The last image taken of the saint before his final arrest was notable for what it didn't show — his signature long beard.
In 2022, the Catholic Church in Poland shared a photo commemorating the 81st anniversary of St. Maximilian Kolbe's arrest by the Nazis. The image, the last one taken of the saint before his final arrest, was notable for what it didn't show — his signature long beard.
By the time the photo was taken, Kolbe had already been arrested by the Nazis once but was clearly resolved to continue his nationwide evangelization efforts. The monastery he had established at Niepokalanów, 25 miles west of Warsaw, had become a major Catholic publishing center.
The beard with which Kolbe is often pictured is notable for several reasons, one of which was the fact that not many of his Franciscan counterparts in Poland sported them. He shaved his signature beard in order to blend in with his fellow Franciscans and with society at large.
St. Maximilian Kolbe. | Credit: Public domain
The second reason is that Kolbe's beard is the only first-class relic that exists of him. The rest of his body was incinerated in the ovens of Auschwitz after he was murdered by the Nazis in 1941.
Father James McCurry, a Conventual Franciscan and minister provincial of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, gave a homily in 2016 commemorating the 75th anniversary of Kolbe's martyrdom in which he mentioned the saint's beard.
McCurry, author of the book "Maximilian Kolbe: Martyr of Charity," said Kolbe chose to keep the beard upon his return from six years of missionary work in Japan. In those days, it was customary for missionaries to grow long beards, and Kolbe wanted to keep it as a reminder of his missionary days and as a reminder to always be a "missionary" of the Gospel.
McCurry said Kolbe's beard made him unusual among his Conventual Franciscan counterparts, who generally did not wear them. Kolbe's fame was spreading in Poland thanks to his publishing work, and his unique beard helped him to stand out all the more.
It was for this reason that Kolbe eventually, after the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, made the decision to shave it, McCurry said, so as not to stand out. Kolbe's founding of the Militia Immaculata (MI), an evangelization movement identifying with Mary, put him high on Nazi watchlists.
One book on his life offers this quote from the saint: "Beards provoke the enemy who rapidly is approaching our friary. Our Franciscan habits also will provoke him. I can part with my beard. I can't sacrifice my habit."
After a fellow brother cut off Kolbe's beard for him, the brother at first tried to save the beard, but Kolbe objected and told him to throw it in the stove. So, obediently, the brother threw it into the stove, but the fire was not lit, so the brother later retrieved it and stored it in a pickle jar.
Today, Kolbe's beard is his only surviving first-class relic.
McCurry was also a friend of Franciszek Gajowniczek, the man for whom Kolbe laid down his life at Auschwitz in late July 1941, following his arrest on Feb. 17.
Gajowniczek was one of the 10 men selected to be executed in reprisal for one prisoner's escape from the barracks. He cried out: "What will happen to my wife and children?" And in response, Kolbe stepped forward and offered to take his place. The 10 were placed, naked, in a starvation chamber.
All 10 of those condemned that day died eventually; six starved, and the deaths of the rest, including Kolbe, were hastened by an injection of carbolic acid.
This story was first published in August 2021 and has been updated.
Southeast India's March for Life draws thousands of participants, a UK bishop is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to push for Jimmy Lai's release, and more in this week's roundup of world news.
Thousands gathered in the city of Chennai in southeast India on Aug. 8–9 for the country's fifth National March for Life, bringing together Catholic bishops, clergy, religious, families, young people, and pro-life advocates for two days of prayer, formation, and public witness to the dignity of human life.
Organized by CHARIS India and hosted by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, the event featured Catholic leaders including Cardinal Anthony Poola, archbishop of Hyderabad and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
JCD Prabhakar, speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, opened the event. According to march organizers, he is the first Indian politician to publicly express his commitment to the protection and promotion of human life. At the march, he unveiled a memorial dedicated to unborn children. India's National March for Life has previously been held in Delhi (2022), Pune (2023), Thrissur (2024), and Bengaluru (2025).
UK bishop urges prime minister to push for Jimmy Lai's release
Auxiliary Bishop James Curry of Westminster, England, has written a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to do everything possible to secure the release of jailed China democracy activist Jimmy Lai.
