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Former Miss California Carrie Prejean Boller has been removed from President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission.

Cardinal Anthony Poola has become the first Dalit to lead India’s Catholic bishops as the conference calls for repeal of anti-conversion laws violating religious freedom.

Parishioners learned that seven churches will be closed in March due to financial constraints and lower Mass attendance.

Notre Dame has been at the center of controversy since early January when it named global affairs Professor Susan Ostermann as director of the school’s Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.

Catholic entrepreneurs Eddie Cullen and Karl Kilb want to use new financial technologies to benefit the Catholic Church and its charitable work.

As the Church marks the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Edmund Power reflects on the theme: “On tablets of human hearts”. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/gospel-reflections-sixth-sunday-ordinary-time.html

Those who visit the chapel of the Our Lady of Lourdes shrine in the city of Alta Gracia, Argentina, witness a phenomenon that has no explanation.

Catholic teaching does not explicitly oppose Zionism, the movement supporting Jewish self‑determination in a homeland in Israel.

A Pew Research Center report examined how U.S. religious groups view President Donald Trump, including his plans and policies and his ethics.

“I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15) is the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which this year will take place on Sunday, July 26.

The religious sister worked to advance the U.S. Church’s ministry toward Black Americans.

Archbishop William Lori urged Catholics to approach public life with synodal listening and civic virtue, drawing on Blessed Michael McGivney’s example of serving immigrant families.

The first season of “Seeking Beauty” takes viewers to cities in Italy including Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Vatican City.

On Thursday morning, the Holy Father met with Noel Díaz, founder of El Sembrador Nueva Evangelización (ESNE). Based in California, this Catholic ministry runs a television network that broadcasts throughout Latin America and Spain, as well as a large network of radio stations across the United States and Mexico. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-vix-esne-tv.html

World Radio Day, promoted by UNESCO, is focused this year on voice and AI, exploring the connection between people and communities as part of the DNA of Guglielmo Marconi's invention. This is a value that no Artificial Intelligence will ever be able to replace, according to Alessandro Gisotti, our Deputy Editorial Director. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/editorial-alessandro-gisotti-vatican-radio-95-years.html

The Director of L'Osservatore Romano, Andrea Monda, reflects on the 95th birthday of Vatican Radio as a key tool of Vatican communications, saying, 'God favors radio.' Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/divine-radio-editorial-andrea-monda-vatican-birthday-95th.html

From Guglielmo Marconi’s first radio transmission in 1931 to today’s digital and AI era, Vatican Radio marks 95 years of service to the Pope, the Gospel, and communities around the world. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/happy-birthday-vatican-radio-95-years-of-serving-the-pope.html

‘All my affection and gratitude.’ Those are Princess Elettra Marconi's words on the 95th anniversary of Vatican Radio, inaugurated by her father Guglielmo on 12 February 1931 at the invitation of Pope Pius XI. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/elettra-marconi-vatican-radio-95-years-guglielmo-daughter.html

With Ramadan and Lent starting on the same day, Church leaders in the Philippines see the moment as a rare opportunity for Muslims and Christians to deepen prayer, solidarity, and mutual understanding. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-02/philippines-church-lent-ramadam-same-date-shared-path-of-faith.html

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo calls Europe to overcome tensions and rediscover unity, prays for the sick, remembers those suffering from severe flooding in Colombia, and offers advice on how to prepare for Lent. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-prays-for-unified-europe-colombia-floods-the-sick.html

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV highlights the close relationship between the Word of God and the Church and how meditating on Sacred Scripture helps the faithful to enter into a conversation with God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-xiv-general-audience-catechesis-word-of-god-dei-verbum.html

This World Radio Day, Vatican Radio celebrates 95 years with seven multilingual programs dedicated to the future of radio and the day's theme that 'AI is a tool, not a voice.' Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/vatican-radio-to-celebrate-95-years-on-world-radio-day.html