What is happening in the Church today?

Arizona's Supreme Court made a unanimous decision upholding a broad definition of clergy-penitent privilege. The decision benefits the Catholic Church's seal of the confessional. The case involved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

SourcesOSV NewsThe Catholic Sun

Card. Matteo Zuppi guided a prayer vigil for peace and justice in the Holy Land. The event took place at the ruins of the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Casaglia, Monte Sole. The Archdiocese of Bologna and the Piccola Famiglia dell'Annunziata organized the vigil.

SourcesAgenzia SIRDiocese of Bologna

The White Sox hosted a 'Pope Night' with a first pitch thrown by a nun and a 'sign of peace' in the 5th inning. The team gave away 40,000 'pope hats' to fans. The event was a tribute to Pope Leo XIV, the team's best-known fan.

SourcesNational Catholic ReporterReligion News ServiceNational Catholic RegisterThe Catholic Sun

St. Eugene Catholic Church launched a medical-debt relief effort, erasing over $6.5 million in debt with a $25,000 gift. The effort aims to help families facing crushing medical bills.

SourcesCatholic News AgencyNational Catholic Register

Pope Leo XIV encouraged sisters to foster vocations to religious life in the US. He sent a video message to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. The message was sent on Aug. 12.

SourcesDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendOSV NewsThe Catholic Sun

Bishop O'Connell encourages prayers and financial support for victims of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia. The quake caused damage and casualties in Cali and other areas. The Diocese of Quibdó reported 14 deaths and over 120 affected people.

SourcesThe MonitorReligión Digital

Trappist Father Benedict Chao, the world's oldest Trappist monk, died at 108. He survived Chinese communist persecution and helped rebuild a monastery in Hong Kong. The Diocese of Hong Kong announced his death.

SourcesCatholic ReviewCatholic New YorkThe TabletThe MonitorAmerica

SourcesDiocese of MacapáArchdiocese of Tegucigalpa

Catholic bishops unveiled a memorial plaque marking 75 years of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Southern Africa. The event was announced by the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

SourcesSouthern African Catholic Bishops' ConferenceArchdiocese of Pretoria

The Catholic Church will showcase its contribution to education in Santa Cruz through the 'Expo-Obras CEIL 2026' fair. The event is organized by the Delegación Episcopal de Educación Santa Cruz. It aims to highlight the Church's educational work in the area.

SourcesApostolic Vicariate of CamiriArchdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Pope Leo XIV addressed the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the US, emphasizing the importance of synodality and the need for religious to be experts in it. He encouraged them to work together to make the mission and mystery of the Church visible in the world. The Pope also expressed gratitude for the contributions of their institutes in evangelization, education, and care for the poor and marginalized.

SourcesThe Holy SeeVatican News

Pope Leo XIV addressed the annual assembly of US Catholic sisters. He encouraged them to promote unity and accompany young people in discerning their vocation. The pope emphasized the Church's need for their charisms and witness.

SourcesVatican NewsGlobal Sisters ReportNational Catholic Reporter

Thousands of Christians in Pakistan protested for constitutional equality and religious freedom. They called for amendments to allow non-Muslims to serve as president or prime minister. Rallies were held in three major cities, including Karachi and Faisalabad.

SourcesCatholic News AgencyCatholic Star Herald

The Diocese of Loreto and other Catholic communities prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast falls on August 15. Events include prayer, spirituality, and culture.

SourcesDiocese of AberdeenMissionari Servi della Santissima TrinitàDiocese of Loreto

Pascom Maranhão is accepting registrations for a formation project until August 24, 2026. The project will select 36 communicators from 12 dioceses in Maranhão. Registrations are available through an online form.

SourcesCNBBDiocese of São Luís do Maranhão

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of attending Sunday Mass, stating it cannot be replaced by virtual participation. He urged everyone to seek the best conditions to participate in the Eucharist. The Pope made these comments during his general audience on August 12.

SourcesCBCP NewsDiocese of FlorianópolisDiocese of SantarémCatholic News AgencyAgência EcclesiaCatholic Star Herald

Pope Leo XIV will visit San Marino and Rimini on August 22. He will meet with authorities, lead a Eucharistic adoration, and visit the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples. The official program for the visit has been released by the Vatican Press Office.

SourcesVatican News

Pope Leo makes an initial emergency donation to dioceses in Colombia affected by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The donation was sent through the Apostolic Almonry. Further aid will follow.

SourcesVatican News