Edition of Thursday, September 17

The UK House of Commons rejected the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on September 11, 2026, with 286 votes against and 270 votes in favor. The proposed law would have allowed terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a life expectancy of less than six months to request assisted dying.

Under the amended bill presented by MP Lauren Edwards, applicants would have needed approval from two doctors and an expert committee. The government remained neutral during the vote, allowing members of Parliament to vote according to their conscience.

Bishops from the Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomed the decision. During the legislative process, Church representatives emphasized the need to protect vulnerable people and called for increased access to high-quality palliative care.

Villanova University has named Cardinal Michael Czerny as the first recipient of the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. Father Peter Donohue, president of the university, announced the selection during a press conference in Rome on Monday, Sept. 14.

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to present the medal to Czerny on Oct. 13 at the Borgo Laudato Si' in Castel Gandolfo. The presentation will take place during the Villanova University International Sustainability Conference, which runs from Oct. 12 to 15.

The award recognizes Czerny’s work regarding human dignity, social justice, and care for creation. Czerny, a Jesuit and former prefect emeritus of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, expressed gratitude for the university's efforts to prepare students to address global challenges.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Brendan J. Cahill as the new bishop of Joliet, Illinois. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, announced the appointment on September 17, 2026.

Bishop Cahill currently serves as the bishop of Victoria, Texas, a position he has held since 2015. He also serves as the chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, a role he began in November 2025.

The Diocese of Joliet has been under the administration of auxiliary bishop Dennis E. Spies since December 2025, when the previous bishop, Ronald A. Hicks, was appointed archbishop of New York. Archbishop Hicks described Cahill as a man of deep faith and a pastor for those on the margins, noting that his fluency in Spanish will benefit the diocese.

The diocese plans to schedule an installation Mass for Bishop Cahill in November.

Pope Leo XIV warned during a weekly general audience on Sept. 16 that people must not delegate decisions belonging to the human conscience to algorithms. Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, the pope cautioned that as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into society, there is a risk that relationships will become more virtual and less personal.

The pope's remarks continued his reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution, Gaudium et Spes, specifically focusing on the human community. He stated that the development of society and the perfection of the human person are interdependent, and separating them would make both meaningless. To build a more just world, he urged people to move past an individualistic mindset and invest in deep, substantive human relationships.

Pope Leo XIV also addressed the role of diversity, stating it should be viewed as a resource for growth rather than a threat. He encouraged the faithful to see humanity as a single community and to evaluate political and social projects based on human dignity, social justice, and the common good.

Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25 to 28, 2026, traveling to locations including Paris, Saint-Denis, Lourdes, and Metz. During his visit to Metz on September 28, the Pope intends to highlight peace and Europe.

French bishops have estimated the total budget for the trip at 27 million euros to cover logistics, security, site preparations, and participant hosting. The bishops stated that donations from the public will be the primary source of funding, noting that a fundraising campaign has already collected nearly 5.5 million euros. Organizers expect at least one million participants.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the French Bishops' Conference, described the visit as a gift to help awaken consciences in France during a period of spiritual crisis.

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments permitted 34 dioceses to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass in parish churches during 2025. This number is unchanged from the 34 dioceses permitted in 2024.

According to the Summarium Decretorum of 2025, these permissions allow for the celebration of Mass using the 1962 Missal. The United States accounted for 24 of the 34 decrees. Of the total decrees issued in 2025, 27 were released after the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, while seven were issued during the reign of Pope Francis.

Some decrees permitted the extraordinary form in multiple parishes within a diocese. These permissions follow the restrictions on the extraordinary form established by Pope Francis in the 2021 apostolic letter Traditionis Custodes.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established the Bishops’ Task Force on Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence to address the rapid development of AI technology. Bishop Oscar Cantù of San Jose, California, will chair the group, though the remaining members have not yet been determined.

The decision follows a meeting of the USCCB Administrative Committee with specialists and representatives from various technology firms at the conference headquarters in Washington. According to spokesperson Chieko Noguchi, the dialogue focused on keeping AI systems at the service of humanity and addressing the immediate dangers the technology presents. The bishops intend to identify how the Church can contribute to the moral foundations of AI models and encourage companies to implement human oversight and protections against misuse.

