Catholic News

The second season of the new hit series "House of David" will be released globally on Prime Video on March 27.

The new season picks up where the last one left off — the battle against the Philistines after David kills Goliath. After this triumph, viewers see David rise from shepherd boy to commander in King Saul's army.

"It's epic and it's thrilling and it's violent and adventurous and filled with romance and politics and everything you can imagine," Michael Iskander, the actor who portrays David, told EWTN News in an interview.

Producer, writer, and director of the series Jon Gunn told EWTN News that the creators of the show felt "a great responsibility" to deliver another great season of the show after the overwhelming response Season 1 received with over 50 million people watching the show.

"The beautiful thing is Season 1 is really just the beginning — David slaying Goliath; no one thinks about what happens the moments after that. He's on a battlefield with 250,000 to 300,000 people crashing into each other and he's not a warrior," he said. "We talk a lot about the show being about the cost of destiny. And so he slays the giant, he's now a hero, but that's just really the beginning of his journey."

A major theme seen in the second season is the friendship between David and Jonathan — King Saul's eldest son.

"This brother bond that he makes with Jonathan, which is this wonderful friendship — and such a complicated one because Jonathan knows he's teaching and training the very man who's going to replace him — and yet, does it because he believes it's God's will. It's a beautiful friendship and a beautiful arc for Jonathan," Gunn shared.

Iskander called the relationship between David and Jonathan "one of the few and greatest examples of friendships in the Bible."

The actor also highlighted the importance of David's love for King Saul.

"David, regardless of who Saul had become, never let go of that love for Saul," Iskander said. "And, obviously, remembering that God chose Saul just like he chose him so because of that he could never raise his hand against the king."

He added: "It's a good reminder for us today [because] God looks at all of us in the same way. He loves us all and wants us all to be with him. And so as Christians we're called to love our enemies… In the same way that David loved Saul, we're called to love each other today."

Iskander shared that portraying Israel's famous king has deeply impacted him, and he has come to see David as a guide for us all.

"David, I think, is one of the best biblical examples of someone who was chosen by God and yet fell so hard to a point where I think nobody would imagine that God would have any forgiveness for this man," he said. "And yet, David's repentant heart and his love for God shows us that there is no limit to God's mercy. There's no limit to his grace. So he's a guide for us when we fall and stumble."

He added: "He is that proof for us and a reminder to us to seek forgiveness, to seek reconciliation with Christ, and that through him we know how far God can reach. We know how far he's able to transform somebody and bring them back home."

Iskander pointed out that through his portrayal of David, he has come to realize that "all of these people in the Bible, all of these saints that we read about, they were all people, just like us. And that it's really about submitting to God and to be humble."

"In every aspect of our life — whether it's through our friendships, in our families — we're called to be humble and we're called to show love and to show Christ to everyone and I think in that way, David has really been transforming my life."

For Gunn, being a part of this show and seeing "how much it's moved audiences [and] how many people tell me that they're reading the Bible more" has had a deep impact.

Iskander shared that he has both believers and nonbelievers reach out to him often to tell him how the show has impacted them and has inspired them to "want to grow closer to God as David is."

With this in mind, he shared a message for viewers: "To those who already know Christ, purify your hearts for the Lord. And to those who don't know Christ, he is calling you. And he has an amazing plan for you and he's got treasure that is waiting for you to open it."

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The administration of euthanasia for 25-year-old Noelia Castillo Ramos took place in Spain on March 26 — an event occurring after she faced immense life challenges since childhood and following nearly two years of a legal battle waged by her parents to preserve her life.

According to Spanish law, to request euthanasia, an individual must be of legal age and be both mentally capable and fully conscious at the time of the request; they must also hold Spanish citizenship or have maintained legal residency for more than 12 months and "be suffering from a serious and incurable disease or a serious, chronic, and disabling condition, as certified by the attending physician."

On March 24 it was reported that the European Court of Human Rights rejected the interim measures requested by Castillo's family to halt her euthanasia, bringing an end to a legal battle spanning nearly two years.

The following day, an interview with Castillo aired on the Spanish television network Antena 3 in which she described how she feels: "I have no desire to do anything — not to go out, not to eat, not to do anything at all. ... Sleeping is very difficult for me; furthermore, I suffer from back pain as well as leg pain."

