News & Commentary

A wounded Palestinian Christian woman is brought into Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City July 17, 2025, following what initial reports and medics said was an Israeli tank attack on the church of the Holy Family Parish -- the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip.

3 dead, Holy Family Gaza pastor injured after mid-morning Israeli attack

Three people were confirmed dead and nine were injured, including a parish pastor, following what initial reports say was a mid-morning Israeli tank attack on the Holy Family Parish Church in Gaza on July 17.
Read More →
Capuchin Franciscan Sister Maria Elena Romero reading

Cloistered life offers lessons for the world during COVID-19

People often telephone Sister Maria Elena Romero, a Capuchin Franciscan Poor Clare in Wilmington, Delaware, to ask for her to pray for a personal intention, to sound out a problem, sometimes just to cry.
Read More →

COVID-19 is God’s call to live differently, pope says

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is not God’s judgment on humanity, but God’s call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on, Pope Francis said.
Read More →
Pope During Morning Mass with Jesus on Cross in Background

Pope joins interreligious prayer, begging God to end pandemic

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a time of global "tragedy and suffering" because of the coronavirus, and in view of the long-term impact it will have, believers of every religion should beg mercy from the one God and father of ...
Read More →

Pope makes donation to fund scholarships in Lebanon

Pope Francis donated $200,000 to fund educational scholarships in Lebanon, which is facing a devastating economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
Read More →
People in a church

Franciscan Friars Vote to Unify

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Voicing their support for the revitalization of Franciscan life in the United States, six provinces of the Order of Friars Minor have voted to form one new organization. On May 30, the friars of each of the ...
Read More →