The task force aims to promote policies and practices that protect workers, families, vulnerable populations, religious liberty, democratic institutions, and human dignity. This action responds to the call for shared responsibility found in Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Michael A. Saporito as the bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. The Holy See announced the appointment on September 15, 2026.

Saporito currently serves as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Newark and holds the title of bishop of Luperciana. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 30, 1992, and received his episcopal ordination on June 30, 2020. His previous roles in Newark included serving as a parochial vicar in West Orange, River Edge, Paramus, and Wyckoff, as well as a pastor in Maplewood and Westfield.

The Diocese of Metuchen covers 1,425 square miles in New Jersey. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, publicized the appointment in Washington, D.C.

Cardinal Tobin of Newark expressed support for the appointment, noting that Saporito served as the regional bishop for Bergen County and accompanied priests, parishes, and people in that area. Saporito stated that while leaving his current community is difficult, he welcomes the new mission with trust in the Holy Spirit.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis I. Malone from the Diocese of Shreveport in Louisiana on September 15, 2026. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, announced the decision in Washington, D.C.

Bishop Malone, 76, is stepping down after more than six years of leading the diocese. To manage the diocese until a new bishop is appointed and installed, the Pope appointed Bishop Robert W. Marshall of Alexandria as the Apostolic Administrator.

Pope Leo XIV released the English version of his book, Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me, on Tuesday, September 15. The book is available for sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and throughout the Commonwealth.

The text contains addresses, homilies, and personal writings from the time Fr. Robert Prevost served as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. According to a press release from Penguin Random House, the book uses the legacy of St. Augustine to explore the Pope's spirituality and his vision for community, solidarity, and service to marginalized people. The writings also address responses to the aftermath of 9/11, various political ideologies, and the Church's stance on human rights and poverty.

In the United States, the book is published by Image Books, an imprint of Penguin.

Pope Leo XIV will visit Paris, Lourdes, and Metz from September 25 to 28. Nearly 600,000 people have registered to attend a Mass in Paris on September 26.

A recent poll by the French Institute of Public Opinion suggests many French Catholics hope the visit provides renewed energy for a Church facing long-term secularization. According to the September 15 survey, 26% of respondents believe the trip could breathe new life into the Church in France. Jérôme Fourquet, director of the opinion department at the institute, said one goal of the visit is to create moments of religious fervor similar to those seen during the 1997 World Youth Day.

The survey also found that 28% of respondents want the pope to address global conflicts and peace, while others hope he will speak candidly about sexual abuse. While 58% of those surveyed had no opinion on whether the American pope defends Catholic values, 32% of those welcoming him said he defends them quite well.

Bishop Pierre-Antoine Bozo, spokesman for the French bishops' conference, noted that rising adult baptisms show growing spiritual curiosity in the country. However, sociologist Yann Raison du Cleuziou cautioned that the visit does not necessarily signal a broad revival, noting that the number of practicing Catholics continues to decline, particularly among younger generations.

President Donald Trump has appointed Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The commission announced the appointment on September 16.

Bishop Barron joins former U.S. Domestic Policy Council Director Joe Grogan and former missionary Andrew Brunson as new appointees to the independent, bipartisan federal commission. The agency advises the president and Congress on defending and improving religious liberty globally. It monitors international religious freedom issues and publishes reports on countries that violate these rights.

In a statement, Bishop Barron said he was honored to accept the invitation and noted the commission's bipartisan nature, as members are selected by leaders from both major political parties. He also referenced previous Catholic members of the body, including Archbishop Charles Chaput, Bishop William Murphy, Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, Father Thomas Reese, SJ, and Professor Robert George.

Bishop Barron already serves on the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission, which focuses on domestic issues. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom was established by Congress over thirty years ago.

Holy Family School in Gaza reopened on September 15, welcoming approximately 1,000 students after being closed for nearly three years due to war. The school, located in the old city of Gaza and attached to the Holy Family Catholic Parish, serves a community where the majority of students are Muslim.

