Lourdes announces 72nd miracle: Italian pilgrim cured of degenerative disease
By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Apr 16, 2025 / 17:19 pm The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France on Wednesday announced the recognition of the 72nd miracle at the Catholic pilgrimage site, one involving an Italian woman who was cured of a rare neuromuscular condition more than 15 years …
Ecumenical expert: ‘No theological reasons to celebrate Easter on different dates’
By Victoria Cardiel Vatican City, Apr 16, 2025 / 15:27 pm Father Frans Bouwen, a missionary with the African Missionary Society — better known as the White Fathers for the color of their habit — and one of the most renowned Catholic voices in ecumenical dialogue, holds that “there are no …
Initiative aims to boost Catholic priest vocations by shifting narrative on the priesthood
By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 16, 2025 / 07:00 am A new initiative is trying to shift the narrative on the Catholic priesthood by shining light on stories of heroic virtue, courage, and selfless acts from modern-day priests and bishops in an effort to strengthen the appeal of …
Divine Mercy novena begins on Good Friday
By CNA Staff Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 29, 2024 / 04:00 am Pope Francis has called God’s mercy “an abyss beyond our comprehension.” “God’s mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones (Ez 37:1-14),” he said in his very first Easter “urbi et …
Record number of adult baptisms in France shows surge among youth
By AC Wimmer CNA Newsroom, Apr 12, 2025 / 11:30 am France’s Catholic Church will welcome more than 10,384 adult catechumens at Easter this year, marking a 45% increase from 2024 figures, according to data released by the French Bishops’ Conference. The French report reveals the highest numbers ever recorded since the survey …
Surge in adults entering Church in England this Easter prompted by internet, tradition
By Heather Tomlinson London, England, Apr 14, 2025 / 06:00 am This Easter Vigil, the Catholic Church in England is expecting a decade-high surge of new entrants to the faith. There is anecdotal evidence of a particular increase in young men, who say their interest was sparked initially by Catholic apologists …
Pope Francis declares Sagrada Familia basilica architect Antoni Gaudí ‘venerable’
By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Apr 14, 2025 / 10:30 am Pope Francis on Monday declared Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí “venerable,” bringing the designer of Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica one step closer to sainthood. The Vatican announced April 14 that Pope Francis has formally recognized Gaudí’s “heroic virtue,” a key …
Vatican updates rules for Mass intentions, permits collective offerings under strict conditions
By AC Wimmer CNA Newsroom, Apr 13, 2025 / 14:50 pm The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy issued a decree updating the Church’s norms governing Mass intentions and stipends, emphasizing both proper spiritual understanding and practical solutions for modern pastoral challenges. Pope Francis approved the document — published so far only in …
Continence for the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 1)
Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” In his reflections on “eschatological man” (i.e., the human person in light of our ultimate destiny with God in the resurrection of the body and the new creation), Pope St. John …
Pope Francis greets pilgrims at Palm Sunday Mass
By Kristina Millare Rome Newsroom, Apr 13, 2025 / 10:50 am Marking another in a series of recent surprise public appearances, Pope Francis on Sunday briefly greeted thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to celebrate Palm Sunday. “Happy Palm Sunday and beginning of Holy Week!” the Holy Father said with some …
