French youth hikes up mountain with heavy cross on back, installs atop peak

In a feat of perseverance and strength, Maël Le Lagadec completed the arduous 14 hour climb to replace the cross that had been knocked down.

Pope to visit Italy's 'Land of Fires,' victims of Mafia's toxic waste dumping

Acerra and the surrounding territory has higher-than-average cancer rates, linked to the dumping, burning, and burying of toxic waste — the lucrative business of organized crime groups.

Malta pro-life campaign challenges 6 parties on abortion, euthanasia

A leading pro-life nongovernmental organization is asking Malta's six political parties to declare publicly — yes or no — whether they would back abortion or euthanasia laws ahead of the May 30 vote.

Peace, unity, and AI: What Pope Leo's messages reveal about his thought

Ahead of the publication of Leo's first encyclical, what do his writings and speeches, both before and after his election, reveal about his thought?

Czech cardinal reflects on martyrs under communism ahead of priest beatifications

The two priests were imprisoned and executed by the Czechoslovak communist regime because of its hatred of the Catholic faith, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

U.S. bishops urge Congress to boost housing funds as homelessness surges

"Current federal investments in housing programs do not meet the great need we see in our country," said a joint letter by the bishops and leaders of two Catholic charitable groups.

Bishop Barron speaks on U.S. religious roots ahead of nation's 250th anniversary

"There's no officially state-sanctioned religion, but that does not mean that religion has no role in public life," Bishop Robert Barron said.

Pope Leo XIV discusses major challenges of EU and its future with European bishops

While the bishops proposed many possible topics for the meeting, the pontiff emphasized dialogue and peace as priorities. The pope also said migrants must be respected and needed services not denied.

Washington sues hospitals over treatment of pregnant, nursing employees

A Washington suit over hospital treatment of employees, a Pennsylvania appeal against abortion funding, and a Maine senator's absence from abortion-related meetings in this week's pro-life roundup.

Leo XIV authorizes beatification of 80 civil war martyrs ahead of his trip to Spain

In addition, the pope will declare four other religious from various countries as venerable.