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, said the reopening aims to provide a sense of normality and a safe, clean environment for children who have experienced significant suffering. He noted that while destruction is widespread throughout Gaza, staff worked to ensure the school is a secure space for learning.

The reopening marks a change in how Christian students in the territory receive an education. Previously, five Christian schools operated in Gaza, including three Catholic, one Orthodox, and one Evangelical institution. Now, all Christian students in Gaza will attend Holy Family School together. George Akroush, director of the project development office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, stated that this consolidation creates a stronger sense of community. Of the 1,000 students currently enrolled, about 130 are Christian.

Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, California, will lead a new task force on artificial intelligence for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The group was created to implement the vision of Pope Leo XIV as outlined in his encyclical on AI, Magnifica Humanitas.

Bishop Cantú said the task force intends to listen, teach, and remind the public that technology should assist humanity, support individual and family dignity, and help build healthy societies. He noted that technology leaders want to engage with the Church because of its expertise in human affairs.

The bishop encouraged the faithful to learn about AI through online resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and to speak up about its use. He stated that involving parishioners, workers, and students in public conversations helps place pressure on politicians and technology companies to act appropriately.

Pope Leo XIV remembered the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Speaking in English, the pope noted that the 25th anniversary of the attacks in the United States had occurred two days earlier. He offered prayers for those who died and for those still suffering from the consequences of the tragedy.

The pope urged the faithful to pray for peace amid global conflict and violence. He stated that the memory of the attacks should encourage a renewed commitment to peace through prayer and the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

During his reflection before the Angelus, the pope discussed the Christian meaning of forgiveness based on the Sunday Gospel. He noted that Christ demonstrated forgiveness even while on the cross. He also addressed the importance of forgiveness in relation to the teachings of Peter.

The pope greeted various groups in the square, including pilgrims from Brazil, travelers who had walked from Assisi along the Way of St. Francis, and motorcyclists gathered to support peace and life.

The Arlington Diocese has begun an investigation into a potential sainthood cause for Tom Vander Woude, a Catholic father who died 18 years ago while saving his son from drowning. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge released an edict on Sept. 10 to initiate the information-gathering stage of the process.

Vander Woude, a farmer and airline pilot, died saving his youngest son, Joseph, from a septic tank. The diocese is now asking the faithful to submit any relevant information to Msgr. Paul deLadurantaye, the chancellor. According to deLadurantaye, the edict serves as the first public notification that the cause for canonization is being considered. He noted that this is the first cause the diocese has petitioned for.

The investigation includes examining any writings by Vander Woude to ensure they align with Church teaching and faith. The diocese has spent several years moving the case through the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome, working alongside the Tom Vander Woude Guild, a nonprofit supporting the cause. One path to canonization, introduced by Pope Francis in 2017, involves offering one's life for another.

Vatican City observes September 17 as an official holiday to celebrate the name day of Pope Leo XIV. The holiday marks the feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, the 17th-century Jesuit cardinal and Doctor of the Church who died on this day in 1621.

The pope, born Robert Prevost, shares his given name with the saint. This celebration follows a tradition where Vatican City State observes a holiday for the feast day of the reigning pope's namesake. Previous examples include the feast of St. Joseph for Pope Benedict XVI and the feast of St. George for Pope Francis.

St. Robert Bellarmine was a prominent theological figure of the Counter-Reformation. Born in 1542 to a Tuscan family, he entered the Society of Jesus and later became a cardinal. The pope's 71st birthday occurred earlier in the week on September 14.

Bishops of the Triveneto Episcopal Conference issued a unanimous statement on September 12, 2026, opposing the idea of a right to die following new legislation in the Veneto region. The bishops met in Bibione on September 10 and 11 to discuss end-of-life issues and released the declaration to emphasize that individuals have a right to continuous care, assistance, and companionship rather than a right to end their lives.

