Stories for April 2026

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Thursday, Apr. 30

 Pillar editor analyzes why Pope Leo won’t meet with SSPX superior general
 EU leader, Pope discuss Middle East, Africa
 Belarus frees priest, prominent journalist in a 10-person prisoner swap
 Minnesota diocese begins drastic reduction in parishes
 Minerva Dialogues build bridges between Vatican, Silicon Valley
 Priest attacked during Bangladesh parish robbery
 Colombian bishops decry election violence
 Oakland bishop announces closing of 12 parishes, 1 pastoral center
 Cardinal Farrell: Infant baptisms fell 31%, Catholic weddings fell 48% over 30-year period
 Retired Belgian bishop disciplined for mishandling abuse case
 Asteroid is named after Pope Leo XIII
 Pope Leo upholds St. Catherine of Siena as example for young people and the sick
 Pope laments Colombia violence, recalls Poland’s clergy martyrs of World War II
 Tulsa deacon charged with bank fraud
 Chernobyl cleanup crew members, grieving parents meet with Pontiff
 Westminster archbishop: Pope, Anglican primate well aware of differences

Released Wednesday, Apr. 29

 Pope, at general audience, reviews apostolic journey to Africa
 Archbishop Gänswein offers fresh account of Benedict and Francis years
 Jerusalem cardinal emphasizes centrality of liturgy, prayer amid war
 Number of Catholic weddings in Ireland falls by half in 10 years
 Cardinal McElroy sees 3 ‘major distortions of Catholic teaching on war and peace’
 Ghana’s leading prelate says the Church ‘cannot remain silent in the face of moral and social concerns’
 USCCB, Catholic organizations weigh in on agriculture appropriations bill
 Azerbaijan’s government demolishes Armenian cathedral
 Pontifical Mission Societies warn of ‘silent massacre’ of humanitarian workers
 Vatican diplomat: Don’t delegate scientific decisions to AI
 EU bishops issue peace plea, draw attention to plight of Christians in Northern Cyprus
 Vatican newspaper sounds alarm about jihadist advances in the Sahel
 500,000 children at risk of death in Somalia, L’Osservatore Romano warns

Released Tuesday, Apr. 28

 Pontiff grants ecclesiastical communion to new Chaldean Patriarch
 5 beatification causes advance, including religious sister who died in Missouri
 New Vatican document: ‘Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family’
 2 priests ordained in Laos, a nation with 20 priests
 Pope calls on Vatican diplomats to be servants of peace, truth, and justice
 Pope Leo, at blessing of heart center, recalls Pope Francis’s encyclical on the Sacred Heart
 Dog owners who shared the Eucharist with their pets are not excommunicated, Swiss bishop rules
 In North Carolina, Catholic Charities official charged with embezzlement, money laundering
 Vatican official comments on SSPX, Order of Malta; declines comment on Charlotte priests’ dubia
 In Germany, Church leaders defend blessing guidelines
 Bishops condemn violence after White House press dinner shooting
 California bishop’s role at Anglican consecration prompts questions
 South Sudanese bishop renews call for answers on missing priest, driver

Released Monday, Apr. 27

 Pope receives Anglican primate, calls for removal of stumbling blocks to Christian unity
 Pope names successor to 59-year-old Central African cardinal—reportedly after investigation by Cardinal Sarah
 Italian soldiers replace crucifix destroyed by Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon
 Cardinal Koch: The witness of martyrs is essential to the Church’s life
 Vatican newspaper warns of global food crisis
 Pope is committed to European unity, European Parliament ex-president says following audience
 Vatican releases schedule for 4 of Pontiff’s upcoming visits to Italian cities
 ‘Truth is the goal and personal relationship the path to achieving it,’ Pope tells Italian religion teachers

Released Sunday, Apr. 26

 Pope recalls 40th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster
 US bishops’ conference president condemns shooting at White House Correspondents’ dinner
 On Good Shepherd Sunday, Pope Leo asks: ‘Whom do we want to guide us in life?’
 Pope ordains 10 priests, offers 3 secrets of priestly life

