Catholic News

On May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fátima, Colombia renewed its consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a call to work together "on the national project we yearn for."

The Mass of Consecration, celebrated as part of the Fourth National Rosary, took place at the primatial cathedral of Bogotá and was offered by the president of the Colombian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Francisco Javier Múnera.

Prior to the ceremony, the more than 600 faithful who filled the cathedral participated in the recitation of the Holy Rosary, accompanied by a statue of Our Lady of Fátima and by a monstrance in the form of the "Mutilated Christ" (armless as if amputated) in which the Blessed Sacrament was exposed.

Concelebrating with Múnera were the bishop emeritus of Ocaña, Jorge Enrique Lozano Zafra, as well as priests from religious communities such as the Franciscans, the Dominicans, and the Union of the Catholic Apostolate as well as the Maronite Exarchate, and the Archdiocese of Bogotá.

In his homily, the archbishop of Cartagena also noted that consecrating oneself "to the Immaculate Heart of Mary allows us to unify our life, our Christian life, because it presupposes and actualizes the consecration to Christ that derives from Baptism."

"The Immaculate Heart of Mary, a spotless, most pure heart, unites us closely to the heart of her Son, so that, transformed by the One who is meek and humble, we may be able to transform the world as well as our personal and social relationships," he said.

The prelate reminded that just as at the wedding feast at Cana, Mary invites people to do whatever Jesus tells them, being "docile to transformation for the good of all that we are, with our potential and our fragilities as a country."

"Her maternal presence opens us to hope and enables us to restore trust in one another. We are brothers and sisters; we are citizens of this beloved homeland. It's true that we have differences, we are diverse," he noted.

However, he clarified that "we may even be adversaries, but never enemies."

He called upon those engaged in politics to always exercise discernment in the pursuit of the common good, "so that we may work toward the national project we yearn for, one characterized by justice, equity, and solidarity, and, above all, by the pursuit of truth. Let us not be afraid; the truth will set us free."

He affirmed that the consecration also serves as a prayer for "hearts that open up bridges, that mend relationships, that forge new bonds, all in the service of others, all to serve our homeland, through the noble service of politics that promotes and defends the dignity of all people, especially the most vulnerable; that promotes and defends life in all its manifestations and stages; and that promotes truth and justice."

"Therefore, we can conclude by saying: Give us a heart like yours, like Mary's, for Mary's heart leads us to the One who is meek and humble of heart: Christ, our peace," the archbishop prayed.

Prayer for country's consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Before the conclusion of the Mass, Munera approached the statue of Our Lady of Fátima to renew the country's consecration with the following prayer:

O Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church! God has chosen you so that his Son, Jesus Christ, Lord of Life and Peace, may dwell among us, radiating the light of truth and love.

Oh, Mother of Grace! You know our history: our wounds, our tears, our hopes, our struggles amidst lights and shadows, and the times we have preferred to ignore God in the building of our nation, trusting solely on our human capabilities and wounding, through sin, the heart of God, our Father, who desires us to be his children and brothers and sisters.

Oh, Most Loving Mother! You know the love that we Colombians express to You through the various manifestations of Marian veneration that fill us with joy and hope in the fulfillment of the promise you made at Fátima: "In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph."

Oh, Mother of Tenderness! Today we recall the words of your son Jesus when he said to you while you stood at the foot of the cross, beside the beloved disciple: "Behold, your son" (Jn 19:26), and thus entrusted us all to your maternal care. Then, you were entrusted to our filial care when, addressing the disciple and, in him, all of us, he declared: "Behold, your mother" (v. 27).

Oh, Mary, Queen of all creation! Today, once again, we consecrate to you all of us Colombians, those living both at home and abroad; yours we wish to be forever. We consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart, so that the bond between God and us celebrated in Holy Baptism may remain alive forever, and that we may walk along the paths of freedom, justice, love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.

