Surrogacy is a ‘new form of colonialism’

Bishop Fernandes praises religious worker visa rule change, says work still to be done A bill sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, would extend religious workers’ visas while green card applications are pending. Vice President Vance, House Speaker Johnson to speak at 2026 March for Life Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, is also set to address the Jan. 23 rally. Dutch conservative activist and Catholic convert barred from entering the UK Here is a roundup of Catholic world news from the past week that you might have missed. NYPD increasing presence at churches after incidents at Staten Island Catholic parishes Several Catholic churches on Staten Island have been vandalized or attacked in recent weeks. Trump to negotiate with Congress over pro-life protections in health plan President Trump initially shifted on the Hyde Amendment. Mosaic bearing Pope Leo XIV’s portrait readied for St. Paul Outside the Walls A mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV for installation in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica was presented to the pontiff on Jan. 14. Archbishop Gallagher: Surrogacy is a ‘new form of colonialism’ Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher spoke at the event “A Common Front for Human Dignity: Preventing the Commodification of Women and Children in Surrogacy.” U.S. is working with Catholic Church to get post-hurricane aid to Cuba, Rubio says U.S. aid is set to be delivered from Miami on Jan. 16. Republican senators urge more regulations on abortion pill in Senate hearing Republican lawmakers urged more restrictions on chemical abortion drugs, while Democratic lawmakers promoted broad access to the drugs.

St. Peter’s Holy Door to be sealed Jan. 16 The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, the last of four papal basilicas for the Jubilee of Hope, will be sealed shut.