Milan Church Yields to Islam

Statue of Padre Pio Weeping Blood and Marian Apparitions in Germany: Two New Cases for Ecclesiastical Study

Joachin Meisner Hertz

The current investigations therefore unfold in a space between faith and caution, hope and verification. Whether the tear on the face of Padre Pio or the reported visions at Sievernich ultimately receive a positive judgment remains uncertain

Milan Church Yields to Islam: A Muslim Prayer Room Will Be Set Up in the Parish in the Name of Inclusion

Valentina di Giorgio

According to the priest, the arrangement reflects principles contained in a diocesan document on faith and hospitality published by the Archdiocese of Milan in October 2025

Russia attacks the Ukrainian capital and burns down the important Orthodox cathedral in Kyiv, a World Heritage Site

Joachin Meisner Hertz

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot remarked that, for France, such an attack would be equivalent to bombing Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron denounced any assault on what he described as humanity’s shared heritage

FIFA World Cup: 14 of the competing nations are marked by religious persecution or discrimination

ZENIT Staff

As 48 countries prepare to battle for the World Cup, religious freedom remains an elusive goal for one in every three nations competing.

Jewish settlers deliberately set fire to fields in the only entirely Christian village in the Holy Land

ZENIT Staff

Recent global polling suggests that Israel’s international image has deteriorated significantly in many countries, while confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined across much of the world

Attacks by Jews against Christians in the Holy Land could exceed those of 2025, according to a new 2026 report

ZENIT Staff

According to the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, 155 incidents targeting Christians were documented in Israel during 2025. These included 61 physical assaults, 52 attacks against Church property, 28 cases of harassment and 14 acts of vandalism against Christian signs and symbols.

The Orthodox Schism in the Baltic Region

ZENIT Staff

The visit to Vilnius by Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople, marked the completion of the return of Lithuanian territory to his jurisdiction with the consecration of an exarch in a country that has welcomed many Orthodox Christians who left Moscow due to the schism. At the same time, Kirill was in nearby Kaliningrad, where he emphasised the ‘patriotic’ mission of his community.

What did Leo XIV say to a Jewish philanthropic group he received at the Vatican?

ZENIT Staff

Remarks by the Pope to a delegation from the United Jewish Appeal – New York Federation

The Three Theological Virtues Applied to Climate Change and Environmental Protection, According to Leo XIV

ZENIT Staff

Video message from Pope Leo XIV to the participants at the “Austrian World Summit”

Lebanon and Israel’s grumble are a test case for the US-Iran agreement

ZENIT Staff

In the last few hours, a few displaced people have started to go home, but the situation in the south remains critical. The Jewish state has no intention to relinquish the territories it has occupied. Furthermore, the plan leaves the issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament open and unresolved. Uncertainty and unresolved issues surround the future of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Success of a French Film About the Sacred Heart: Impact on the Increase in Pilgrims to Paray-le-Monial

Rafael Llanes

Public interest in a low-budget production, initially blocked by the Mayor of Marseille, and finally made public after a judge granted permission, exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. Directors Sabrina and Steven Gunnell decided to produce the film after visiting the Burgundy Shrine.

Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and Ending Clergy Abuse Hold First Structured Dialogue in Rome

ZENIT Staff

Strong focus on the lived experience of victims and survivors in pursuit of truth, justice and reparation. Presentation of the work of the Commission and the new Statutes. Discussion of zero-tolerance of clerical child sexual abuse. Commitment to expand protection to persons in situations of vulnerability and strengthen victim/survivor support mechanisms. Agreement on closer collaboration and concrete next steps

The bipartisan religion of the US border

New poll: 250 years in, Americans prefer religious diversity
Religion News Service: A new poll by PRRI shows two-thirds of Americans still prefer a nation made of many different faiths, despite the growth of Christian nationalism in the public square.

 

The bipartisan religion of the US border
The Christian Century: Borders are not only political spaces, argues Elizabeth Shakman Hurd. They are also sacred objects.

 

Southwestern Baptist seminary accreditation restored by regional academic group
Fort Worth Report: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s accreditation is restored, ending three years of being under a warning status with its regional academic accreditor, school officials said Thursday.

 

A good theology of place needs particulars, not platitudes*
Christianity Today: A new book on American Christians’ understanding of place joins an important conversation.

 

How opinions and use of AI differ by age
Pew Research Center: Young adults are also most likely to think AI will be negative for them. About four-in-ten say so, versus about three-in-ten in other age groups.

‘Casting out demons’ also means denouncing cruelty of dictatorships

Pope warns SSPX bishop ordinations risk deepening schism

The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) said it plans to consecrate four priests as bishops on July 1 without the permission of Pope Leo XIV.

Colombia’s bishops call for national day of prayer ahead of elections

“We are brought together by love for Colombia and the certainty that, without God, we will not be able to build the civilization of love we all long for, nor sustain our common home,” they said.