"I have always felt alone, because I have never felt understood; no one has ever empathized with me, and I have always struggled with interpersonal relationships," she recounted.

"Even before requesting euthanasia, I viewed my world as very dark; I saw a very dark ending ahead of me. I had no goals, no objectives — nothing at all — and I still have no goals, no objectives," she acknowledged.

Life challenges

Castillo's life has been full of many challenges. While under the guardianship of public services following her parents' separation, she was subjected to multiple sexual assaults.

According to Abogados Cristianos (Christian Lawyers) — the organization representing Castillo's father in his efforts to prevent his daughter's euthanasia— at that time, the young woman had been officially recognized as having a 67% disability due to mental illness.

In October 2022, she attempted suicide by throwing herself from a balcony, sustaining injuries that left her in a wheelchair; this increased her disability rating to 74% — a fact that, according to the Christian Lawyers organization, "demonstrates that the underlying issue is psychiatric."

"This is key: The Constitutional Court itself (Ruling STC 94/2023) makes it clear that euthanasia cannot be administered when the source of suffering is a mental illness and that the state has an obligation to protect these individuals from the risk of suicide," Christian Lawyers emphasized to ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News.

Although reports have circulated claiming she was left paraplegic, Castillo herself refuted this: "I am not bedridden or anything of the sort; I get out of bed. I shower all by myself. As you have seen, I apply my own makeup and manage my own affairs," she stated.

According to her own testimony, Castillo had been admitted to psychiatric facilities at least twice previously, and during those stays, she made several suicide attempts. She was discharged in June 2023.

In April 2024, she requested euthanasia in accordance with the procedure established by law, and it was approved for August 2024. This marked the beginning of a legal battle waged by her father, supported by the Christian Lawyers organization.

During the proceedings, they succeeded in halting the procedure and securing recognition of the family members' right to object to the euthanasia request.

Concurrently, Christian Lawyers filed a criminal complaint against the physician and the lawyer who had initially evaluated Castillo's request in accordance with the protocol.

The organization alleged that, despite agreeing to authorize the euthanasia, the two "feigned disagreement in order to refer the decision to the Guarantees and Evaluation Commission, thereby 'forcing' a supposedly higher level of assurance in the decision-making process" — a point noted by the Supreme Court in a ruling.

In September 2025, Christian Lawyers also filed a complaint against seven members of the guarantees commission for conflict of interest as well as against the former Catalan minister of health, Josep María Argimón, for having appointed them.

Subsequently, in January of this year, the Supreme Court upheld the request for euthanasia — a decision that was appealed to the Constitutional Court, which rejected the appeal in February.

The Christian Lawyers organization also took the case to the European Court of Human Rights, which rejected the request for interim measures without ruling on the merits of the case on March 24.

Following this, it was announced that the euthanasia procedure would be carried out on March 26 at 6 p.m. local time. The procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes and involves the use of three chemical substances. Per Castillo's decision, her parents were not permitted to be present.

'This case exposes the failure of the euthanasia law'

According to Christian Lawyers, "this case exposes the failure of the euthanasia law. It facilitates suicide without the individual having received prior mental health treatment."

Consequently, the legal organization emphasized that "it is imperative to establish protocols mandating an attempt at psychological and psychiatric treatment before authorizing euthanasia. Without treatment, there is no free decision; there is abandonment."

Finally, they hold the health authorities of the Catalan regional government responsible: "Before offering death, they must ensure that they have offered every alternative for life. In cases of mental illness, they should be investing in the most advanced psychiatric treatments and in recovery."

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.

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Bishops and other members of the Catholic Church in Spain called for prayers and offered reflections in light of the euthanasia of 25-year-old Noelia Castillo Ramos following a two-year legal battle by her family to try to obtain treatment for her psychiatric issues rather than having her death induced.

Since it became known that Castillo was scheduled to undergo euthanasia on March 26 at 6 p.m. local time, the Catholic Church in Spain expressed its views on the case in various ways. Prayer vigils were held outside the hospital where she was injected with a lethal cocktail of drugs.