Oh, Mother of Mercies! We ask you to defend and cultivate this Garden of God called Colombia. May peace flourish which is a gift of the Holy Spirit and artisanal work of our fraternal coexistence along with justice and equity, which seat us at the table as brothers and sisters to partake of the loaves that God multiplies for all. Bless, dear Mother, our cities with their industries, our mountains with their crops, and our rivers and seas with the life they hold within.

Oh, Mary, all-powerful in supplication! United with your most holy spouse and powerful intercessor, St. Joseph, intercede for us. In these difficult times for Colombia, bring to the throne of God the prayer that Christ placed upon our lips: "Our Father, deliver us from evil. Amen."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article

Pope Leo XIII was known for his engagement with the profound social changes of the industrial revolution, especially through his 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum.

His successor Pope Leo XIV chose his papal name, in part, because of his desire to address what he has called the next "industrial revolution" — developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) that "pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor."

Though not yet announced by the Vatican, Pope Leo's first encyclical of his pontificate will soon be released and is expected to address the ethical challenges AI poses and the profound consequences it may have for human work, social relations and the dignity of the person. 

As the world awaits further guidance on AI from the Holy Father, here's a summary of some of the most important components of the Church's response, so far, to the phenomenon of AI.

February 2020: Rome Call for AI Ethics

The Pontifical Academy for Life released the "Rome Call for AI Ethics" in 2020, and several major global tech companies, including Microsoft and Cisco, have since signed on to the pledge. The relatively brief document calls for the ethical use of AI guided by the principles of transparency, inclusion, accountability, impartiality, reliability, and security and privacy. It notes that AI must serve all people without discrimination, avoid exploitation, and help people to develop their own abilities.

"As we design and plan for the society of tomorrow, the use of AI must follow forms of action that are socially oriented, creative, connective, productive, responsible, and capable of having a positive impact on the personal and social life of younger generations," the pledge says.

January 2025: Antiqua et Nova 

The most in-depth guidance the Vatican has provided so far when it comes to artificial intelligence can be found in Antiqua et Nova, ("old and new"), a roughly 30-page document released under Pope Francis in January 2025.

The document contrasts humanity's relational and truth-seeking nature with modern AI systems, which operate largely through pattern recognition and lack the creative, spiritual and moral dimensions of human thought.

Calling for a strong ethical framework to guide the development and deployment of AI, the document points out several potential pitfalls of AI development and insists that the technology must always respect and promote the intrinsic dignity of every human being. The development of AI should spur us to "a renewed appreciation of all that is human," it adds.

May 2025: Address to the College of Cardinals

Pope Leo's first public reference to AI came on his second full day as Pope, in a speech to the College of Cardinals:

"In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor."

June 2025: Message to the Second Annual Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Corporate Governance

In his speech to a conference in Rome, Pope Leo noted that acknowledging and respecting what is uniquely characteristic of the human person, especially the welfare of children, is essential to the discussion of any adequate ethical framework for the governance of AI.

The way forward "entails taking into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually; it means safeguarding the inviolable dignity of each human person and respecting the cultural and spiritual riches and diversity of the world's peoples. Ultimately, the benefits or risks of AI must be evaluated precisely according to this superior ethical criterion," he said.

June 2025: Address to Participants in the Jubilee of Governments

In an address to political leaders, Pope Leo stressed that "our personal life has greater value than any algorithm, and social relationships require spaces for development that far transcend the limited patterns that any soulless machine can pre-package."

The pontiff continued: "Our memory, on the other hand, is creative, dynamic, generative, capable of uniting past, present and future in a lively and fruitful search for meaning, with all the ethical and existential implications that this entails."

July 2025: Message to the AI for Good Summit 2025

In a message delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state, Pope Leo sent greetings to participants in the AI for Good Summit 2025. He reiterated that AI must be developed and used for the common good, ensuring it serves the interests of humanity as a whole.

