WASHINGTON - In response to discussions in Congress regarding healthcare affordability, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, affirmed the importance of the Hyde Amendment:

“Authentic health care upholds the dignity of all human life, and health care policy must not violate this dignity. In upholding this core principle, the U.S. bishops have long opposed any proposals to expand taxpayer funding of abortion and will continue to do so, including, if necessary, in the current debates in Congress over health care affordability plans. We urge Congress to work creatively to enact legislation that does not compromise the dignity of the human person and that ensures access to authentic, life-affirming care.”

###

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, 79, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Rochester, and has appointed Most Reverend John S. Bonnici, currently auxiliary bishop of New York, as his successor. 

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on January 7, 2026, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The Diocese of Rochester is comprised of 7,107 square miles in the State of New York.

###

The Catholic Bishops of Cameroon are holding their 49th annual seminar in Kumba, in the Southwest Region, from 3 January to 10 January 2026. Under the theme “Communion and Collegiality,” this gathering brings together the entire Cameroonian episcopate for spiritual and pastoral exchanges in a context marked by socio-economic challenges in the country and the Crisis in the Anglophone regions.

Read all

 

As Sudan nears 1,000 days of conflict, the situation in the country remains dire: attacks are frequent, children are malnourished, and tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes due to the violence.

Read all

 

SEEK 2026, held across three cities and attended by over 26,000 young American Catholics, confirms their dynamic and resilient character in the United States, with the largest gathering held in Columbus, Ohio, to which Pope Leo XIV sent a message.

Read all

 

St. Raymond of Pennafort, Patron Saint of Canonists (Feast day - January 7) Born in Spain, St. Raymond was a relative of the King of Aragon. From childhood he had a tender love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. He finished his studies at an early age, and became a famous teacher. He then gave up all his honors and entered the Order of the Dominicans. St. Raymond was very humble and very close to God. He did much penance and was so good and kind that he won many sinners to God. With King James ...

Pope Leo XIV has extended his Apostolic Blessing to participants in the Three Kings Parade, the world’s largest street Nativity scene held annually on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, which this year saw thousands march along Warsaw’s Royal Route, with similar events taking place at nearly 1,000 sites in Poland and worldwide.

Read all

 

Pope Leo XIV releases his prayer intention for January, and invites everyone to join his monthly prayer intentions under the new “Pray with the Pope” initiative.

Read all

 

Pope Leo XIV begins a new catechesis series on the Second Vatican Council and its documents, emphasizing that the Council's teaching still serves as the guiding star of the Church’s journey.

Read all

 

Pope Leo XIV's first consistory will have three sessions from tomorrow afternoon through Thursday. In the morning of January 8 at 7:30 a.m., he will concelebrate Mass with the cardinals present at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Read all