In a statement, members of the Spanish Bishops' Conference's Subcommittee for the Family and Defense of Life expressed that they view "with deep sorrow the situation of Noelia — this 25-year-old young woman whose story reflects an accumulation of personal suffering and institutional failings that challenge the whole of society."

Her situation, the prelates added, "cannot be interpreted solely through the lens of individual autonomy; rather, it demands a deeper perspective — one capable of recognizing the weight of psychological suffering, loneliness, and hopelessness."

The Spanish bishops underscored that "euthanasia and assisted suicide are not medical acts but rather a deliberate rupture of the bond of care; furthermore, they constitute a societal defeat when presented as a response to human suffering."

In Castillo's specific case, "we are not dealing with a terminal illness but rather with deep wounds that cry out for attention, treatment, and hope," they added.

Secondly, the prelates recalled that "the dignity of the human person does not depend on their state of health, nor on their subjective perception of life, nor on their degree of autonomy" but rather is "an intrinsic value that demands to be recognized, protected, and promoted under all circumstances."

Consequently, the response to suffering "cannot be to bring about death but rather to offer closeness, accompaniment, appropriate care, and comprehensive support."

The bishops further expressed their closeness to Castillo and her family members, assuring them of their "prayers, affection, and commitment to a culture of care that abandons no one."

Finally, they issued "an appeal to society as a whole to strengthen resources for psychological care, human accompaniment, and support networks — especially for the most vulnerable."

"When life hurts, the answer cannot be to cut the journey short but rather to walk it together. Only in this way can we build a truly just society, where no one feels alone or cast aside," they concluded.

Archbishop Argüello: 'Your true relief is not suicide'

The president of the Spanish Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Luis Argüello, stated via his personal account on X that "if induced death is the solution to problems, then everything is permitted."

"A physician cannot serve as the executing arm of a death sentence, no matter how legal, empowering, or compassionate it may appear. Let us pray for Noelia; her suffering is harrowing, but her true relief lies not in suicide," he emphasized.

Through their account on the same social network, the country's Catholic bishops summarized the case by noting: "Today in Spain, death is presented as the solution to suffering — an infinite dignity consigned to death by a 'welfare society' incapable of caring and loving. In contrast to this stands the hope that springs from an encounter with life."

Meanwhile, Bishop José Ignacio Munilla of Orihuela-Alicante shared three reflections "in the face of Noelia's euthanasia, which has been turned into a spectacle," to which he added a prayer.

The prelate noted that "when the law sanctions the taking of a life, something essential within the law has been broken" and offered another consideration he deems fundamental: "While the matter is being debated on social media, Jesus Christ draws near to everyone and offers his mercy... It is our duty to embrace it and to pray that it may be embraced by others."

Consequently, he invited the faithful to join in a prayer asking for the Lord's merciful gaze upon Castillo, her parents, the politicians and social workers involved, the judges who ruled in favor of her death, and the health care professionals involved in carrying it out.

He also prayed for those who "wounded this young woman's heart throughout her life — especially those who raped her"; for the media outlets "that view this news story as an opportunity to boost their ratings"; and, finally, for "all of us, who run the risk of becoming frivolous spectators, forgetting that we, too, will soon stand before you."

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.

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The Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, expressed its approval of a plan for military chaplains to display insignia on their uniforms that reflects their religious faith as opposed to their military rank.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on March 24 that he will sign a memo that directs military chaplains, all of whom are officers, "to replace the rank insignia on their uniforms with their religious insignia." Chaplains will retain their rank, but it will not be shown.

"This speaks to the difficult balance of the duality of a military chaplain," Hegseth said in his announcement, posted on X.

"A chaplain is first and foremost a chaplain and an officer second," he said. "This change is a visual representation of that fact specifically unique to the role of a chaplain. They are first and foremost called and ordained by God, and while they will retain rank as an officer to those they serve, their rank will not be visible."

Following the announcement, Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services told EWTN News that the archdiocese "favors facilitating authentic pastoral care to those for whom it is responsible."