"Jimmy Lai's 'crime' was to voice concerns, engage in peaceful protest, and publish a newspaper which was critical of oppressive new laws," Curry said, expressing concern that Lai "has no access to the sacraments" and about his deteriorating health conditions.
"Around 200,000 migrants have come to the U.K. from Hong Kong since 2020, many of whom are Catholic. The Church in England and Wales continues to provide pastoral support to all those from Hong Kong who seek it," he said. "I also offer my prayers for those who are persecuted because of their faith or political beliefs throughout the world. I ask Catholics in England and Wales to join with me in seeking the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe for Jimmy Lai, and in seeking the intercession of St. Alban and St. Frances Cabrini for all those who have had to leave their own country because of persecution."
Lebanon's general amnesty law raises concern among Christians
Lebanon's Parliament approved a sweeping general amnesty law on Aug. 12, drawing support from a majority of lawmakers, including representatives of Christian parties.
The vote came shortly after the country abolished the death penalty, but the amnesty has proved far more divisive, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Aug. 11.
Critics, particularly within Christian circles, fear the release of large numbers of prisoners without adequate rehabilitation programs could deepen Lebanon's security problems. They argue that the measure does little to address overcrowded prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, slow judicial proceedings, or the rights of victims.
The law also permits some Lebanese who fled to Israel after 2000 to return, provided they did not participate in military or security activities. Lebanese activist Maryam Younes, who was deported to Israel, rejected the measure as inadequate, saying returnees could not be certain of their safety from Hezbollah.
Young Russian Catholics gather to discuss Christianity in a digital world
Around 80 young Russian Catholics participated in the 24th annual Catholic Youth Meeting in the Diocese of St. Joseph in Irkutsk, Siberia, the largest geographical diocese in the world.
Participants in the program, titled "Nets of Jesus: Towards Dull Presence," included young people from Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Transbaikalia, and Buryatia, Vatican News reported Aug. 10.
The Aug. 6–9 event included reflections on the parable of the good Samaritan, discussions on remaining Christian in a digital age, and discussions of their experiences and plans for future projects at their respective parishes. Participants were also guided in a daily spiritual reflection centered on young saints of the Church, including St. Carlo Acutis.
The All Ireland winning Mayo Gaelic football team carried the Sam Maguire cup to the summit of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain, in thanksgiving for the historic win. | Credit: Father John Kenny, Westport Parish, Tuam Archdiocese
Ireland's Mayo Gaelic football team carries trophy to Croagh Patrick in thanksgiving
Footballers from the All Ireland winning Mayo Gaelic football team carried the Sam Maguire cup to the summit of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain, in thanksgiving. They won a historic All Ireland match on July 26, breaking the legend of a 75-year curse by a parish priest placed on the last Mayo team that won for disrespecting a funeral procession during homecoming celebrations.
Mayo won their all Ireland Championship on Reek Sunday, traditionally a day of pilgrimage in the western county, when thousands of Catholics climb the mountain, many barefooted.
The group of Mayo players led by manager Andy Moran and captain Jack Coyne brought the famous trophy to the summit, where there is a small oratory. There they greeted other pilgrims and said a prayer of thanksgiving for their victory.
Kidnappings heighten anxiety among Syrian Christians
A series of reported kidnappings involving Syrian Christians has renewed concern over security in the region.
The cases include the abduction of a deacon near Homs and the disappearance of a young Christian man in Saidnaya, ACI MENA reported Aug. 11.
Elias Khazal, a farmer and deacon at the Syriac Orthodox Church of St. George in Zaidal, was seized by masked gunmen while working about two miles north of his village. His captors held him for 41 days near Tall Manin, between Damascus and Saidnaya, and demanded a ransom of $1 million. Father Hamid Masouh of Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Church said security forces eventually raided the building where Khazal was being held. They freed him without a ransom payment and arrested members of the gang. Although the deacon endured several forms of torture, he returned home in good physical condition.
In Saidnaya, local sources reported that armed men abducted jeweler Fadi Samaan after entering a parking area in vehicles without license plates and opening fire. His fate remains unknown.
Mauritius religious leaders pledge united action against drug abuse
Leaders from several religious communities across Mauritius expressed their commitment to closer collaboration in confronting the country's growing drug crisis in a meeting at Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône's residence in the Diocese of Port-Louis.