Released Saturday, Apr. 25

 Pope offers advice to Christians engaged in politics
 Pontiff’s brother denies report that Pope planned to visit US in 2026
 USCCB files Supreme Court brief in Ohio religious-freedom case
 New Westminster archbishop elected president of bishops’ conference
 Buenos Aires archbishop laments polarization
 Vatican official, in US, emphasizes importance of liturgical prayer, beauty
 Cardinal Leo urges Canadian PM to reject expansion of assisted suicide
 McCarrick accuser receives ‘high six-figure’ settlement
 Leading African prelate calls for greater recognition of African Church’s importance
 Mozambique’s bishops warn of ‘politics of manipulation’
 Vatican diplomat calls on wealthy nations to honor their international development commitments
 Vatican announces conference on marriage formation
 Latin Patriarchate condemns Israeli settlers’ encroachments on Church land in the West Bank
 The Pope has called us to personal responsibility, leading Equatorial Guinea prelate says
 Press conference announced for presentation of Holy See’s Biennale art exhibit
 Church in Vietnam faces challenges from AI, mass media, bishop says after papal audience
 Pope Leo: ‘The Church teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible’
 Background: World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Released Friday, Apr. 24

 Jury awards $16M in abuse case against Oakland diocese
 Appeals court upholds posting of Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms
 Christians brutally attacked, cemetery desecrated in Pakistan
 USCCB, CRS call for $26.9B in international humanitarian aid funding
 Study analyzes prevalence of ‘former Catholics’ in 24 countries
 Peoria diocese announces pilgrimage events for Sheen beatification
 Vatican diplomat calls for use of ‘cutting-edge technologies’ to ensure sustainable access to food
 EU bishops’ commission backs political, humanitarian support for Ukraine

Released Thursday, Apr. 23

 Pope, at press conference, weighs in on Iran, migration, same-sex blessings
 Pope, at final Mass in Africa, highlights importance of Scripture and the Eucharist
 Irish bishop blasts distorted narrative against Catholic schools
 Cardinal Marx instructs priests to facilitate blessings of same-sex couples
 Mob attacks Christian village in Bangladesh
 Sri Lanka cardinal says the ‘deep state’ is obstructing investigation into Easter bombings
 Brazilian bishops, pontifical commission sign memorandum on addressing abuse
 Holy See renews call for international action against human trafficking
 Vatican diplomat calls for culturally sensitive healthcare for indigenous peoples
 Diocese of Rome shares vocation stories of men whom Pope will ordain to the priesthood
 ‘A life given to God is a happy life,’ Pope tells young people in Equatorial Guinea

Released Wednesday, Apr. 22

 Pope tells prisoners: ‘No one is excluded from God’s love!’
 Pope emphasizes the Eucharist and evangelization at Mass in Equatorial Guinea
 Late Colombian cardinal accused of abuse
 More than 1.12 million abortions in US in 2025; actual figures likely higher
 17 bishops have attended LGBTQ-related dialogues organized by New Ways Ministry
 Vatican newspaper publishes reflection on Virgil’s Aeneid by the future Pope Francis
 Only 3 Christian villages in southern Lebanon remain inhabited
 Mass at Casa Santa Marta on anniversary of Pope Francis’s death
 Italian president hails Pope Francis as moral leader of immense wisdom
 Vatican spokesman sees African papal trip as ‘the journey that reveals the pontificate’
 Pope Leo writes message for 1st anniversary of death of Pope Francis
 In Christian civilization, the sick are loved, Pope says at psychiatric hospital

Released Tuesday, Apr. 21

 In Christ, the harmony between truth, reason, and freedom is manifest, Pope tells university community
 Serve the city of God and not love of self, Pope exhorts Equatorial Guinea’s leaders
 Addressing journalists, Pope Leo recalls Pope Francis, says no date set to name new cardinals
 Pope departs from Angola, heads to Equatorial Guinea
 Supreme Court agrees to hear Colorado religious freedom case
 Ukrainian Catholic leader reports on Russian vandalism, seizure of parish
 Israel investigates soldier who destroyed crucifix in Catholic village in Lebanon
 Synod announces date of meeting of presidents of world’s episcopal conferences
 Massive Buenos Aires crowd attends outdoor concert in memory of Pope Francis
 Rabbi Skorka, Muslim theologian pay tribute to Pope Francis
 Central Asian bishops express ‘firm support’ for Pope, elect Cardinal Marengo as president
 USCCB committee chairmen back Clergy Act
 Iran war could worsen hunger worldwide, Vatican diplomat warns

