Former Attorney General Bill Barr: U.S military action against Iran meets criteria for ‘just war’ — By: Catholic News Agency

Former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr made the case for Americaʼs war with Iran as meeting Catholic criteria for a just war. Barr, a Catholic, said because Iranʼs potential use of nuclear weapons posed a legitimate threat to the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, the war doesnʼt violate just war doctrine. President Donald Trump…

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Connecticut diocese debuts ‘Maria,’ an AI fundraising personality ‘rooted in the Church’s mission’ — By: Catholic News Agency

The Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, will be supplementing its fundraising activities with an AI tool meant in part to solicit donations from local Catholics in what the diocese is billing as the “worldʼs first virtual engagement officer.” The diocese announced the rollout of “Maria” this month. It describes the tool as a means of “thoughtfully…

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Written protocols are not enough, says archbishop at first Caribbean abuse prevention meeting — By: Catholic News Agency

More than 60 bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople participated in the first Caribbean abuse prevention meeting in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the aim of strengthening the culture of care within the Church. The event, held April 19–22 at the Manresa Ignatian Spirituality Center, brought together participants from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Haiti in addition…

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Coalition letter urges U.S. Senate to extend defunding of abortion industry — By: Catholic News Agency

A coalition of pro-life groups urged the U.S. Senate in a letter to extend the defunding of abortion providers into 2026 and beyond. The Trump administration defunded Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers for one year; this letter asks the Senate to continue this defunding for 10 years. Signed by Live Action Founder Lila Rose,…

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1 in 6 face infertility; Catholic author urges faith-filled support — By: Catholic News Agency

During this yearʼs National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), Leigh Fitzpatrick Snead, who personally carries the cross of infertility, spoke about the difficult topic with the hope of making others experiencing it feel less alone. NIAW runs from April 19–25, bringing attention to the high numbers of people — now 1 in 6 globally — who…

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Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy calls assisted suicide laws ‘abhorrent’ — By: Catholic News Agency

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), called assisted suicide laws “abhorrent” during budget discussions this week. During HHS budget discussions on Wednesday, Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, pressed Kennedy about assisted suicide, noting that in several states, disability groups have filed lawsuits saying that their assisted suicide…

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PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV departs Africa, returns to Rome after 11-day papal trip — By: Catholic News Agency

Pope Leo XIV departed Africa and returned to Rome on April 23, concluding an 11-day visit to several countries that marked his first visit as pope to the continent. The Holy Father departed Equatorial Guinea after saying Mass at the coastal nationʼs Malabo Stadium. He had earlier visited Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola throughout mid-April. Hereʼs…

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Panel explores Gen Z perspectives on Jewish-Catholic relations — By: Catholic News Agency

Catholics of Jewish descent shared their faith journeys and urged renewed dialogue and theological clarity to counter antisemitism at a Benedictine College panel. The panel was part of an April 22 event, “Shoulder to Shoulder: Strengthening Jewish-Catholic Friendship at a Moment of Crisis,” cosponsored by the college and the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism. Featured…

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