"If the decision to eliminate the rank insignia for chaplains so as to favor the insignia indicating religious affiliation contributes to making chaplains more approachable, the archdiocese favors it," he said. "More importantly, the chaplain serves as a reminder of the holy and the dignity of the human person and leads worship. Any other question is secondary to those purposes."

In his announcement, Hegseth said the intention is "to uplift and celebrate the chaplain's role as a chaplain." He said the change would also remove "any unease or anxiety" a military member may feel about approaching a chaplain with a higher rank, who may be a senior officer, "for guidance on sensitive matters such as addiction, relationships, or struggles with faith."

"Instead, they will be seen among the highest ranks because of their divine calling," Hegseth said.

"Theirs is a high and sacred calling, but they can only be successful if they're given the freedom to boldly guide and care for their flock," he added. "And to our chaplains, you have a sacred calling. So preach the truth, be steadfast in your faith, and shepherd the flock entrusted to you."

The shift is still in its early stages and it remains unclear what role the specific denominations will have in creating the insignia, or whether or how separate religious denominations will be identified on the insignia.

EWTN News reached out to the Department of Defense to ask how it will manage situations in which chaplains are in conflict zones or overseas bases where displaying certain religious faiths could make them a target but was referred back to the video announcement.

In January, Broglio praised Hegseth for other steps to strengthen the chaplain corps, such as the elimination of the official spiritual fitness guide, which both the archbishop and the defense secretary believed downplayed the religious role of chaplains. The archbishop said Hegseth is trying to emphasize the chaplaincy's responsibility for religious services, religious instruction, and advising the commanders.

Alternatively, Broglio has objected to a few of President Donald Trump's military decisions, such as when the military struck alleged drug boats near Venezuela and then killed the survivors. Broglio said in December 2025 that intentionally killing survivors that pose no imminent threat is "illegal and immoral."

The archbishop has also said chaplains should advise decision-makers in the military on the importance of adhering to just war doctrine.

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new policy to protect women in sports, under which only "biological women" — and not "biological men" who self-identify as women — will be permitted to compete in the women's category.

The new policy, announced on March 26, will take effect starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and, according to the organization's website, "will not be retroactive."

Kirsty Coventry, an IOC member and two-time Olympic swimming champion, stated in a video that she is "aware that this is a very sensitive issue" and that, as a former athlete, she "firmly believes in the right of all Olympic athletes to participate in fair competition."

Coventry emphasized that "the policy we have announced is based on science and has been developed by medical experts, taking into account — above all — the interests of the athletes."

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"The scientific evidence is very clear. Male chromosomes provide performance advantages in sports that rely on strength, power, or endurance," she underscored.

"At the Olympic Games, even the slightest differences can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Therefore, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the women's category. Furthermore, in some sports, it simply would not be safe," the IOC member said.

Testing of athletes

The IOC further indicated that Olympic athletes will be tested to detect the presence or absence of the SRY gene, which demonstrates that an athlete has undergone male sexual development — something that can be verified using a saliva or blood sample.

Those who test negative on this test, the IOC emphasizes, "permanently meet the eligibility criteria of this policy to compete in the female category."

"Unless there are grounds to believe that a negative result is erroneous, this test will be performed only once in a lifetime," it adds.

No athlete who tests positive will be permitted to participate in the female category, with the "rare exceptions" of those holding a "diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone."

Those who test positive — "including androgen-sensitive XY transgender and XY-DSD athletes" — may participate in the categories for which they qualify, the IOC clarifies, pointing to male or mixed categories, "or in sports and events that do not classify athletes by sex."

This policy, the IOC explains, was guided by its objectives "regarding equality (equal opportunities for female athletes in finals, on podiums, and in championships); enhancing Olympic value (including both women's and men's finals in all sports); and visibility and inspiration (celebrating female athletes on the Olympic podium to inspire and represent women and girls worldwide)."

How was this new policy developed?

The new policy is the result of an IOC review — conducted between September 2024 and March 2026 — of the IOC's policy objectives concerning the women's category. Within this framework, a working group was established in September 2025 to "specifically examine scientific, medical, and legal advancements made since 2021."

The members of the working group hail from five continents and include "specialists in sports science, endocrinology, transgender medicine, sports medicine, women's health, ethics, and law."

