In the News
Cardinal Zen: Synodality is ‘ironclad manipulation’ and an ‘insult’ to bishops
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun delivered a forceful critique of synodality at the extraordinary consistory of cardinals this week, decrying the process as an “ironclad manipulation” that was an “insult to the dignity of the bishops.” The bishop…
Protests continue across Iran – The Catholic Thing
Protests flared again across Iran on Friday night despite a sweeping security crackdown and a nationwide internet blackout. This is now the 13th night of protests. Verified videos published by AFP showed large crowds gathering in Tehran,…
At the Consistory: Cardinals Underscore Peace, Unity, and Listening
The Vatican has presented the gathering as a strictly consultative, closed-door meeting, focused on prayer, reflection, and “common discernment” to support the pope in his “high and demanding responsibility” in governing the universal Church.…
Arizona threatens priests with jail if they fail to break the confessional seal to report abuse
A proposed law in Arizona could see priests facing felony charges if they fail to break the seal of confession after learning of child abuse during the sacrament. Failure to report a “reportable offense” could lead to class 6 felony charges…
New report notes demographic and religious crisis in Russia
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow asserts that Russia “is laying the foundations for a new civilisation, where science, technology, new technologies, high standards of living, education, art and culture are combined with sincere and profound faith,”…
Charlotte priests submit dubia to Vatican over Bishop’s liturgical changes
Michelle La Rosa, The Pillar Thursday, January 8, 2026 Thirty-one priests in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, have submitted a set of questions to the Vatican related to recent liturgical changes announced by the local bishop, including…
A great man who loved Jesus’: Catholic writer Russell Shaw dies at 90
Russell Shaw, a Catholic writer and journalist whose prolific career spanned decades, including years of work for the U.S. bishops, died on Tuesday at the age of 90. Catholic writer Mike Aquilina announced Shaw’s death on Facebook, describing…
New Orleans Archbishop apologizes to abuse survivors as settlement takes effect
Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans issued a formal apology to abuse survivors in that archdiocese. This follows a court approval of a $230 million settlement in a five-year-long bankruptcy case. “With this letter,” he wrote, “I express…
Pope Leo closes Holy Door ending the Jubilee Year
Marking the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass in St Peter’s Basilica for some 5,800 faithful. At the start of the Mass, the Pope closed the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, the last of the Holy Doors…
Vatican: 33 million+ pilgrims took part in the Jubilee
More than 33.4 million pilgrims traveled to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, surpassing initial projections, the Vatican said Monday. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said 33,475,369…