At the Aug. 11 meeting, Durhône emphasized the importance of the family, which he described as "the foundation of society," and called on Mauritians not to lose hope, ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, reported Aug. 12. "We are not giving up," he said, inviting the different religious communities to pool "their experiences, programs, and strengths."
In a statement issued after the meeting, participants described the drug situation as "alarming," noting that drugs, particularly "synthetic drugs," are affecting all sectors of Mauritian society, with young people becoming increasingly involved.
"Families, both rich and poor, are directly affected, while communities are facing a growing deterioration of their social fabric," the religious leaders said in their statement.
Roman pilgrims prepare to return to the Holy Land
After months of suspended pilgrimages because of war in the Middle East, the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, the Diocese of Rome's pilgrimage office, is preparing to return to the Holy Land. Its first trip is scheduled to depart Monday, Aug. 17.
Father Giovanni Biallo, the organization's spiritual assistant, told ACI MENA on Aug. 13 that preparations resumed after fighting between Lebanon and the Galilee region ceased and direct flights between Rome and the Holy Land began returning during the past two months. He said European pilgrims have been slower to return than groups from Asia and Latin America, partly because of widespread fears about instability across the region.
The priest welcomed the resumption as a sign of solidarity with local Christian communities whose livelihoods have been devastated. In Bethlehem alone, he said, 100 hotels had been closed and are now waiting for pilgrims to return.
Kevin Mario and Patrick J. Passmore contributed to this report.
A baby born to surrogate mother McKenna West is receiving medical care in a Dallas children's hospital.
The surrogate mother who refused to abort her baby after the biological parents allegedly called for an abortion gave birth two weeks early.
The child, called Gabriel by his surrogate mother, McKenna West, was born in Dallas on Aug. 12. He was born amid an ongoing legal dispute after his biological parents, identified in court documents as Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, allegedly demanded West undergo an abortion.
At about 20 weeks, Gabriel was diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) — a serious congenital heart condition. Treatment for HLHS typically involves three surgeries, beginning with one procedure shortly after birth.
"It's horrific to think that so-called intended parents, when they found out that their baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, told the surrogate mother that they wanted her to abort that child," Amy O'Donnell, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life, said in an interview with "EWTN News Nightly."
"That's horrific at any stage to want to abort a child simply because of a disability or a diagnosis, but late term after 20 weeks is even more so," she said.
West traveled to Texas from Alaska to ensure that Gabriel could be near doctors experienced in treating his condition. She allegedly offered to take full responsibility of the baby, but the baby's biological parents reportedly refused.
Gabriel was born "just 24 hours after Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated legal action," O'Donnell said.
Paxton filed an intervention in the case on Aug. 11 asking the Texas district court to enter orders directing the child's care upon birth, prohibiting his removal from the state, and setting an expedited hearing on any refusal of treatment.
"According to the district court, because McKenna [West] so bravely fled to Texas from Alaska to ensure that baby Gabriel had lifesaving care, baby Gabriel, now born in Texas, is a Texas resident," O'Donnell said.
The order stated that UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Medical Center of Dallas were legally obligated to care for Gabriel.
Gabriel has "received the lifesaving treatment available" at Dallas Children's, O'Donnell said. He is "in great hands and he has either had a heart surgery or it's pending."
"Due to HIPAA, we probably won't get information on the unfolding care, but we are certain that nobody can deny treatment, can demand transfer, and nobody can request that he receive anything less than the best that Texas has to offer."
"Our laws protect every child born in Texas and guarantee their right to life. The Department of Family and Protective Services [DFPS] holds authority under Texas law to protect children from medical neglect," Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Texas Gov. Gregory Abbott, said in a statement.
"DFPS will be closely monitoring this case and will take any action necessary to safeguard those rights," he said.
Pope Leo says surrogacy reduces a child to a 'product'
While acknowledging infertility is an immense cross to bear, the Catholic Church has a clear stance against surrogacy. The practice requires conceiving a child through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination and then transferring the embryo to the uterus of the surrogate.