Olympic athletes also participated through more than 1,100 survey responses, in-depth individual interviews with "affected athletes from around the world," and a presentation and discussion with members of the IOC Athletes' Commission.

The results of the consultation revealed that "while there are nuances depending on sex, gender, region, and the athlete's status (active or retired), there was a strong consensus that fairness and safety in the women's category require clear, science-based eligibility rules, and that protecting the women's category is a shared priority."

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.

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The EWTN Global Catholic Network will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of its foundress, Mother Angelica, with a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on March 27.

According to a press release, the memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Baggot, LC, at the basilica's Choir Altar at 11 a.m. ET, marking a decade since the death of the Poor Clare nun who founded what would become the world's largest Catholic media network.

"Mother Angelica loved the beauty and grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica and wanted only the best for her beloved Jesus Christ," said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN chair and CEO. "It's fitting that we honor her memory and commitment to sharing truth, beauty, and goodness with the world at the place that points all people toward the transcendent."

Special programming

In addition to the Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, EWTN is marking the anniversary with special programming throughout the day, including "Remembering Mother Angelica, 10 Years Later." Coverage will consist of events from the EWTN chapel, including:

• Mass in remembrance of Mother Angelica from the EWTN chapel at 8 a.m. ET
• Holy rosary in memoriam of Mother Angelica's passing from the EWTN chapel at 9 a.m. ET
• Stations of the Cross for Mother Angelica from the EWTN chapel at 3 p.m. ET

The network will air these events across its television and digital platforms, including its YouTube channel, the EWTN+ streaming platform, and live and on demand at www.ewtn.com, making the commemorations of Mother Angelica's life and legacy accessible to viewers worldwide.

Mother Angelica

Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in 1923, Mother Angelica entered religious life in Ohio as Sister Mary Angelica of the Annunciation and later founded a monastery of Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Our Lady of the Angels in Irondale, Alabama. From there, she launched the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in 1981, beginning with a small television studio built in the monastery's garage. 

What began as a small local broadcasting effort developed into a global Catholic media network spanning across television, radio, publishing, print, and digital platforms.

EWTN now operates 11 television channels broadcasting 24 hours a day in multiple languages, reaching audiences in more than 160 countries and territories. Its content is also distributed through hundreds of AM and FM radio affiliates worldwide, satellite radio services, and a range of digital platforms, including one of the most widely visited Catholic websites in the United States.

Warsaw said the nun's legacy continues to resonate across those platforms and with new generations of viewers.

"While we all still miss her every day, her deep love of Our Lord resonates in the walls of the studios in Irondale still, as much as her laugh on YouTube, social media, and the new EWTN platforms inspire new audiences that encounter her story and advice," he said.

Mother Angelica died on March 27, 2016 — Easter Sunday — at the age of 92 after long suffering the aftereffects of a stroke. Her funeral was held at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, drawing thousands of mourners.

Her life was marked by a combination of contemplative religious devotion and entrepreneurial initiative. In the early years of her community, Mother Angelica and her fellow sisters supported their work of evangelization through small fundraising efforts, including selling fishing lures and roasted peanuts, before expanding into media production.

EWTN's founding in the early days of satellite television made it a pioneer in religious broadcasting in the United States. Over four decades, the network expanded its global footprint and established EWTN News, a multilingual news service, alongside its television and radio programming.

Kathryn Jean Lopez, religion editor at National Review, described Mother Angelica as a "joy and inspiration — a gift to the United States and the world over."

"I was blessed and honored to be at her funeral Mass at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama," she said. "The Eucharist was her reason for living — holding on for so long in reparation for her sins and the sins of the whole world."

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The Finnish Supreme Court has convicted parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen on one charge related to her expression of her Christian beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics.

In the 3-2 decision, the court said Räsänen's criminal conviction over the distribution of a 2004 pamphlet alongside her Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola was for "making and keeping available to the public a text that insults a group" under a section of the Finnish criminal code titled "War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity."

"I am shocked and profoundly disappointed that the court has failed to recognize my basic human right to freedom of expression," Räsänen said in a March 26 press release from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International. "I stand by the teachings of my Christian faith, and will continue to defend my and every person's right to share their convictions in the public square."