"While AI can simulate aspects of human reasoning and perform specific tasks with incredible speed and efficiency, it cannot replicate moral discernment or the ability to form genuine relationships. Therefore, the development of such technological advancements must go hand in hand with respect for human and social values, the capacity to judge with a clear conscience, and growth in human responsibility," the Pope said.

November 2025: Message to the Builders AI Forum 

In this message to a conference for builders of AI held at the Vatican, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to "all who, through research, entrepreneurship and pastoral vision, seek to ensure that emerging technologies remain oriented toward the dignity of the human person and the common good."

Quoting Antiqua et Nova, Pope Leo noted that AI, like all human invention, springs from the creative capacity that God has entrusted to all people:

"The Church therefore calls all builders of AI to cultivate moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work — to develop systems that reflect justice, solidarity, and a genuine reverence for life."

November 2025: Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV to Participants in the International Congress of the Pontifical Academy for Life: "Artificial Intelligence and Medicine: the Challenge of Human Dignity" 

Addressing a medical conference, Pope Leo said that in order to ensure true progress in the medical field, it is "imperative that human dignity and the common good remain resolute priorities for all, both individuals and public entities."

"It is easy to recognize the destructive potential of technology and even medical research when they are placed at the service of antihuman ideologies. … From this point of view, I consider your dedication to exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine to be of great significance," the Pope said.

"If AI is to serve human dignity and the effective provision of healthcare, we must ensure that it truly enhances both interpersonal relationships and the care provided."

November 2025: Audience with Participants in the Conference "The Dignity of Children and Adolescents in the Age of Artificial Intelligence"

"Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to manipulation through AI algorithms that can influence their decisions and preferences. It is essential that parents and educators be aware of these dynamics, and that tools be developed to monitor and guide young people's interactions with technology," Pope Leo said, addressing a conference on the welfare of children in the age of AI. Above all, minors need guidance in the use of AI through "daily, ongoing educational efforts," he said.

Governments and international organizations have a responsibility to design and implement policies that protect the dignity of minors in this era of AI, he said. This includes updating existing data protection laws to address new challenges posed by emerging technologies, and promoting ethical standards for the development and the use of AI.

November 2025: Live Address to Young People at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis

Speaking via live link to thousands of young people, Pope Leo responded to a young man's question about how to use AI responsibly, telling him it means "using it in ways that help you grow, never in ways that distract you from your dignity or your call to holiness. In your education, make the most of this time."

"AI can process information quickly, but it cannot replace human intelligence. And don't ask it to do your homework for you. It cannot offer real wisdom. It misses a very important human element: AI will not judge between what is truly right and wrong. And it won't stand in wonder, in authentic wonder before the beauty of God's creation," the Holy Father said.

"So be prudent; be wise; be careful that your use of AI does not limit your true human growth. Use it in such a way that if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to think, how to create, how to act on your own, how to form authentic friendships. Remember, AI can never replace that unique gift that you are to the world."

December 2025: "Artificial Intelligence and Care for Our Common Home"

In this speech to a conference seeking to identify the risks, abuses and inequalities stemming from the unethical or unregulated production and use of AI, Pope Leo reiterated the importance of protecting young people's "freedom of mind."

"Artificial intelligence has certainly opened up new horizons for creativity, but it also raises serious concerns about its possible repercussions on humanity's openness to truth and beauty, and capacity for wonder and contemplation. Recognizing and safeguarding what characterizes the human person and guarantees his or her balanced growth is essential for establishing an adequate framework for managing the consequences of artificial intelligence," the Pope said.

January 2026: Message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications 

In his first message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, Pope Leo warned that artificial intelligence and digital technologies can undermine human relationships and distort reality unless they are guided by responsibility and rooted in education. He cautioned against surrendering human judgment to algorithms and automated systems, particularly those built to maximize engagement on social media. 

"Our faces and voices are unique, distinctive features of every person. … Faces and voices are sacred," the Pope said.