Pope Leo XIV has affirmed that, by transforming gestation into a negotiable service, one "violates the dignity both of the child, who is reduced to a 'product,' and of the mother, exploiting her body and the generative process, and distorting the original relational calling of the family."
"Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus), are gravely immoral," the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states.
"These techniques (heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization) infringe the child's right to be born of a father and mother known to him and bound to each other by marriage. They betray the spouses' 'right to become a father and a mother only through each other'" (CCC, 2376).
"There are a lot of concerns with surrogacy, and the more we look into it, the more concerns we have," O'Donnell said.
"We believe that no contract should be able to require death of a child due to a disability or an imperfection. And so we believe that there should be … nationwide protections there," she said.
"We need to protect the dignity of mothers who are involved in surrogacy as well, as long as it is legal in our nation and in our state," she said.
The papal donation is an initial response to address the most urgent needs with more to come as new needs are identified.
Pope Leo XIV has directed the Office of Papal Charities to send 100,000 euros ($115,345) to the Catholic Church in Colombia to aid those affected by the Aug. 10 earthquake, which struck several cities in the western part of the country.
As reported by Vatican News, the donation was confirmed on the website of the Colombian Bishops' Conference (CEC, by its Spanish acronym). The aid was made possible through the coordination of the prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, with the apostolic nunciature in the country and the president of the CEC, Archbishop Javier Múnera.
The CEC announced that the funds will be sent to the National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care-Caritas Colombia, the entity acting "as a coordination center for the collection and distribution of aid, with the aim of helping to address the most urgent needs of the affected communities."
"The €100,000 in aid constitutes an initial response to address the most urgent emergencies. According to information provided by the Holy See, additional assistance will be made available as new needs are identified and promptly communicated to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity," the CEC reported.
Given the extent of the damage in various dioceses such as Pereira, Cali, and Quibdó, among others, the CEC said that "in the coming days, work will continue on compiling a report regarding the priority needs of the affected communities, with the aim of directing aid to those who need it most."
During his Aug. 12 general audience, Pope Leo XIV once again expressed his closeness "to our brothers and sisters in Colombia who have suffered the consequences of the recent earthquake, which has caused many deaths and injuries, as well as extensive material damage."
"As I pray to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I assure you of my prayers for their families and all those affected by this tragedy. I express my gratitude to all those working on rescue and relief efforts for the victims," the pope said.
Meanwhile, the Colombian government declared three days of national mourning "in memory of the people who lost their lives as a result of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred on Aug. 10."
The Ministry of the Interior noted in a statement that Monday's earthquake "is the greatest-magnitude quake recorded in Colombia during the 21st century, causing damage in various departments [administrative districts] and giving rise to a profound sense of solidarity throughout the country."
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
"We wish to raise serious concern regarding patterns of religiously motivated violence and persecution," the letter said, "especially Christians, including women and girls."
A joint letter from U.N. human rights experts warning Nigerian officials of the heightened risk of violence against Christian women and girls in the country has been made public after the government failed to respond within 60 days.
The June 1 letter cited attacks against Christian women and girls in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt region, including killings, forced conversion, and sexual violence. The letter was signed by Reem Alsalem, U.N. special rapporteur on violence against women and girls; Gabriella Citroni, chair-rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Morris Tidball-Binz, U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions; Nicolas Levrat, U.N. special rapporteur on minority issues; and Alice Jill Edwards, U.N. special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
"With respect to the situation of religious or belief minorities, we wish to raise serious concern regarding patterns of religiously motivated violence and persecution or otherwise disproportionately targeting persons belonging to religious minority communities within affected federated states or local areas, especially Christians, including women and girls," the letter said.
The U.N. experts attributed the rising violence to armed extremist groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani herder militias operating across the north and Middle Belt region and pointed to "acquiescence" and "negligence" on the part of Nigerian officials to counter them.
The letter cited the abduction and sexual assault of two women by armed militants, the forced conversion and marriage of a 13-year-old girl, and the abduction of a pastor's two daughters along with several members of a church by Boko Haram, as well as a 16-year-old girl whose hand was cut off after her family refused a marriage proposal by armed militants.
