April 2025

Were you there at Christ’s Cross? Yup.

Charles Lewis · April 4, 2025

Years ago, while studying to be a Catholic, I came across something that surprised me. This was the idea that we are all responsible for that terrible Friday afternoon. In a real sense, all of humanity was at the foot of the Cross … then, now, and tomorrow.

Barefoot and Preaching

Messy miracle spring brings

Leah Perrault · April 4, 2025

It gives me such pure joy to marvel at the ice in the puddles, to lose myself in exploring the micro-universe, to delightedly smash the ice through. And this can be true also in my soul.

Spreading 'little ripples' of synodality

Quinton Amundson · April 4, 2025

The churches that embrace the process modelled at the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 2023 and 2024 will cultivate dynamic congregational participation and leadership, says Gary Warner.

Development and Peace tackles debt with Solidarity Sunday collection

Luke Mandato · April 4, 2025

Development and Peace-Caritas Canada's  Solidarity Sunday is aiming to "Turn Debt into Hope." Its Share Lent campaign will culminate April 6 as Catholics from across the country are called to show their charity through the national collection.

Catholic charities on Myanmar's earthquake frontlines

Physical, spiritual aid offered victims

Luke Mandato · April 4, 2025

Response specialists from Samaritan's Purse Canada have touched down in Myanmar to offer life-saving support to those affected by the massive earthquake that struck March 28.

Disgraced former cardinal McCarrick dies at 94

Maria Wiering · April 5, 2025

The disgraced former cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, removed from the clerical state in 2019 after revelations of credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors and misconduct against adults, has died in Missouri. He was 94.

Catholic Latte serves up a cup of faith

Fr. Mah harnesses technology to spread the Word virtually

Luke Mandato · April 5, 2025

Fr. Eric Mah is pouring faith into the digital space through Catholic Latte, a virtual blend of timeless Church teachings through the lens of a modern podcast.

Ailing Pope Francis surprises pilgrims during Jubilee of the sick

Justin McLellan · April 7, 2025

With thousands of infirmed people and those who care for them gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula, made an unexpected appearance to greet the crowd.

British woman prosecuted for silently holding a sign by abortion clinic gets a backup from US State Department

Simon Caldwell · April 7, 2025

The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over the prosecution of a British woman for holding up a sign outside an abortion clinic that read: "Here to talk, if you want."

Newfoundland church battle before high court

Provincial Supreme Court to hear next round in ongoing case May 6

Quinton Amundson · April 7, 2025

The two sides in a prolonged battle over possession of a Catholic church in a quiet coastal Newfoundland town will be back in court early next month.

Pope Francis begins to receive very limited visits, Vatican says

Carol Glatz · April 8, 2025

As Pope Francis continues his recovery at the Vatican, he is very slowly beginning to get back to his old routine of meeting with top Vatican officials, the Vatican press office said.

Exclusive

Christians a target in Nigeria, bishop claims

Quinton Amundson · April 8, 2025

A Nigerian Catholic bishop standing in the breach to alert the world about Christian persecution in Benue State has drawn verbal attacks and apparent escalating threats in recent weeks.

Riches can be burdens, preventing people from following Jesus, Pope Francis says

Carol Glatz · April 9, 2025

Jesus loves people as they are, not based on their merit or righteousness, said the text for Pope Francis' weekly general audience.

U.S. bishops end government cooperative agreements

Kate Scanlon · April 9, 2025

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will not renew its cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support after its longstanding partnerships with the federal government in those areas became “untenable.”

Pro-lifers suspicions’ raised by Vancouver abortuary closing

Canadian Catholic News · April 9, 2025

Just days after a small group of pro-lifers gathered in driving rain to mark the midpoint event of 40 Days for Life in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, an abortion-related announcement has left pro-lifers reacting with cautious hope.

Iraqi Catholic archbishop calls terrorism lawsuit 'false and defamatory'

Gina Christian · April 9, 2025

A Chaldean Catholic archbishop denies claims by an Iraqi-American businesswoman that he "aided and abetted" acts of "international terrorism," including her alleged kidnapping and torture, amid political infighting and turmoil in Iraq in 2014.

St. John’s on hook for an additional 59 abuse survivors

Appeal brings total judgment to more than $121 million

Quinton Amundson · April 9, 2025

The Archdiocese of St. John’s must provide payment to an additional 59 survivors — or their estates — who experienced abuse at the Mount Cashel Orphanage during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s or at the hands of archdiocesan clergy.

Holy See warns global nuclear disarmament, AI regulation 'imperative' at UN

Gina Christian · April 9, 2025

With fear "the driving force" in the current global climate, nations must recommit to nuclear disarmament and the regulation of artificial intelligence, said Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations.

Questioning Faith

Bring Christ suffering to break it open

Mary Marrocco · April 9, 2025

Ann’s father was dying. Her pastor’s compassion unlocked something inside her, and she found herself talking to him about the pain of her marriage. Now a decade old, it had always been unhappy.

Britain's royal couple meet Pope Francis at the Vatican

Cindy Wooden · April 9, 2025

Although they postponed their official state visit to the Vatican because of Pope Francis' health, Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla met privately with the pope April 9, the Vatican press office said.