Released Monday, Apr. 20

 ‘The first path is fidelity to Christ,’ Pope tells Angola’s priests and religious
 Reject superstition and follow Christ in freedom, Pope preaches at Mass in Angola
 Pope flies to remote Angolan city, visits nursing home
 Woman assaulted in Barcelona after stating she is a Christian
 Myanmar’s bishops express solidarity with Pope
 Typical new US priest: 33-year-old cradle Catholic devoted to Rosary, Eucharistic adoration
 Papal visit brought unity to both sides in Anglophone Crisis, leading Cameroon prelate says
 Seek truth and goodness, not consensus and appearances, Pope writes to young Italian professionals
 Cardinal Parolin, in papal message, writes that knowledge cannot be reduced to algorithms

Released Sunday, Apr. 19

 May the Mother of the Heart make our hearts like hers, Pope says at Rosary in Angola
 Pope renews call for peace in Ukraine, Middle East
 Pope, at Mass in Angola, warns faithful against syncretism, encourages them to ‘become like broken bread’

Released Saturday, Apr. 18

 Pope hails joy of Angola’s people, denounces extractivism
 Pope Leo departs from Cameroon, says his remarks there did not refer to President Trump
 Draw near to the suffering and the poor, as Jesus did, Pope preaches at final Cameroon Mass
 Vatican drops investigation of Spanish bishop accused of abuse
 Peruvian bishops’ conference secretary general steps down after abuse allegations surface
 State of Maryland faces billions in liability from over 12,000 abuse claims
 Religious Liberty Commission holds final hearing
 Cuba’s bishops defend Pope amid attacks
 USCCB asks Catholics: Urge Congress to press for peace in Middle East
 US bishops urge DHS, ICE to avoid arrest, detention of pregnant mothers
 Pacific churches launch ecumenical decade of climate action
 Kenya’s bishops issue statement on political intolerance, threats to sanctity of life
 Vatican spokesman recalls papal statements on nuclear weapons
 Societies flourish on the foundation of upright consciences that seek the truth, Pope tells university students

Released Friday, Apr. 17

 ‘Bring the bread of life to your neighbors,’ Pope preaches in Cameroon’s largest city
 Belarus Supreme Court upholds liquidation of 3 Greek Catholic parishes
 Journalist explores shift to ‘conversation in the Spirit’ at January consistory of cardinals
 Australia’s 1st new cathedral in over a century planned for Sydney area
 Does a new survey show potential for a Confession revival?
 USCCB launches America 250 video series
 Technology should not replace the family, Vatican diplomat says at UN meeting
 Pope meets with several Muslim leaders in Cameroon
 Papal message to Italian Church officials: Respect freedom to prevent abuse

Released Thursday, Apr. 16

 Canadian bishops’ conference weighs in on just war, image of President Trump as Christ figure
 Vatican halts Father Ciszek’s sainthood cause
 Now is the time to change this country, Pope preaches in Cameroon
 Justice Department report confirms selective prosecution of pro-life activists [News Analysis]
 Pope hails peacemaking efforts of Christian, Muslim leaders in Cameroon
 Library of Congress highlights work of Thomas Merton
 Catholic groups slam President Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo
 Florida Catholic school principal avoids jail time after stealing more than $238,000
 Charlotte parents say priest’s questions during Confession crossed line
 Human Rights Watch: Vatican agreement with China has facilitated crackdown on Catholics
 Religious sisters sue UnitedHealth Group
 Trump administration cancels $11M in funding for Catholic Charities in Miami
 Vatican foundation announces global events ahead of centenary of Benedict XVI’s birth
 Vatican diplomat calls for protection of religious and cultural sites in wartime
 Leading North African prelate reflects on historic papal visit to Algeria
 US bishops’ doctrine chairman issues clarification on just war theory
 Vatican spokesman: It is increasingly difficult to claim that a just war exists

