Pope Francis, in a recent canonization Mass, emphasized the importance of service over power. On October 20, he declared 14 new saints, including St. Marie-Léonie Paradis from Canada and 11 martyrs. The pope stated, “Those who dominate do not win, only those who serve out of love.”
An Indigenous Tzotzil priest and peace activist, Father Marcelo Pérez, was killed after celebrating Mass in Chiapas, Mexico. The Catholic Church has criticized the government's lack of action against rising violence in the region.
Donald Kerwin led a webinar on October 16 discussing migrant deaths, emphasizing the importance of more than just counting them. "Accounting for deaths means more than simply counting or listing them... It means identifying the deceased, investigating the deaths, determining their causes, and repatriating the remains to their loved ones," he stated.
As the conflict in Ukraine nears its 11th year, a significant gathering of Ukrainian pilgrims took place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. The event, known as the annual All-Ukrainian Prayer, occurred from October 11 to 13 and attracted participants from around the globe.
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Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta has urged Catholics to respond with prayers and penance to a "black mass" event organized by the satanic temple of Atlanta, scheduled for October 25. In an October 8 memo addressed to clergy, religious sisters, and staff of the archdiocese, Archbishop Hartmayer described the event as a "serious sacrilege."
Three states—Nebraska, Kentucky, and Colorado—are preparing for crucial votes on school choice initiatives in the upcoming elections on November 5. Voters will decide whether to maintain or implement programs that could impact educational funding and options.
In recent years, the Church in the United States has been focusing on ministerial formation through classes and university programs to prepare future Catholic leaders. These initiatives include areas such as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, ministry for parents, and youth ministry.
More than two dozen popes have celebrated Mass beneath the towering canopy of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but only a select few have experienced the view from its peak. Since February, the baldachin, a 17th-century bronze structure, has been surrounded by scaffolding for restoration work.
Ahead of World Mission Sunday on October 20, Hallow, a prayer app, and the Pontifical Mission Societies USA have launched a global novena dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the patroness of missions. The initiative encourages participation in nine days of prayer beginning October 11.
For over three years, the Catholic Church has engaged in a global process of listening and dialogue, termed "synodality," culminating in two sessions this October. Over 350 delegates from around the world have participated in these meetings at the Vatican, known as the 16th ordinary Synod of Bishops. This gathering, titled "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission," is set to conclude at the end of the month.
A new book has sparked controversy by accusing Opus Dei of involvement in human trafficking, forced labor, and financial misconduct. The organization has strongly denied these claims, describing them as "absolute nonsense." The book, titled "Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church," was authored by Gareth Gore and released in the U.S. on October 1.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, participated in a Univision town hall on October 10 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During the event, she emphasized her commitment to reinforcing President Joe Biden's asylum policies but did not detail her plans for Dreamers—immigrants brought to the U.S. as children under DACA. Previously, Harris had promised executive actions to provide citizenship pathways for Dreamers and protect immigrants without legal status from deportation.
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco has called on Catholics to oppose Proposition O, a ballot measure that he argues unfairly targets pro-life clinics in the city. The proposition, known as the San Francisco Reproductive Freedom Act, seeks to establish comprehensive reproductive freedom as official policy and requires signage highlighting that certain clinics do not provide abortion services.
The Vatican's doctrine office has ordered the laicization of Ariel Alberto Príncipi, an Argentine priest accused of sexually abusing minors. This decision overturns a previous ruling by the Vatican Secretariat of State that had imposed limitations on the priest's activities.
The latest collection of stories from OSV News explores a diverse range of topics, including affordable housing projects and hurricane relief efforts. Megan Marley, the Digital Editor, highlights how these narratives resonate with themes from the gospel reading for the week.
Father Christophe Komla Badjougou, a priest from the Diocese of Yagoua in northern Cameroon, was killed on October 7 while waiting at the gate of a religious congregation's residence in Yaoundé. The priest was in the city to obtain a visa for Italy.
The March for Life Education and Defense Fund has announced the theme for its 2025 event: "Every Life: Why We March." This was revealed on October 10, ahead of the organization's 52nd annual march scheduled for January 24. The event is set to occur shortly after the inauguration of the next U.S. president.
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