"While we do not wish to prejudge the accuracy of these allegations reported to us, we would like to especially express our grave concern regarding the alleged abduction and sexual assault of girls, the intimidation by armed groups and subsequent abduction and acts tantamount to enforced disappearance of the church members in Shikarkir," the U.N. experts said.
"We are also disturbed by reports of the inaction and complicity of government officials in the face of these abuses, the slowness of investigations and search actions aimed at determining the fate and whereabouts of abducted girls," they said.
The letter further called on Nigerian officials to respond to the allegations and to provide status updates on investigations and measures taken to combat violence against women and girls. They also asked for status updates on "any laws that affect the exercise of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of opinion and expression, including so-called 'blasphemy' laws."
The letter asked the Nigerian government to provide information on measures taken to protect the rights of religious minorities, particularly in northern states, and urged authorities to take immediate steps to halt violence against women and girls.
The experts concluded by calling for interim measures to protect abductees, victims of sexual violence, and victims of forced conversion and forced marriage, particularly minors and those who have not been reunited with their families. The experts also urged Nigerian officials to prevent further violations and hold accountable those responsible if the allegations are substantiated.
As the church began to shake right after the consecration, Father Oscar Aguirre uttered a quick prayer, grabbed the Blessed Sacrament, and directed the faithful to exit the church.
The Aug. 10 earthquake in Colombia caught countless people by surprise while attending Mass at various parishes including Most Holy Trinity in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, where the priest ensured everyone's safety by calmly exiting the church with the faithful, taking the Blessed Sacrament with him.
As seen in the livestream of the Mass starting at 53:30 in the video, Father Oscar Aguirre Calderón had just consecrated the body and blood of Christ and was distributing the Eucharist to those assisting with the celebration of the Mass. As he was preparing to give Communion to the rest of the congregation, the ground began to shake and the church's stained-glass windows started vibrating.
Without losing his composure, the priest said, "Our Father, pray for us all; help us, Lord, holy and mighty God" and then told the people to leave the church in an orderly manner while he carried the ciborium containing the consecrated hosts, guiding the faithful to safety.
"We were able to leave with the Blessed Sacrament, which was a blessing for us all, making our way to one of the arches of the doorway; we stayed there, and the entire community gathered in the small plaza," the priest recounted in a video shared by the Diocese of Palmira.
Although people were safe, the church tower partially collapsed, as did part of the cupola. Bricks also fell inside the church: "In the area of ??the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima and the Just Judge, some bricks fell and smashed through the ceiling and damaged everything there," Aguirre added.
However, "thank God no one was harmed; there were no injuries and no fatalities, thank God," he said.
The priest noted that "Most Holy Trinity Parish is part of the municipality's cultural heritage" and that many residents of Palmira have been baptized and received various sacraments there.
Aguirre said there is work to be done to restore the church following the earthquake but that while repairs are being made "the Eucharist cannot be celebrated; yet, thank the Lord, we are all safe."
Other churches in Palmira also damaged
The Diocese of Palmira reported that in addition to Most Holy Trinity church, the following parishes were also affected: Our Lady of La Candelaria, St. Peter the Apostle, Our Lady of Perpetual Hope, Immaculate Conception in Yotoco, Our Lady of the Rosary in Vijes, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Restrepo, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Rozo, and Our Lady of the Rosary in Chiquinquirá, as well as old St. Anthony of Padua chapel.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
The U.N. found an increase in migrant deaths from drowning incidents in the Mediterranean Sea, an issue about which Pope Leo XIV has expressed serious concerns.
A United Nations report published Aug. 12 found an increase in migrant deaths and missing migrants along two European routes during the first four months of 2026, as the Vatican and bishops continue to voice concerns about safety.
The report, published by the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM), found that many migrants fall victim to human traffickers and scams along the journey. A majority of the increase in deaths, however, were caused by drownings in the Mediterranean Sea.
"Attention tends to settle on a handful of routes, but nearly half of the world's 304 million international migrants live within their own region, moving for work, family, education and safety," IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels said in a statement.
"Good data is not a substitute for solutions, but there are no solutions without it," she said. "... When everyone is working from the same clear picture, better decisions follow."