Released Wednesday, Apr. 15

 Trump’s rift with Pope is playing out in public and costing him support
 ‘Jesus cares especially for children like you,’ Pope tells orphans in Cameroon
 Pope calls on Cameroon to embrace peace, break chains of corruption
 Pope, in remarks to journalists, highlights importance, relevance of St. Augustine
 Pope bids farewell to Algeria, departs for Cameroon
 Church leaders, including Cardinal Müller, unite behind Pope following President Trump’s criticism
 Amid consolidation, Iowa archdiocese halts Sunday Mass at 84 parishes
 Hate-crimes bill threatens religious freedom, Canadian bishops warn
 VP Vance says Pope should be more careful when talking about theology
 Indian bishops back papal call for peace in the Middle East
 Vatican announces contemporary art exhibit inspired by St. Hildegard of Bingen
 Phoenix diocese brings Vatican model of synodality to local level
 Pope urges world’s cardinals to shift from maintenance to mission
 Pope Leo reflects on power, democracy, and the international order

Released Tuesday, Apr. 14

 Pope spends day in Annaba, emphasizes ‘Christians are truly born from above’
 57 men ordained for Heralds of the Gospel after Vatican moratorium lifted
 Church and state leaders react to tensions between President Trump, Pope Leo
 President Trump says he won’t apologize to Pope Leo
 Cardinal Hollerich suggests female subdiaconate
 VP Vance downplays image of President Trump as Christ figure, weighs in on Pope-Trump controversy
 Vatican cardinal recalls 40th anniversary of St. John Paul’s historic visit to Rome’s synagogue
 Vatican spokesman: ‘God cannot be with those who massacre civilians’
 Successor of Peter returns to Africa as a missionary of peace, Vatican spokesman writes
 Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary shed light on suffering, Pope writes to Pontifical Biblical Commission
 Imitate the faith and ardor of Spanish martyrs of the 1930s, Pope writes in message
 Pope emphasizes prayer, charity, unity in address to Algerian Catholics

Released Monday, Apr. 13

 Pope visits Great Mosque of Algiers, recalls St. Augustine’s search for truth
 Pope calls on Algeria’s leaders to promote ‘vibrant, dynamic, and free civil society’
 ‘The future belongs to men and women of peace,’ Pope says in first Algerian address
 I am ‘very happy’ to visit the land of St. Augustine, Pope says on flight to Algeria
 Pope Leo: ‘I have no fear of the Trump administration’
 Social media image depicting President Trump as Christ figure removed after uproar
 Cardinal Burke: ‘Vatican-US clash’ narrative Is exaggerated
 Chaldean bishops elect new Patriarch, Paul III Nona
 Pope departs for Africa
 Report: Pope wishes to visit Vietnam in near future
 President Trump blasts Pope Leo in lengthy social media post; USCCB responds: Pope Leo is not a politician
 Cardinal Vesco: Algerians will welcome Pope’s message of peace
 US cardinals criticize Iran war, ICE deportations

Released Sunday, Apr. 12

 Pope offers Easter greetings to Eastern Christians, calls for peace in Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan
 ‘The Sunday Eucharist is indispensable to the Christian life,’ Pope tells pilgrims

