India’s Modi hosts Christian leaders for Christmas amid rising persecution — By: Catholic News Agency

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts a Christmas gathering with Christian leaders, including Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai and Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto, at his residence in New Delhi on Dec. 25, 2023. / Credit: Prime Minister of India’s office Bangalore, India, Dec 29, 2023 / 13:15 pm (CNA). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader…

Read More

‘Benedict trusted Francis. But he was bitterly disappointed,’ biographer says in new interview — By: Catholic News Agency

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is greeted by Pope Francis during the Ordinary Public Consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Feb. 14, 2015. / Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty Images CNA Newsroom, Dec 29, 2023 / 10:57 am (CNA). On the eve of the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s death, his biographer, Peter Seewald, raised serious concerns…

Read More

Catholic higher ed in 2023: 3 universities that thrived, 1 that decided to close its doors — By: Catholic News Agency

Portiuncula chapel on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville. / Credit: Franciscan University of Steubenville Denver, Colo., Dec 29, 2023 / 08:00 am (CNA). According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), there are almost 250 Catholic colleges and universities in the U.S. Recent information from the Cardinal Newman Society, a nonprofit founded…

Read More

Vatican announces art contest for Stations of the Cross to be displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica — By: Catholic News Agency

“Christ Carrying the Cross” by Titian (1490–1576). / Credit: Titian, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Rome Newsroom, Dec 29, 2023 / 07:00 am (CNA). Attention Catholic artists: The Vatican has announced an art competition in which your paintings can be displayed inside of St. Peter’s Basilica along with the works of Renaissance masters Michelangelo and…

Read More