The two routes with a sharp increase in migrant deaths were the Central Mediterranean Route and the Eastern Mediterranean Route. The central route mostly reflects migrants arriving in Italy from northern Africa and the eastern route mostly reflects routes from western Asia into Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
According to the report, the number of migrants who died or went missing along the Central Mediterranean Route was at least 821, which is 111% higher than the same time last year. It found that the primary cause of death was drowning. About 430 migrants died or went missing in January, primarily due to Cyclone Harry.
The number went up by 259% on the Eastern Mediterranean Route, reaching at least 244. The report found the primary cause to be drowning. This was caused by "a series of fatal incidents" near Crete — a Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea.
"This data highlights the risks faced by migrants along these routes, even as the estimates presented in this report are likely much lower than the real number of casualties," the report states.
In July, Pope Leo XIV visited the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, saying migrants who died in the sea are "victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made."
"Indifference to the common good and corruption in their countries of origin; a global economic system that generates poverty and exclusion; fear that fuels prejudice and contempt; the belief that such problems do not concern us; the criminal calculations of those who profit from the suffering of others; the slow and difficult transition from mere emergency management to the development of comprehensive and shared policies — all are present-day echoes of the haste to 'pass by' in the Gospel narrative," the Holy Father said.
The research showed that support for the death penalty among U.S. adults is 6 percentage points higher than it was in April 2021.
A Pew Research Center survey found that 65% of American Catholics favor the death penalty for people convicted of murder, with 28% who "strongly" favor it.
The research showed that support for the death penalty among U.S. adults is 6 percentage points higher than it was in April 2021, and it is about equal to where it was in August 2020 (65%).
It found that about two-thirds of all Americans (66%) favor the death penalty for people convicted of murder.
Pew surveyed 3,554 U.S. adults from July 6–12. Participants were all members of Pew's American Trends Panel, which is a nationally representative panel of randomly selected U.S. adults. The margin of sampling error for the sample of respondents was plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
While most Catholics favor it, 34% said they oppose it, with 15% who "strongly oppose" it.
When asked in the context of morality, 68% of all respondents said they see the death penalty as morally justified for those who have committed murder, while 28% believe it is morally wrong.
Of Catholics, 64% believe the death penalty is morally justified when someone commits murder, and 32% said it is morally wrong.
A 59% majority of all Americans said the death penalty is not a crime deterrent, while 39% said that it is. A majority of Americans (73%) also said there is some risk that an innocent person could be put to death, but a quarter said that there are safeguards in place to prevent this.
"I condemn capital punishment. I believe that human life is to be respected and that all people — from conception to natural [death] — their lives should be respected and protected," the pope said in April.
His remarks against the death penalty echo a relatively new magisterial teaching in the Catholic Church, which was promulgated by Pope Francis in 2018. The Church teaches that "the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person," (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2267).
Views differ by political party, age, and education
The poll showed partisan divides on the death penalty persist among U.S. adults.
Republicans and independents who lean toward the Republican Party overwhelmingly support the death penalty with 84% in favor, including 47% who "strongly favor" it. Democrats and Democratic leaners were about split between support (51%) and opposition (48%).
Most Republicans (85%) also said the death penalty is morally justified for a crime like murder, while Democrats are more split on the issue with 55% who believe it is morally justified and 42% who do not.
Republicans and Democrats were most divided over whether the death penalty is fairly applied to different races.
Most Republicans (77%), said white and Black people are equally likely to be sentenced to the death penalty for similar crimes, and only 23% of Democrats reported the same.
The report also noted that younger adults are slightly less supportive of the death penalty than older adults. Of adults ages 18 to 29, 58% said it is morally wrong, compared with 47% of those 65 and older.
Adults with a college degree, especially those with a postgraduate degree, are also slightly less likely than those with a high school degree or only some college education to favor the death penalty for people convicted of murder.
Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki told EWTN News that the school will not open this August as planned and that the project has been pushed back to 2027.
Claims circulating widely on social media that Finland's first Catholic school will open this month, or that it is already operational, are inaccurate.
The Helsinki Catholic School, which was scheduled to begin operations in August, has postponed its opening until next year, according to Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki.
The planned school gained attention after the Helsinki Diocese announced the project in its diocesan magazine last November. By the time of the announcement, groundwork was already underway, with fundraising efforts and the necessary administrative and bureaucratic processes being pursued.
