By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Dec 18, 2025 / 06:00 am The newly announced leader of the Catholic Church in New York expressed “heartfelt gratitude” on Dec. 18 for having been appointed to the post by Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop-elect Ronald Hicks, who will head the Archdiocese of New York after …

By CNA Staff Vatican City, Dec 17, 2025 / 10:18 am Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ramón Bejarano, currently auxiliary bishop of San Diego, as the next bishop of Monterey in California. The appointment was publicized on Dec. 17 by the Holy See Press Office at the Vatican and by …

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 17, 2025 / 09:58 am Pope Leo XIV has chosen Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, to be the next archbishop of New York — the most consequential U.S. episcopal appointment of Leo’s pontificate thus far. The appointment was confirmed by EWTN …

By Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 4, 2022 / 07:00 am An emeritus Texas bishop is highlighting an Advent message hidden in the O Antiphons — prayers that are recited or chanted in an ancient tradition leading up to Christmas. “Composed in the sixth or seventh century, the seven O …

By Tessa Gervasini Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 15, 2025 / 16:06 pm About half of American adults who were raised Catholic and stayed in the Church said the faith continues to “fulfill their spiritual needs,” according to a Pew Research Center report. The Dec. 15 report, “Why Do Some Americans Leave …

By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 14, 2025 / 06:00 am Advent is a season filled with rich Catholic traditions, but a slightly lesser-known one is growing in popularity among younger Catholics. The ancient liturgy of the Rorate Caeli Advent Mass honors the Blessed Virgin Mary through a Mass celebrated …

By Martin Barillas Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dec 15, 2025 / 07:00 am Several college campuses across the country are witnessing a notable rise in baptisms and confirmations among students. Catholic evangelists tell CNA that this growth reflects a deepening desire among young adults for certainty, stability, and faith amid today’s turbulent …

By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Dec 15, 2025 / 07:00 am Jimmy Lai, the Catholic human rights advocate whose long-running national security trial in China has drawn criticism and charges of persecution, was found guilty on Dec. 15 of multiple violations of China’s national security laws, bringing an end to several …

By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 13, 2023 / 04:45 am St. Lucy’s Day, also known as Lucia Day, is a traditional Swedish celebration filled with children in costumes, elaborate processions, and Swedish treats — all honoring the beloved saint. St. Lucy, whose feast day is celebrated by the Catholic …

By David Ramos ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 12, 2025 / 04:00 am Almost 500 years after the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe — whose feast the Church celebrates Dec. 12 — the image of Our Lady has become the subject of several popular myths and legends, especially in Mexico, where …