March 2026: Quo Vadis, Humanitas 

This document from the International Theological Commission, a body chaired by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, was approved by Pope Leo XIV. Addressing AI, the commission cautioned that forms of knowledge and calculation detached from embodied, situated human intelligence — and from relational knowledge passed down through generations via education — can become a threat to the true good of humanity. 

This article was originally published by The National Catholic Register, a news service of EWTN News, and has been adapted for and updated by EWTN News English.

Full Article

Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, called for political, economic, and international decisions regarding Cuba to be aimed at seeking the well-being of the country's population.

The cardinal made this appeal May 15 during the Mass for Peace and Social Development in Cuba, held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Rome, an event organized by the Cuban Embassy to the Holy See.

"Let us pray that the beloved land of Cuba may experience days of greater serenity, of authentic human and social development, of harmony, and of hope. Let us pray that every political, economic, and international decision be illuminated by wisdom, prudence, and a sincere pursuit of the well-being of the people," Czerny said.

This appeal comes amidst talks between the Cuban and U.S. governments and pressure from Washington for fundamental changes to take place on the island.

In his homily, the cardinal noted that "any logic of permanent confrontation runs the risk of compounding the burden that already weighs upon ordinary people, especially the poorest, the elderly, the sick, and children."

Therefore, he called for humanitarian aid to arrive "in sufficient quantity and without obstacles, never being instrumentalized for political or geopolitical ends."

Czerny's remarks follow an offer by the U.S. to send $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba, to be distributed by the Catholic Church without the intermediation of the communist government.

The proposed aid would follow two previous shipments, totaling $3 million and $6 million, earmarked for those affected by Hurricane Melissa and which are being distributed directly by Caritas Cuba.

Other countries that have sent humanitarian aid include Mexico, Brazil, and Spain, although the extent of the Cuban government's involvement in the aid distribution is unknown.

Placing the person at the center

In his homily, the Vatican prefect noted that the social doctrine of the Church teaches that "authentic peace is founded on moral and spiritual pillars even before political or economic ones."

Czerny also recalled the apostolic visits of St. John Paul II in 1998 and Pope Francis in 2015, highlighting the Polish pope's prophetic call for "the world to open itself to Cuba, and for Cuba to open itself to the world."

"It wasn't a political slogan. It was a spiritual and human invitation to tear down walls of misunderstanding, to open up spaces of mutual trust, and to allow peoples to encounter one another without fear," he noted.

Regarding Francis' visit, the cardinal recalled the pontiff's invitation to "place the concrete individual at the center of social and political life," because "service is 'never ideological,'" but rather, stems from genuine care for one's neighbor.

Czerny affirmed that Jesus's promise that "sadness will turn into joy" is not naive, for it is grounded in "the Christian certainty that God continues to act within human history, even when darkness and bewilderment prevail."

"The Holy Spirit continues to raise up men and women capable of building fraternity, reconciliation, and paths of peace," Czerny said, inviting the faithful to ask the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the patroness of Cuba, to "accompany this nation's journey with her maternal protection and safeguard all her children in peace."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article

A total of 72 young people from the Gaza Strip arrived in Rome this week to continue their academic studies at various universities across the city, an opportunity that opens up for them a hopeful path amidst the tragedy of war.

Their arrival in the Italian capital was made possible thanks to an initiative promoted by the Diocese of Rome, together with the Sant'Egidio Community and Sapienza University.

Four of the students were able to greet Pope Leo XIV on the morning of May 14, during his visit to La Sapienza public university, the largest in Europe and one of Italy's most prestigious academic institutions.

In his address to the students, the pontiff warned that "what is happening in Ukraine, in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, in Lebanon, and in Iran illustrates the inhumane evolution of the relationship between war and new technologies, in a spiral of annihilation."

At the conclusion of the event, the Holy Father took a moment to personally greet some of the students, among whom were Nada Jouda and Salem Abumustafa, who had recently arrived from the Gaza Strip.