Released Saturday, Apr. 11

 At Rosary for peace, Pope speaks of importance of prayer, urges leaders to stop waging war
 Priest arrested in Belarus; whereabouts unknown
 California Catholic college names Rep. Pelosi its commencement speaker
 Indian state revokes Catholic school’s recognition over conversion allegation
 Times asks: Should Father Rupnik’s art be removed from churches?
 Vatican spokesman backs up Pentagon on tone of January meeting with Cardinal Pierre
 Partial reopening of Christian churches in Dubai
 Islamabad archbishop lauds Pakistan’s mediation efforts in Iran war
 Ghana’s leading prelate reminds president of promise to sign family-values legislation
 Cardinal Parolin previews Pope’s journey to Africa
 In Paris, Latin liturgy helps draw new generation to the Church
 Leading Pakistani prelate demands safety for Christian girls after court validates marriage of minor
 Nigerian bishop recounts Easter attacks, says 500 parishioners are still in hiding
 Vatican newspaper devotes special section to refugees
 Coadjutor named for Bishop Zanchetta’s former diocese
 Pope names chancellor of Pontifical Academy for Life
 Milan Catholic university rector, in papal audience, discusses African collaboration plans
 Pope Leo laments international poverty, recalls papal teaching on the welfare state
 French President Macron meets with Pontiff
 Russia and Ukraine agree to Orthodox Easter truce
 Leading French prelate deplores Israeli attacks on Lebanon
 Pope calls on Chaldean bishops to elect a ‘man of the Beatitudes’ as Patriarch

Released Friday, Apr. 10

 Vatican concludes visitation of Heiligenkreuz Abbey in Austria
 New Westminster archbishop: ‘I don’t think we’re managing decline’
 Nuncio’s Pentagon meeting was ‘frank exchange of ideas,’ officials say
 12 new members named to Dicastery for Communication
 Archbishop Eterović retires at 75; led Synod of Bishops under Pope Benedict
 Czech court finds parts of Vatican-Czech treaty unconstitutional
 USCCB calls for assistance for Lebanon’s people
 US fertility rate has fallen 23% since 2007
 Survey assesses Americans’ views on morality
 Albanian cardinal marks 70 years as a priest, recalls brutal Communist persecution
 Nuncio laments bombing of Beirut, calls for truce
 Lebanese priest discusses suffering of Christians in Beqaa Valley, under Israeli attack
 Vatican spokesman previews Pope’s impending trip to Africa

Released Thursday, Apr. 9

 David Axelrod meets with Pontiff
 Message title announced for World Day of Migrants and Refugees
 Sport can be a ‘workshop for a reconciled humanity,’ Pope tells Olympic athletes
 Bishops issue Rwanda genocide anniversary statement, call for unity
 Teen killed, 60 hurt after truck rams Easter procession in Pakistan
 Augustinians see ‘Leo effect’ after Pope’s election
 VP Vance, Defense Department respond to report that official delivered ‘bitter lecture’ to Cardinal Pierre
 Military Archbishop Broglio relieved by US-Iran ceasefire, but concerns loom
 Nigerian archdiocese pleads with government to rescue abducted worshippers
 Tehran cardinal writes Easter message to his flock
 Cardinal Parolin, in wide-ranging interview, laments international drift from diplomacy to force
 Priest discusses plight of Lebanese Christians on Israeli border

Released Wednesday, Apr. 8

 Ecumenical Patriarch issues Easter encyclical, denounces war
 Blessed Sacrament stolen, faithful attacked during adoration in Mexican chapel
 Indian nuns detained on trafficking suspicion, released
 Ukrainian Catholic seminary established in London
 Dominican sisters challenge New York gender-identity law in court
 Pope encourages beleaguered Lebanese Christians not to lose heart
 Archbishop Rudelli begins work as new Sostituto
 Pope Leo: Iran war ceasefire is ‘sign of deep hope’
 Pope, in audience on Vatican II, reflects on universal call to holiness, evangelical counsels

Released Tuesday, Apr. 7

 Pope Leo: The threat against the entire Iranian people is unacceptable
 USCCB president urges President Trump to ‘step back from the precipice of war’
 Maronite Patriarch decries humanitarian law breach as aid to Christian village halted
 Cardinal Pizzaballa: ‘We have no other weapon than this empty tomb’
 Logo, motto released for papal journey to Spain
 Pope announces April 11 peace vigil at St. Peter’s
 Bishop, in Vatican newspaper, calls for peacemaking, criticizes American Protestant fundamentalism
 Colombian cardinal washes feet of transgender prostitutes
 Zambia’s bishops deplore mob killing of woman
 New DNA research confirms Shroud of Turin’s passage through the Middle East
 Dozens killed in Easter attacks across Nigeria
 Cardinal Nichols ponders why more people are becoming Catholic