In the statement, the bishops argued that assisted suicide fails to account for the social and relational nature of human beings. They expressed concern that such options could lead the healthcare system to move away from the ethics of care and proximity. Instead, the bishops advocated for strengthening the use of pain management medicine, palliative care, and home assistance to alleviate suffering.

The bishops noted that patients in pain or those who seem to have given up require increased attention and closeness rather than being encouraged to seek death. They stated that true progress for civilization involves caring for the suffering rather than suppressing life.

A Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report found inhumane conditions at the Florida Soft-Sided Facility, a detention center nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The report, based on a January 2026 inspection, revealed that dozens of immigrants were held in 18-square-foot outdoor cages similar in size to telephone booths.

The watchdog report detailed several unhygienic practices at the facility, which closed in June. Inspectors found bug-infested showers and noted that detainees were only permitted to shower three times per week rather than daily as required by standards. Additionally, the report identified dirty drinking water and food stored at improper temperatures.

David Spicer, the director of policy and engagement for migration at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called the findings disturbing. He noted that such violations of government detention standards are not surprising and emphasized that standards are only credible if they are consistently upheld across all facilities. Spicer stated that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has repeatedly requested regular oversight from Congress and federal agencies.

The presidency of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) sent a message of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his 71st birthday on September 14, 2026.

In the message sent on behalf of the churches in Italy, the CEI presidency expressed gratitude for recent meetings with the Pope. The presidency noted that the Pope has guided their communities toward a focus on the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of mission-oriented parishes, welcoming communities, and active participation.

The CEI also referenced the Pope's recent Angelus address regarding the connection between forgiveness and peace. The presidency stated that these teachings are particularly relevant given current global conflicts and affirmed that Italian churches will continue to support populations suffering from war through concrete acts of solidarity. The message concluded by acknowledging the Pope's teaching that ministry in the Church is primarily a form of service.

Franciscan University of Steubenville held its sixth annual Truth of Love Conference from Sept. 4 to 6 in Gaming, Austria. Titled Toward a Theology of Healing, the event gathered Catholic educators from around the world to examine the meaning of Christian healing.

Katharina Westerhorstmann, a professor of theology and medical ethics at the university, chose the theme to address the need for healing within the Church and the world. The conference explored the topic through Scripture, the salvation journey of Jesus Christ, Church history, and the sacramental tradition. Westerhorstmann stated that she wanted to present these concepts as a pathway for the future, rooted in Christian tradition.

The conference took place at the Kartause Maria Thronus Iesu monastery, which houses the university's academic programs in Austria. While the event is traditionally held at the university's main campus in Ohio, this year's gathering focused on applying the theology of healing to the modern world.

Pope Leo XIV told believers that forgiveness is the best rule for living together during the Angelus on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Speaking from the window of his apostolic palace, the pope addressed the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, using the Gospel of Matthew to explain that forgiveness must go beyond all limits.

The pope noted that Jesus demonstrated this value on the cross by praying for those who persecuted him. He explained that while Peter asked if forgiving a brother was sufficient, Jesus instructed followers to forgive without limit. Pope Leo XIV said that without forgiveness, conflict, resentment, and revenge would inevitably destroy human relationships, families, and cause wars. He described forgiveness as a force that brings freedom and light even during times of material or spiritual poverty.

Before the prayer, the pope also remembered the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. He asked for prayers for those who lost their lives and those still suffering from the wounds of that day. He also called for peace in areas where conflict and violence cause suffering.

Catholic and Orthodox Christians completed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos from September 6 to 9. The delegation was led by Aldo Berardi, the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, and Hazim, the Greek Orthodox metropolitan of Kuwait and Baghdad.

During the trip, the group visited 12 of the 20 monasteries located on the mountain. The pilgrims also received a blessing from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The Holy See is submitting a documentary film to the Academy Awards for consideration for the first time in its history. The 39-minute short film, titled Green Lava, follows Giacomo Mattivi, an Italian man living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Aksu, the documentary was produced by the Vatican through the company Emotions to Generate Change in collaboration with Vatican News, Vatican Media, and the Dicastery for Communication. The film was shot in the Dolomites, a mountain range in northern Italy, and depicts Mattivi navigating the limitations of his illness and the loss of his brother, who died from the same condition.