Accommodations and scholarships for the future

The university has awarded scholarships to all Palestinian students admitted through the special program, which includes orientation services, healthcare, and psychological support.

Furthermore, the Diocese of Rome has committed to providing free accommodations to all these young people, who will remain in Italy until March 2029, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional year should they decide to complete their theses.

For its part, the Sant'Egidio Community is offering the students courses in Italian language and culture as part of its program to facilitate humanitarian corridors, an initiative promoted by the community for a decade, thanks to which thousands of refugees have been able to reach Italy safely.

Hope amidst the horrors of war

Nada, 19, shared her heartbreaking testimony with Vatican News. The war broke out two years ago, while she was in her final year of high school, and she has not returned to school since.

Following her father's death in 2023, she was forced to flee multiple times under extreme conditions, alongside her mother, who had suffered from leukemia, and her two younger sisters.

Despite leaving her family behind and her concern for her mother's health, Nada said with confidence that her stay in Rome will be an opportunity to improve her future and bear witness to the suffering endured by the people of Gaza.

Instagram post

Salem Abumustafa, 20, embarked on his journey to Rome, leaving behind a devastating reality. After his home was destroyed by bombs, his family was forced to live in a tent, without electricity, struggling to find food and water each day.

As he told Vatican News, resuming his studies in Rome represents an opportunity to restore hope to his family: "I came here to have a better future and to make my family proud of me," he said.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article

Texas Children's Hospital has reached a major settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that will bring an end to sex-change procedures on minors at the facility and require the hospital to pay for the country's first dedicated detransition clinic.

The agreement, first announced by Paxton's office May 15, resolves a years-long investigation of the hospital that began after whistleblower allegations surfaced claiming the hospital continued performing sex-change procedures on minors in secret even after state lawmakers made such procedures illegal.

According to the Justice department , the Houston-based hospital has agreed to pay more than $10 million in civil penalties and damages for allegedly falsely billing Medicaid and other insurers for these "pediatric sex-rejecting procedures."

The federal government alleges the hospital violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the False Claims Act, and federal fraud and conspiracy laws.

Under the terms of the settlement, Texas Children's will no longer provide "gender-transition" interventions, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, to minors, per Texas law.

The hospital also agreed to establish a multidisciplinary detransition clinic to offer restorative medical care to patients who previously underwent such procedures.

All services at the new clinic will be funded by Texas Children's, the largest children's hospital system in the country, and will be provided free of charge for the first five years.

The settlement also requires the permanent termination and revocation of privileges for five physicians who performed these interventions.

The hospital is permanently barred from rehiring or credentialing the doctors and must implement new compliance measures, including bylaw changes that will automatically revoke privileges for any physician who violates Texas law prohibiting such procedures on children.

"Under my watch, I will investigate and bring the full force of the law against any Texas hospital that abuses children with harmful medical interventions to 'transition' kids," Paxton said.

Following the publication of a directive by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that transgender procedures on minors that could be considered "child abuse" under existing state law, Texas Children's announced in 2022 that it would cease "sex-change" therapies and procedures, citing concerns that these practices were potentially illegal.

In 2023 Texas passed a law that explicitly banned puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-transition surgeries for minors under 18.

Nevertheless, at least three doctors associated with Texas Children's — Richard Roberts, David Paul, and Kristy Rialon — continued to perform "sex-rejecting" procedures on children throughout 2022 and 2023, according to whistleblower evidence published by Christopher Rufo, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute.

Rufo claimed that Rialon had been performing surgeries on minors ranging in age from 15 to as young as 1.

Calling the settlement "historic," Paxton said it "will ensure that the deranged child mutilators who hurt our kids are fired and held accountable."

According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the DOJ "will use every weapon at its disposal to end the destructive and discredited practice of so-called 'gender-affirming care' for children."

The Department of Justice noted that Texas Children's cooperated with the investigation and took proactive steps that contributed to the resolution. The claims resolved in the settlement remain allegations, with no determination of liability.