The court acquitted Räsänen of charges related to the 2019 Bible verse tweet that sparked the parliamentarian's legal battle.

In it, she quoted Romans 1:24–27 and questioned how the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland could sponsor an LGBT Pride event, asking how what Scripture calls "shame and sin" could be presented as "a matter of pride."

Räsänen said she is looking into appealing her case to the European Court of Human Rights.

"This is not about my free speech alone but that of every person in Finland. A positive ruling would help to prevent other innocent people from experiencing the same ordeal for simply sharing their beliefs," she said in a statement.

The latest decision comes after Räsänen was previously acquitted on all charges by two lower courts in early 2022 and 2023 over the tweet, pamphlet, and a 2019 radio debate.

The Supreme Court heard Räsänen's case again in October 2025 following a third appeal by the prosecution regarding the tweet and pamphlet, delivering its latest decision on March 26. The prosecution did not appeal the radio debate.

Social media reactions

ADF Senior Legal Counsel Sean Nelson described the Finnish Court's decision as "Truly Year Zero, Orwellian thinking" in a March 26 social media post.

"I can't express how enraging and unjust this decision is," he said. "No one ever filed a complaint about her pamphlet written 20 years ago. The prosecutors only found out because of a witch hunt after her Bible tweet, dredging anything they could up."

Rep. Riley Moore, R-West Virginia, reacted to the news on social media, describing the conviction as "part of a broader trend I've been warning about where Western countries are prosecuting Christians."

"As a Christian country, the U.S. cannot stand idly by and watch as the Christian foundations of the West are destroyed," he said.

Father Benedict Kiely, founder of Nazarean.org, also weighed in on the decision, writing that Räsänen "is the canary in the coal mine for freedom of expression and religious freedom in Europe."

"And now the canary — and the Bible — have been found guilty," he said.

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Pope Leo XIV expressed the desire to continue dialogue with the Church of England in a message to Sarah Mullally on the occasion of her installation as archbishop of Canterbury.

Mullally, formerly the bishop of London, was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in October 2025 with the approval of the King of England. She was installed March 25 in Canterbury Cathedral in east London. She the first woman to occupy the highest-ranking position in the Church of England.

In his message, dated March 20 from the Vatican, Leo expressed his spiritual closeness and sent Mullally "prayerful greetings" on the occasion of her installation.

The pope emphasized the responsibility of the office, noting that it is a mission "with responsibilities not only in the Diocese of Canterbury but throughout the Church of England as well as the Anglican Communion as a whole," especially at "a challenging moment in the history of the Anglican family."

"In asking the Lord to strengthen you with the gift of wisdom, I pray that you may be guided by the Holy Spirit in serving your communities and draw inspiration from the example of Mary, the mother of God," he wrote.

A call to unity and dialogue

In his message, Pope Leo recalled the progress of ecumenical dialogue between Catholics and Anglicans since the historic meeting between St. Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey in 1966, which began "a new stage in the development of fraternal relations, based on Christian charity."

He praised the fruits of the theological dialogue promoted by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), which has made it possible to "to witness together more effectively" in the face of current challenges.

He also acknowledged the difficulties along the ecumenical journey, quoting his and Mullally's immediate predecessors, Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby, who wrote in a 2016 Joint Declaration that "new circumstances have presented new disagreements among us."

Leo insisted on the need to continue moving forward: "We need to continue to dialogue in truth and love, for it is only in truth and love that we come to know together the grace, mercy, and peace of God."

Unity in service of proclaiming the Gospel

The pope emphasized that the unity of Christians is not an end in itself but is oriented toward the mission of evangelization: "The unity which Christians seek is never an end in itself but is directed towards the proclamation of Christ, in order that … 'the world may believe.'"

In this context, he recalled the words of Pope Francis, who warned that "it would be a scandal if, due to our divisions, we did not fulfill our common vocation to make Christ known."

A historic and controversial election

Mullally's election has had significant repercussions within Anglicanism. The Global Anglican Future Conference announced after her appointment that it was breaking with Canterbury and the Church of England, and stated it would not participate in meetings convened by the new archbishop nor contribute financially to Anglican bodies.

