Author Archive
Catholic News Agency
LENT: What’s the point of fasting, anyway?
By Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Feb 22, 2023 / 04:00 am God commanded it, Jesus practiced it, Church Fathers have preached the importance of it — fasting is a powerful and fundamental part of the Christian life. But for many Catholics today, it’s more of an afterthought: something we grudgingly do …
Pope Francis Sunday Update: Pope’s condition ‘stable’, mechanical ventilation discontinued
Pope Francis continues to receive oxygen and has no fever. This morning, he participated in Mass. The prognosis remains guarded. By Vatican News 3/2/2025 1:00 p.m. On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office released the following update on Pope Francis’ health: “Today, too, the Holy Father’s clinical condition has …
From capirotada to hot cross buns: Lent’s rich culinary traditions
By Kristina Millare Rome Newsroom, Mar 2, 2025 / 06:00 am Though many Catholics may associate the liturgical season of Lent more with the practice of fasting and abstaining from food, many families around the world use the 40-day season to prepare specific homemade delicacies to remind them of the life …
Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga turns 80, Vatican governance transitions to Sister Petrini
By Marco Mancini Rome Newsroom, Mar 2, 2025 / 09:00 am Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, LC, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State and president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday, March 1, marking his departure from these crucial Vatican positions. Sister …
Border bishops call for immigration reform, reiterate support for migrants
By Jonah McKeown CNA Staff, Feb 28, 2025 / 17:45 pm A group of U.S. and Mexican bishops from dioceses along the southern border said this week that migrants can be assured of the Church’s continued support and compassion, and that lawmakers on both sides of the border have a duty to reform their respective …
Original statue of Our Lady of Fátima headed to Rome for Jubilee of Marian Spirituality
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 1, 2025 / 07:00 am On the occasion of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, scheduled for Oct. 11–12, the original statue of Our Lady of Fátima will be taken to Rome. The famous image of Our Lady, known to the faithful throughout the world and …
Pope Francis tells liturgists to avoid ‘pageantry or prominence’
By Kristina Millare Vatican City, Feb 28, 2025 / 13:20 pm Pope Francis on Friday urged liturgists to accompany bishops and the faithful communities of their dioceses with humility and discretion. In a Feb. 28 message sent from Gemelli Hospital to liturgy professors and students of the Anselmianum — a pontifical …
Vance leads prayer for Pope Francis at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
By Tyler Arnold Washington D.C., Feb 28, 2025 / 18:15 pm U.S. Vice President JD Vance led attendees at the 2025 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in a prayer for Pope Francis’ health after speaking about his own conversion to the Catholic faith and the goals of President Donald Trump’s administration. “Almighty and generous …
Catholic Charities agencies across U.S. continue to be affected by funding freeze
By Madalaine Elhabbal Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Feb 27, 2025 / 06:00 am More local Catholic Charities agencies across the country have been forced this week to lay off employees and shut down programs as a result of the federal aid funding freeze enacted last month by the Trump administration. Catholic Charities in Florida, …
JD Vance to speak at annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
By Tessa Gervasini Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Feb 25, 2025 / 14:05 pm Vice President JD Vance will speak at the 20th National Catholic Prayer Breakfast (NCPB) held on Friday, Feb. 28, in Washington, D.C., the organization has announced. “I am honored to be able to address the 20th annual National Catholic Prayer …