"I am grateful that Texas Children's wants to be part of the solution and no longer the problem," said Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general for the Civil Division.

Full Article

The traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) addressed Pope Leo XIV this week with a statement of faith it called "the minimum necessary to be in communion with the Church."

In an introduction to the "Declaration of Catholic Faith" — published May 14 on the society's website — the SSPX said that for more than 50 years it has raised the issue of what it believes are "errors that are destroying Catholic faith and morals" but that the group has never received "any truly satisfactory response" from the Holy See.

The statement, signed by SSPX superior general Father Davide Pagliarani, said it "places this simple Declaration of Faith" into the hands of Pope Leo: "It seems to us to correspond to the minimum necessary to be in communion with the Church, to call ourselves truly Catholic and, consequently, Your children."

The Vatican's prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, issued a brief statement on May 13, warning that if the SSPX carried out the "schismatic act" of consecrating new bishops without papal mandate — as the group has announced it plans to do on July 1 — it will result in excommunications as established by canon law.

Fernández also said Pope Leo XIV is praying that the leaders of the SSPX "may reconsider the very grave decision they have made."

In the society's declaration following Fernández's statement, it reiterates the teachings of the Catholic faith about the existence of only one faith and one Church, and that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and men.

The declaration appears to reject a document issued by the DDF last year stating that "Co-Redemptrix" is not an appropriate way to describe the Virgin Mary's participation in salvation because "it carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ."

The SSPX said, "By divine decree, the Most Holy Virgin Mary has been directly and intimately associated with the entire work of Redemption; to deny this association — in the terms received from Tradition — is therefore to alter the very notion of Redemption as willed by divine Providence."

The "declaration of Catholic faith" also appears to make oblique references to some of the theological questions contested by the SSPX, which are mostly tied to the interpretation of post–Second Vatican Council teaching, including God's will regarding the plurality of religions; and the differing levels of assent required by various Vatican II texts and their interpretation.

For example, the society's statement says the necessity to be a part of the Catholic Church to save one's soul "concerns the whole of humanity without exception and embraces without distinction Christians, Jews, Muslims, pagans, and atheists" and that the mandate "to convert every man to the Catholic Faith, remains binding until the end of time and responds to the most absolute and most pressing necessity in the world."

The declaration also says a couple living a "lifestyle" that includes "sins of impurity" should be helped to free themselves from sin and that the couple "can in no way be blessed — formally or informally — by ministers of the Church" — an apparent reference to Pope Francis' 2023 declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which allows priests to offer private, nonliturgical blessings to same-sex couples.

Full Article

Here are some of the distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees at many of the Catholic institutions the Cardinal Newman Society recommends for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education.

The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America (CUA) will confer honorary degrees on three "notable individuals" at its May 16 commencement ceremony, including Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Dr. John Bruchalski, and Iqbal Z. Quadir.

Brenninkmeyer is the founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study group for women and girls, while Bruchalski is the founder of Tepeyac OB-GYN and Quadir is a distinguished fellow at the CUA's Busch School of Business "who has pioneered technology-based and for-profit entrepreneurship for the economic empowerment of low-income people," according to a press release from the university.

Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary, will serve as commencement speaker.

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire will award former Wyoming Catholic College President Glenn Arbery, PhD, and his wife, Virginia, with honorary doctorates at its commencement ceremony May 16.

"Thomas More College is glad to have old friends and teachers — Glenn and Virginia Arbery — returning," Thomas More College President William Fahey said. "A community is healthy when it remembers and honors important moments and people of its history. The Arberys are well known and influential teachers and scholars at several institutions of higher learning, but our college was profoundly shaped and ennobled by their learning and generous hearts. We are glad to have them return for this most solemn and joyful of occasions."

University of Mary

Catholic businessman and lawyer Timothy Busch received an honorary degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in addition to delivering the commencement address during the university's April 25 commencement.