America at 250: U.S. bishop calls on Catholics to lead renewal

Bishop Mark Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston is urging Catholics to reflect on the nation’s blessings and shortcomings while renewing their commitment to faith, human dignity, and the common good.

‘Casting out demons’ also means denouncing cruelty of dictatorships, exiled Nicaraguan bishop says

Nicaraguan auxiliary bishop Silvio Báez, reflecting on Jesus' empowering of the Twelve Apostles to drive out demons, drew an analogy to resisting today's dictatorships.

How did American Christianity end up like this?

How did American Christianity end up like this?*
The New Yorker: History helps explain the particular faith that now rules our religious marketplace.

 

As UFOs go mainstream, the jury is out on what the existence of alien life might mean for religion
The Associated Press: What was once considered fringe or conspiratorial has in recent months popped up everywhere from the White House to the Catholic Church, as public fascination with unidentified anomalous phenomena — or UAPs, as the government calls them — becomes more mainstream.

 

A Native naming ceremony welcomes newly discovered spider into community of the land
Religion News Service: After its discovery by a local scientist, a new spider species received a ceremonial welcome by the Yakama Nation.

 

A Muslim Texan sought to find his place in the party at the state GOP convention. He left in tears.
The Texas Tribune: Muslim delegates and attendees hoping to participate in the state Republican convention were shunned and rejected by members as they espoused themes of party unity ahead of the November election.

 

Chinese police raid Early Rain Covenant Church during Sunday worship
Religion Unplugged: According to a statement released by ERCC leaders, 60 to 70 government personnel “stormed the venue and forcibly took control of the gathering.”

Preaching Without Prompts

 

Could aliens replace God?

Historic Orthodox cathedral burns in Russian attack on Kyiv*
New York Times: A bishop reported that many holy items had been recovered from the church, at the site of the Perchersk monastery, a revered place for the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox faiths.
Georgia Today: Zelensky: Strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Is an attack on Christianity and humanity’s cultural heritage

 

More countries had elevated levels of social hostilities involving religion in 2023
Pew Research: The number of countries with high or very high social hostilities rose for third year in a row.

 

Catholic church had been alerted to Texas priest’s sexual predation for years – but dawdled before acting
The Guardian: Church officials had extended the temporary term of Anthony Odiong, recently convicted of sexual assault, even after women came forward with allegations of abuse.

 

Fuller Seminary returns to its birthplace church for 77th commencement
Pasadena Now: The Pasadena institution graduated the Class of 2026 from the same sanctuary where it held its first classes in 1947.

 

Could aliens replace God? Spielberg has theories in ‘Disclosure Day’
USA Today: Steven Spielberg says if a real “Disclosure Day” happened, “it would unite the human race.” But what will become of Christianity if aliens exist?

Evil crumbles when the Gospel is lived out

A ministry born from loss: One woman’s mission to comfort families after miscarriage

“H.U.G.” — which stands for "Here, Understood, and Gently held" — is a book made up of over 30 testimonies from women who have walked through miscarriage and pregnancy loss.

Michigan diocese celebrates new priests after ordinations moved out of cathedral

Bishop Earl Boyea ordained four new priests at a local Lansing parish, urging them to "drink the cup which the Lord gives" as they begin their ministry.

Pope Leo XIV says evil crumbles when the Gospel is lived out

At the Angelus, the pontiff said Christ sees the wounds of war, broken families, and young people misled by false ideals.

Trump announces peace deal with Iran, ending hostilities

Israel is not a party to the deal, however, and launched airstrikes on Beirut after Hezbollah launched projectiles into Israel Sunday.

Questions about liturgy: The Doxology, Penitential Rite and More Fr. Edward McNamara

Pope Leo XIV Ignites a Wave of Hope on His Historic Trip to Spain, with More Than 2.5 Million Participants: Here Are All the Figures

ZENIT Staff

The National Committee for the Pope’s visit to Spain has released its initial assessment of the trip, which concluded on Friday, June 12, in Tenerife after six days, 21 events, and more than 2,500 kilometers traveled without incidents.

León XIV traveled to Rome on the Spanish king’s private plane after the official plane that was supposed to transport him broke down: here’s what happened

Jorge Enrique Mújica

What was supposed to be a routine return flight from Tenerife to Rome on June 12 transformed into an unusual episode that forced the Pontiff to abandon his scheduled aircraft and accept the personal assistance of King Felipe VI of Spain.

