February 2025

Environmentalists the ‘new missionaries’

Activists really ‘eco-colonialists,’ Indigenous say

Anna Farrow · February 1, 2025

Three Indigenous natural resource professionals say activist environmentalists are paternalistic when they claim to speak for Indigenous groups and oftentimes hold priorities at odds with the best interests of those communities.

Behold the gift of faith-driven learning

Quinton Amundson · February 3, 2025

One of Dr. Mark Yenson’s desires for academics serving in Catholic higher education, in Canada and abroad, is to convey greater confidence that faith-driven learning is a “gift to our society that we need to hold on to and to promote.”

Presentation in the temple shows how God lives among us, Pope Francis says

Justin McLellan · February 3, 2025

The presentation of Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem shows that God's closeness to humanity is not confined to a place of worship but is manifested in his living among people, Pope Francis said.

Nothing is worth sacrificing the life of a child, Pope Francis tells world leaders

Carol Glatz · February 3, 2025

It is unacceptable that a child's right to life and a dignified childhood should be sacrificed to "the idols" of power, profit, ideology and nationalistic self-interest, Pope Francis told a group of world experts and leaders.

Pope Francis to Ukrainian youth: Remember your heroes, forgive your enemies

Cindy Wooden · February 3, 2025

Forgiving others is never easy, and it is even more difficult in a situation of war, but it is essential, Pope Francis told Ukrainian young adults.

Canadian exorcist pleads not guilty to battery charge

Simone Orendain · February 4, 2025

Fr. Carlos Martins, a Canadian priest, exorcist and co-host of The Exorcist Files podcast, pleaded not guilty Jan. 27 in an Illinois court to a misdemeanor charge of battery over an alleged incident that took place during a national relic tour.

Food banks at point of desperation

Quinton Amundson · February 4, 2025

A food insecurity emergency declaration is active in Toronto, Mississauga and Kingston, Ont.

Field of Crosses memorial a call to love

Kimberley Heatherington · February 4, 2025

By the afternoon of Feb. 2, there were 67 Crosses standing under a leaden grey sky — one for each victim from the Washington aviation disaster.

Has Canadian foreign policy lost its way?

Neocolonialist turn ties aid to Western wants, not Third World needs

Anna Farrow · February 5, 2025

Canada's role over the past decade on the global scene has witnessed a change, and not one for the better, say panelists at a recent event held in Ottawa.

Denis Grady: a bridge builder, ‘great connector’

Quinton Amundson · February 5, 2025

Monique Achtman proclaimed that her dear friend Denis Grady was “the great connector” during his 72 years.

Guiding souls as Jubilee volunteers

Leading pilgrims across the Holy Door

Justin McLellan · February 5, 2025

Before the millions of pilgrims expected to come to Rome during the Holy Year 2025 cross through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, they will be met by smiling faces and lime green jackets.

Pope Francis, Sweden's cardinal mourn victims of deadly mass shooting

Junno Arocho Esteves · February 5, 2025

Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened" by the tragic shooting in a Swedish school, sending "assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this traumatic incident," in which 10 students of an adult education centre lost their lives.

Was it an apology?

A look at Pope Benedict’s 2009 meeting with Indigenous leaders

Paul Schratz · February 6, 2025

On April 29, 2009, Canadian First Nations leaders met at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI, who expressed regret and shame for abuses committed at Indian residential schools. Assembly of First Nations Chief Fontaine said the group “heard what we came for” and was “very happy” with Pope Benedict’s response.

Pope Francis extends terms of dean, subdean of College of Cardinals

Cindy Wooden · February 6, 2025

Pope Francis has extended the terms of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as subdean, the Vatican press office announced.

British Catholic high school reeling from the loss of student in stabbing incident

Andy Drozdziak · February 6, 2025

The Catholic community in Sheffield, England, is in shock after the "tragic" stabbing of 15-year-old schoolboy Harvey Willgoose at All Saints Catholic High School led to the death of a student hailed as "one of our own" and "a best friend to all."

U.S. President Trump bars biological males from competing in women's sports

Lauretta Brown · February 6, 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Feb. 5 barring biological males from competing in women's sports.

Pope Francis: Nicene Creed unites Christians, overcoming division through faith

Justin McLellan · February 6, 2025

The Nicene Creed is more than a statement of faith -- it is a powerful sign of unity among Christians, Pope Francis said as he welcomed young priests and monks from Oriental Orthodox Churches to the Vatican.

Entering hope by opening Holy Doors

Luke Stocking · February 6, 2025

Long ago while walking in Montreal, I came across an orange street work sign alongside Montreal’s Cathedral, Marie-Reine-du-Monde. It said, “Rue Barré” (road blocked). I took a snapshot for Instagram and posted: ‘le chemin vers Dieu n'est jamais barré.’ – The way to God is never barred.

Swearing by marriage requires perseverance

Andrea Mrozek · February 6, 2025

There are no ordinary people, and there are no ordinary marriages.

Editorial

Deep prayer and hard work

Matthew Marquardt · February 6, 2025

One vote each. The problem with having a single vote is that the policies of any single party, platform or candidate seldom align perfectly with Catholic social teaching.