The university also honored Dan Butler, chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Mary, as well as his wife, Heather Butler, who co-chaired the university's 2030 Capital Campaign with U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, raising over $100 million for the university's advancement, according to the university.

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Busch also served as commencement speaker for graduates of science and professional programs at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters during its May 9 commencement.

Busch's NAPA Institute co-founder, Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, also delivered a commencement address for graduates from the arts, humanities, and social scientists at the university. Spitzer received an honorary doctorate in catechetics and evangelization.

University of Dallas

In addition to delivering the school's commencement address, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, will receive an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters from the University of Dallas.

"Cardinal Dolan is one of the Church's most joyful and widely respected shepherds, and we are honored to welcome him to the University of Dallas," said President Jonathan J. Sanford said in a press release. The university's commencement ceremony will take place May 16.

Benedictine College

Peter Cancro, the founder and chairman of the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike's, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters at Benedictine College's May 16 commencement.

Cancro, who is renowned for his charitable contributions to faith-based organizations, including a $5 million gift to Ave Maria School of Law, will also deliver the commencement address.

Ave Maria University

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received an honorary degree from Ave Maria University during its May 9 commencement ceremony. 

"The faith does not depend on what is fashionable or who holds power. It is, in fact, the truth that ultimately will set you free," DeSantis said during his speech, urging Ave Maria's class of 2026 to put on "the full armor of God" as they go out into the world.

Walsh University

EWTN "Real Life Catholic" host Chris Stefanick received an honorary doctorate of applied theology at Walsh University's May 2 commencement ceremonies.

"Your formation as men and women of character is the primary end of Catholic education," Stefanik told graduates during his speech at the Ohio Catholic school. "The secondary end is the formation of useful citizens. Your greatest achievement will forever be marked not by what you do, but by what you do for others."

Walsh University also conferred an honorary doctorate of applied engineering upon Michael White, former principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Full Article

On the Feast of St. Dymphna, patroness of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions, Catholic mental health organizations are launching new initiatives focused on psychological and spiritual healing.

The Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) is encouraging its members worldwide to request a diocesan-wide Mass intention this weekend (May 15–17) for individuals struggling with mental illness and for the mental health professionals who serve them.

Dr. Terry Braciszewski, CPA president-elect, told EWTN News that during May — observed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as Mental Health Awareness Month — he hopes to "bring hope to those afflicted with mental illnesses and awareness to the wonderful Catholic professionals that can help them."

Braciszewski noted the growing number of Catholics experiencing mental health challenges and their increased vulnerability to spiritual attacks. Quoting the St. Michael prayer, he acknowledged that "the evil one is prowling about the world seeking the ruin of souls," but added, "there's hope."

The association, which now has more than 600 members globally, aims to support mental health practitioners who integrate psychological practice with full fidelity to Catholic teaching on the human person.

Separately, Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro of the CatholicPsych Institute has launched a nine-day Pentecost Novena for Healing, centered on a newly composed Litany for Mental Health. The novena runs from May 15 to May 23 and concludes on Pentecost Sunday, May 24.

Bottaro told EWTN News he hopes the initiative will help Catholics and others to bring their struggles directly to God.

"The world needs the truth our faith has to offer, and we need to learn how to speak better to the needs of the world," he said. "If we can pray in the language of today's needs, we can open to deeper healing for both ourselves and the world that is far from the faith."

The litany names common fears, lies people live by (such as the need to earn love or that control equals safety), and clinical issues including anxiety, depression, compulsion, scrupulosity, and trauma.

Bottaro hopes praying it will "bring a wave of healing to thousands of people around the world."

St. Dymphna, patroness of those suffering from mental illness

St. Dymphna, a 7th-century Irish martyr, is one of the best-known patrons of mental illness.

When she was fourteen, she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity. Tradition holds that after her Christian mother's death, her pagan father's mental health declined dramatically and he sought to marry her. She fled to Belgium, where he eventually found her and she was martyred around age 15.