Pope Leo XIV writes to clergy around the world about holiness on the Feast of the Sacred Heart: the Pope’s letter that every priest should read

ZENIT Staff

Letter from the Pope to all priests of the Catholic Church on the occasion of the Day for the Sanctification of Priests

Presumption of innocence returns for priests: U.S. bishops approve revision of anti-abuse “charter”

Tim Daniels

More than twenty years after the Dallas Charter transformed the Catholic Church’s response to abuse, the latest revisions suggest that the document remains both a cornerstone of reform and a focal point for ongoing questions about accountability, transparency, due process, and pastoral care

The United States “consecrates” itself to the Sacred Heart despite opposition or indifference from 17 of the country’s bishops

Tim Daniels

Whether described as a consecration, an entrustment, or an act of dedication, the message emerging from Orlando was clear: the bishops hope that the future of the United States will be shaped not only by its founding ideals, but also by a renewed encounter with the love symbolized by the Heart of Christ

The President of France awards Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa the title of “Knight of the Legion of Honor”

Covadonga Asturias

Pizzaballa therefore used his visit to issue an appeal that was both practical and pastoral. Expressions of solidarity, he argued, are valuable but insufficient on their own. What is needed are concrete initiatives capable of helping families remain in their homeland: jobs, educational opportunities, economic development, and long-term stability for younger generations

UK: Diocese of Nottingham launches new kind of vocation drive

ZENIT Staff

The event showed the first fruits of the campaign, after those whose names were submitted received a personal letter from Bishop Patrick McKinney, an invitation to meet him, and warm accompaniment from Father Neil Peoples, Nottingham Diocese’s Vocations Director.

Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences of the G7 states call for peace and respect for human dignity

ZENIT Staff

In a joint statement titled Building Bridges for Peace, Justice and Human Dignity, the presidents of the episcopal conferences offer the Catholic Church’s “capacity for dialogue, mediation, and accompaniment for the most vulnerable at the service of peace and the international community.”

UK: Cardinal Hume Centre wins in national homelessness Excellence Awards

ZENIT Staff

The Cardinal Hume Centre’s project created psychologically informed and welcoming spaces that encouraged families to spend more time outside their rooms and help children to thrive. At the same time it enabled the team to build trust with parents, identifying longer-term challenges, and connecting families with assessment, advocacy and casework services

Recap of U.S. Bishops’ Plenary Assembly in Orlando

ZENIT Staff

While not on the public agenda for the plenary, the bishops also held a discussion in executive session on Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, addressing artificial intelligence.

Holy See Publishes Statutes of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors

ZENIT Staff

Strengthening of the Commission’s mandate and operational effectiveness. Continued emphasis on victim/survivor-informed approaches. Clarification of Commission’s relationship with other Dicasteries. Reinforcement of Commission’s role in promoting accountability, transparency, and good safeguarding practices globally

Questions about liturgy: The Doxology, Penitential Rite and More

Fr. Edward McNamara

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.

Anthropic and Claude warn of the “recursive self-improvement” of artificial intelligence and its serious implications for humanity

Jorge Enrique Mújica

According to the company, current AI systems are already assuming a growing share of the coding work used to develop future models. Anthropic noted that the amount of work its systems can perform autonomously is increasing at an extraordinary pace. While the company stressed that fully autonomous self-improvement has not yet been achieved and may never occur, its researchers acknowledged that many institutions appear unprepared for the possibility.

Catholic-backed religious liberty lawsuit asks Supreme Court to address ‘finality’ rule

Catholic-backed religious liberty lawsuit asks Supreme Court to address ‘finality’ rule

The U.S. Catholic bishops have backed the lawsuit brought by Jewish resident Daniel Grand against the city of University Heights, Ohio, in a dispute over a planned prayer group.

Pope receives Syro-Malankara delegation, calls for preservation of identity in diaspora

Pope Leo XIV addressed a delegation of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, encouraging them to preserve and promote "the inestimable treasures incarnated by all the Eastern Churches."

U.S. vice president, second lady share family Mass attendance practices

Having priests come to celebrate Mass at home is “one of the rare privileges of this life,” Vice President JD Vance said.

Northern Ireland city leads first coordinated worldwide Marian Eucharistic procession

The Northern Ireland city kicked off a worldwide Eucharistic procession honoring the Blessed Mother, coordinated at the same time across six continents.

Presenting Magnifica Humanitas

‘Magnifica Humanitas’ Through the Lens of St. Augustine In 1925, Austrian writer Stefan Zweig looked out at a world increasingly shaped by radio, cinema, fashion and mass culture.... Read more

Launch video for Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical produced by EWTN  Produced by the Dicastery for Integral Human Development and EWTN a video reflection on Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s first... Watch

‘Magnifica Humanitas’: Pope Leo Makes His Case for Authentic Humanism  The first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV addresses an issue that is not exclusively, or perhaps even primarily, theological.... Read more

Pope Leo XIV Gives AI Historical — and Theological — Perspective BAs the saying goes, history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes. Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, both proves the point.... Read more

10 Things Pope Leo Calls Us to Do in ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ While Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas calls on political leaders and creators of artificial intelligence systems to... Read more

‘Magnifica Humanitas’: In the Face of Christ, the Truth About Man As anticipated, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, while wide-ranging in its scope, primarily addresses the rise of artificial.... Read more

Pope Leo Put Gandalf in His First Encyclical: A Tolkien Quote in Magnifica Humanitas Paragraph 213 of Magnifica Humanitas just made Middle-earth part of Catholic Social Teaching... Read more

3 Things Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas Is Asking Every Parent to Do Right Now  In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV turned directly to parents, and what he said is something every family needs to hear.... Read more