Once completed, the school would be the first Catholic school in Finland in roughly 500 years, following the near disappearance of Catholic institutional life in the country after the Reformation and the adoption of Lutheranism as Finland's state religion in the 16th century.
Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki, Finland. | Credit: Amira Abuzeid/EWTN News
The school's planned model
Goyarrola previously described the project to ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, as an important step in rebuilding Catholic educational life in Finland.
He said the school was intended to open in August 2026 and would initially operate on the second floor of a Lutheran church dedicated to St. James the Apostle on Lauttasaari, an island in Helsinki. The bishop had also expressed hope that, if finances permitted, the diocese could acquire the building within three years.
The Helsinki Catholic School is planned as a small, inclusive school initially serving grades 1–3, following Finland's national and Helsinki city curricula while incorporating Catholic values. Its approach focuses on personal attention, a calm learning environment, initiative, and a strong character foundation.
Opening delayed until 2027
In response to an inquiry from EWTN News, Goyarrola clarified that the school has not opened and that its launch has been postponed.
"The school will open once everything is fully in place," Goyarrola said. "We had hoped to begin this August, but after careful consideration we have decided to postpone the opening until next year, as there are still several important matters to resolve."
He also went on to say: "The administrative procedures, logistics, and financing alone are challenging." He further noted that "when the school is also Catholic and privately run, the work and the requirements become even more demanding."
Social media accounts and online posts have recently presented the Helsinki Catholic School as though it is already operating in an educational sense. This is inaccurate. The school is not currently teaching any students, and it is not open in the capacity that formal classes or regular educational activities are being conducted. The project remains in development.
The Diocese of Helsinki continues to work with its partners toward establishing the school and remains hopeful that it will become a reality in 2027.
Goyarrola asked the faithful to pray for the project as the diocese works through the remaining requirements. "We would be deeply grateful for your prayers as we continue working to make this project a reality," he told EWTN News.
To pull off the unique promotion respectfully, the White Sox marketing team collaborated early on with Chicago priest Father Tom Hurley.
Guaranteed Rate Field was transformed into a sea of white-and-black novelty miters on Tuesday night as the Chicago White Sox celebrated "Pope Night," honoring Chicago native and Sox fan Pope Leo XIV.
To pull off the unique promotion respectfully, the White Sox marketing team collaborated early on with Chicago priest Father Tom Hurley. "We didn't want to do anything sacrilegious or offend people," said Mike Downey, senior director of marketing and promotions for the White Sox, on "EWTN News Nightly." "We wanted to do something fun and tasteful that celebrates the fact that Pope Leo is a White Sox fan."
The collaboration paid off in a memorable ballpark moment when thousands of fans joined together for an impromptu "sign of peace." Wearing their White Sox-branded novelty miters, fans turned to neighbors in nearby seats, exchanging handshakes, high-fives, and blessings across the concourses.
Hurley, who joined the crowd in the stands, reflected on what the pontiff would have wanted to come of such a night.
"A few more home runs," Hurley joked, motioning to his own branded miter. "But here's what he really would love to see. The pope is a guy who promotes peace. In the Catholic tradition, we offer a sign of peace during Mass because we want to bring peace to the world. I think the pope would love seeing everyone stand, find a new friend, and offer that same peace — whether they're Catholic or not."
The idea for the tribute took root shortly after May 8, 2025, when Pope Leo XIV — formerly Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost — was elevated to the papacy. Known for wearing a White Sox cap at the Vatican and having attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the pontiff's lifelong allegiance inspired the team to act once news of his fandom broke.
Originally planned as a targeted promotion for a designated section of 10,000 fans, overwhelming demand after its announcement prompted the organization to expand the giveaway to all 40,000 attendees.
The spiritual energy in the stands mirrored the action on the field. The first-place White Sox kept the momentum going against the Cincinnati Reds, starting off with a first-pitch leadoff home run by Brenton Doyle.
"It seems like there's a little magic happening on the South Side right now," Downey added. "Fans like to comment that we've got the pope on our side. My message for him is just to keep an eye out for the South Siders and say a prayer for us in October."
This story was first published by the National Catholic Register, the sister partner of EWTN News, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