The churches belonging to GAFCON represent about 80% of Anglicans worldwide, reflecting the magnitude of the division opened by this historic appointment.

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

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The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), often referred to as the Vatican bank, has announced that Luxembourg banker François Pauly will succeed Jean-Baptiste Douville de Franssu as president of its Board of Superintendence.

According to a March 25 press release, Pauly "has been elected as the next president of the Board of Superintendence" and will formally take office following the board meeting scheduled for April 28, when the institute's 2025 financial statements are approved.

De Franssu, who has led the IOR since July 9, 2014, will remain in office until that date, concluding a tenure marked by significant internal reform and efforts to rebuild the institution's international credibility.

The need for reform stemmed from years of scrutiny over the Vatican bank's management, transparency, and anti-money-laundering controls. In the past, the institute faced damaged credibility amid concerns about oversight and compliance, prompting a long push to strengthen governance, tighten internal procedures, and bring its operations into line with international financial standards.

The transition "follows a carefully managed succession process conducted over the past 12 months in close collaboration between the Board of Superintendence and the Commission of Cardinals, ensuring continuity in the governance of the Institute," the IOR said.

Pauly, a Luxembourg national, has served on the board since 2024. His appointment was approved Jan. 28 by the Commission of Cardinals following a proposal by the board in December 2025, in accordance with the institute's statutes.

He brings decades of experience in the financial sector, having begun his banking career in the late 1980s. He previously served as deputy chief executive officer of Dexia Crediop in Italy and later as CEO and chairman of Banque Internationale à Luxembourg from 2011 to 2016. He also served on the board of the Vatican Pension Fund from 2017 to 2021.

Currently, Pauly is chairman of La Luxembourgeoise Group and a member of the Commission for Economic Affairs of the Archdiocese of Luxembourg, while also serving on the boards of several financial firms across Europe.

In a statement, de Franssu reflected on his tenure, saying the institute had undergone "a profound structural transformation" that restored credibility and strengthened financial performance.

"This process has enabled the institute to achieve strong international credibility and to deliver solid financial results," he said, noting that reforms improved governance, transparency, and compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.

Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, president of the IOR's Commission of Cardinals, expressed "deep gratitude" for de Franssu's service and praised his "essential contribution" to the institute's renewal.

He also welcomed Pauly's appointment, highlighting his "extensive professional experience" as key to consolidating recent progress and strengthening the institute's ties with the global financial sector.

"We hope that, under his leadership, the Board of Superintendence continues to effectively support the mission of the IOR in service of the universal Church," Petrocchi said.

The Commission of Cardinals will now appoint a new member of the Board of Superintendence to replace de Franssu, subject to regulatory approval.

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.

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Several congregations of religious sisters have lost their lawsuit against the iconic American gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, which claimed the company has "facilitated" mass shootings in the United States.

A version of the lawsuit was first filed in December 2023 in Nevada district court by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Sisters of Bon Secours USA, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, U.S.-Ontario Province.

The filing alleged that Smith & Wesson is "intent on marketing and selling AR-15 rifles in whatever manner results in the most sales." The suit claimed the company was pursuing such marketing even if it "is illegal and attracts a dangerous category of buyers [and] facilitates an unrelenting and growing stream of killings."

The sisters had filed the suit as shareholders in the company, claiming that Smith & Wesson's marketing "causes the company to face an ever-increasing and substantial likelihood of liability that threatens its long-term existence."

The filing specifically targeted the company's board of directors on behalf of the company and its shareholders in what is known as a "derivative lawsuit."

The sisters in the original lawsuit failed to meet a required $500,000 security bond deadline, leading to the suit's dismissal. They subsequently refiled in federal court in February 2025. In a March 23 order dismissing the suit, U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro said the nuns failed to establish standing to bring the action against the board members.

The judge said the nuns could amend the lawsuit if they wished, though the court reimposed the $500,000 security bond, ordering that the sisters must post the amount if they wished to continue the suit.

Smith & Wesson was founded in 1852. It operates out of Tennessee and Nevada.

The company makes and sells a wide array of firearms, including ArmaLite-type rifles, commonly referred to as "AR-15s," which it has been selling since 2006.

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