To qualify for the best documentary short film category, the production will undergo commercial screenings at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills between September 18 and September 24, 2026. Because the short film category allows independent productions without formal government or national committee endorsement, the film does not compete as an official representative of the Vatican.

Experts suggest that many online antisemitic attacks against Amy-Jill Levine, the first Jewish president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America, are part of coordinated social media campaigns. An analysis by OSV News indicates these attacks may be used to advance anti-Israel narratives and generate revenue for certain actors.

Archie Wright, the executive director of the Catholic Biblical Association, told OSV News that some social media posts attempt to link Levine to the Israeli government to express opposition to the war in Gaza. Wright stated that this approach lumps all Jewish people together, which results in antisemitism. Other posts against Levine use common antisemitic tropes or accuse her of heresy while maintaining traditionalist Catholic positions critical of Pope Leo XIV and various bishops.

Some individuals participating in these campaigns monetize their content through subscriptions, advertising revenue, paid posts, or merchandise. These actors are reportedly known to extremism experts.

Bishop Brendan J. Cahill is calling on U.S. lawmakers and officials to create policies that protect the dignity of migrants and prevent families from being separated. As chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, Cahill issued the statement on Sept. 16 ahead of National Migration Week, which runs from Sept. 21 to 27.

Cahill noted that current protections for migrants are being weakened by factors such as decreased access to legal representation and longer stays in detention. He urged governments and communities to maintain a high level of care for this population. The observance concludes with the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

Cahill, who currently leads the Diocese of Victoria, Texas, was recently named by Pope Leo XIV as the new bishop of Joliet, Illinois, according to an announcement by Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. In his statement, Cahill also expressed gratitude to caregivers, social workers, pastoral staff, and law enforcement officers who work for the safety of migrants.

Advocates are calling on President Donald Trump to demand the release of Jimmy Lai, a Catholic media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner from Hong Kong, during an upcoming summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the White House in late September.

Chris Smith, a co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, held a hearing on September 16 to examine Lai's imprisonment. Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, testified at the hearing. Smith told OSV News that the president must remain firm during the meeting, noting that Xi Jinping has the power to authorize a release through a single phone call.

Lai is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following a conviction on national security charges. US officials have previously described these charges as fabricated attempts to silence dissent. During a May summit in China, Trump requested the release of several political prisoners, including Lai and Ezra Jin Mingri, a pastor and founder of Zion Church. While Jin was released and reunited with his family in the US before Independence Day, Lai remains in prison.

The Church commemorates Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15. This feast day honors the Virgin Mary as she stood near Jesus during his crucifixion.

The title refers to seven moments in the life of Mary where suffering pierced her heart. According to CathoBel, this devotion encourages Christians to respond to the pain of others with compassion. Vatican News notes that the commemoration invites believers to reflect on Mary joining the sufferings of her son to participate in his work of redemption.

Auxiliary Bishop Josef Graf of Regensburg said the Catholic Church could ordain married men of proven faith, a position he shared ahead of a meeting of German bishops later this month. In an interview with a newspaper from the Diocese of Bolzano-Brixen, Graf stated his belief that the Church could adopt the practice of ordaining viri probati, which refers to men of proven faith who are married.

Graf noted that the Diocese of Regensburg already has several married priests who were formerly Protestant pastors. These men converted to Catholicism and received ordination with permission from Rome while remaining in their marriages. He also pointed to the existence of married priests within Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches of the Byzantine rite. While supporting this possibility, Graf suggested that ordaining married men would likely not solve the shortage of priests.

The bishop affirmed that while priestly celibacy is a valuable tradition and a helpful gift, it is not a requirement for ordination. He also expressed firm rejection of demands to ordain women to the priesthood.

Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, stated that it is impossible to be a disciple of Christ and an antisemite at the same time.

In an interview with Vatican News, Koch reflected on the 60th anniversary of the declaration Nostra aetate. His comments coincided with the release of a publication titled A Journey of Hope.