Miraculous healings attributed to her intercession led to her canonization in 1247 and the development of a major shrine and healing tradition in Geel, Belgium.

Full Article

Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Tawadros II, the Coptic patriarch of Alexandria, on May 15. The conversation marked the 13th Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics.

The Vatican said that the discussion between the two took place in a "cordial and fraternal atmosphere," and that they expressed the mutual desire to "overcome any potential obstacles to the dialogue of faith and charity" between Catholics and Coptic Orthodox.

They also discussed the need to continue promoting peace efforts in the Middle East. In a letter to Tawadros to mark the anniversary, Leo stressed the importance of continued collaboration among Christians to promote peace in the Holy Land.

"At a time when our world is afflicted by so many conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, Christians must, more than ever, strive for full unity so that we may bear witness together to the Prince of Peace," Leo wrote. "In doing so, we can be confident in the powerful intercession and example of the countless martyrs who have suffered for the name of Christ."

The pope also praised the friendship between the Catholic and Coptic churches, which began over 50 years ago with the meeting of St. Pope Paul VI and Shenouda III. In his letter, he expressed his hope that ecumenical efforts would eventually lead to visible unity, recalling last year's celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea.

"I am confident that the reflections undertaken on the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council will rekindle our desire to achieve the visible unity of the Church — a unity rooted in the one baptism that we profess in the Nicene Creed, and which, I sincerely pray, we shall attain," Leo said.

Full Article

Pope Leo XIV called for respect for human dignity in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking and reiterated his rejection of the death penalty, torture, and any degrading punishment in the face of a scourge that, he warned, "imperils the very future of our societies."

In a May 15 audience with participants in the Second International Conference on the Fight against Drugs and Organized Crime in the OSCE region — dedicated to the "grave and urgent struggle against the scourge of illicit drugs" — the pope expressed his concern about criminal and drug enterprises.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) works to promote security, political cooperation, conflict prevention, and the protection of human rights in Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The May 14-15 conference was hosted by the Italian Parliament.

Leo stated firmly that the Holy See maintains that "the rule of law, crime prevention and criminal justice must advance together in unity."

Citing the Church's social doctrine, the pope emphasized that "no truly just society can endure unless the law — and not the arbitrary will of individuals — remains sovereign."

Prevention as respect for human dignity

The Holy Father underscored that no one, regardless of power or status, "may ever claim the right to violate the dignity and rights of others or of their communities."

Therefore, he insisted that preventing and responding to criminal activities "is closely interrelated with the respect for and protection of universal human rights."

The pontiff appealed to the responsibility of society as a whole and reiterated that efforts must not fall solely on public authorities.

For this reason, he stressed that the Holy See supports every initiative that seeks "to establish an effective, just, humane and credible criminal justice system capable of preventing and countering the production and the trafficking of illicit drugs."

He also emphasized that punishment cannot be the only response of the justice system, but that efforts must "embrace approaches marked by perseverance and mercy, aimed at the re-education and full reintegration of offenders into the fabric of society."

He affirmed that respect for the dignity of every person "precludes the use of the death penalty, torture, and every form of cruel or degrading punishment."

Education must begin in the family

Pope Leo also urged the development of comprehensive programs so that those "enslaved by addiction" may "rediscover and live anew the fullness of their God-given dignity."

He highlighted that education "is key to prevention," especially today in light of misinformation circulated on social media, where the risks of drugs are often trivialized. He indicated that education must begin in the family and be strengthened in schools.

The pope insisted that "preventing and countering organized crime is essential to building safe, just and stable societies." He also recalled the members of law enforcement who have "sacrificed their lives or suffered injury in the courageous performance of their duties."

At the conclusion of his address, Leo urged conference participants "to promote policies that truly serve the common good and the inalienable dignity of every human being."

This story was originally published by ACI Prensa, EWTN News' Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article