Released Monday, Apr. 6

 In Sudan, some Christians are experiencing a ‘real passion,’ bishop says
 To defray costs of papal journey, Spanish bishops offer top donors chance to meet Pope
 Nigerian diocese, army deny report of attack on cathedral
 The Gospel needs to reach the oppressed, Pope tells pilgrims on Easter Monday
 Myanmar: Easter Vigil celebrated for the first time in 3 years in Loikaw
 Growing fear among Iraq’s Christians; Holy Week processions cancelled

Released Sunday, Apr. 5

 Pope Leo, in Easter message, proclaims Christ’s Resurrection, urges prayer for peace
 Pope Leo at Easter Sunday Mass: ‘Death no longer has power over us’

Released Saturday, Apr. 4

 ‘Bring everyone the good news that Jesus is risen,’ Pope Leo preaches at Easter Vigil Mass
 ‘The Resurrection does not tell us to overlook evil,’ Jerusalem cardinal preaches at Easter Vigil
 Church desecrated in French small town
 Cardinal Woelki warns against Communion services, calls on priests to celebrate Mass daily
 Conversions surge in France
 Bishop Barron, Cardinal Dolan to speak at presidential event rededicating US to God
 Vittorio Messori, who interviewed St. John Paul and Cardinal Ratzinger, dies at 84
 Cuba pardons 2,010 prisoners for Holy Week
 Syro-Malabar apostolic visitor discusses mandate, challenges

Released Friday, Apr. 3

 Pope presides at Good Friday liturgy in St. Peter’s, Via Crucis at Colosseum
 On Good Friday, only 10 Franciscan friars traverse Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem
 Israeli president, Pope Leo discuss Iran war
 Pope Leo speaks with President Zelensky, expresses closeness to Ukrainian people
 Catholic pro-life prayer group attacked in Vermont
 Churches in Dubai closed until further notice
 Archbishop Broglio: It’s hard to believe Iran war is ‘sponsored by the Lord’
 Citing security concerns, Nigerian bishops reschedule Easter Vigil Masses
 French President Macron to meet with Pontiff
 Choose God’s ways, not the world’s, Holy Land custos writes in Easter message
 Archbishop Coakley calls for ardent prayer for end of Iran war
 USCCB backs Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act
 Nicaraguan regime again restricts Holy Week processions
 Pope, in video, prays for priests in crisis
 Cardinal Parolin welcomes formation of Italian Catholic healthcare consortium amid opposition
 Vatican issues Holy Thursday message to priests, deacons, and seminarians
 Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrates Holy Thursday Mass in Church of Holy Sepulchre, days after he was denied entry

Released Thursday, Apr. 2

 As Jesus washed our feet, let us serve others, Pope preaches at Holy Thursday evening Mass
 Syria’s churches scale back Easter celebrations after attack on Christian town
 Pope Leo, at Holy Thursday Chrism Mass, preaches on the Christian mission in ‘this dark hour of history’
 Hate crime reported at Queens parish
 Jerusalem bishop laments suffering in Gaza, plight of Christians in West Bank
 Cardinal Parolin: St. Francis offers a message of hope amid ‘worrying’ geopolitical situation
 Father Patton discusses his Via Crucis meditations, laments religious, secularist zealotry
 Easter a time of hope: messages from Canadian bishops
 Pope to wash feet of 12 priests
 Internal divisions within SNAP lead to formation of Abuse Survivors Coalition
 Pope taps outsider as Holy See’s new HR director
 Family members of Austrian school shooting victim meet with Pope

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Mon20 July
Ordinary Time

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time; Opt Mem of St. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr

Image for Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time; Opt Mem of St. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr

Today is the Optional Memorial of Saint Apollinaris (d. 79). Early accounts report that Apollinaris was ordained bishop by Saint Peter himself and sent as a missionary bishop to Ravenna during the reign of the emperor Claudius. Renowned for his powers to heal in the name of Christ, he was frequently exiled,…

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