Catholic News

A historic parish in rural Wisconsin suffered major damages amid severe weather in the region on April 14 after strong storms and possibly a tornado destroyed much of the roof of the church building.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Bristol lost roughly half of its roof during the weather incident. Photos showed huge portions of the parish roof peeled off, exposing the church's attic and rafters below.

The region has experienced multiple nights of severe storm outbreaks including severe winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes.

Local news reports said tornadoes had been reported in the East Bristol area just after midnight on April 14. The area was under a tornado warning at the time the parish roof was destroyed, though it wasn't clear if a tornado was itself responsible for the destruction.

The parish did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the damage. On the parish's Facebook page, meanwhile, a post claimed that a tornado had hit the church. Images showed destruction inside the church including insulation piled up near the altar and a light fixture in a pew.

A listing on the Wisconsin Historical Society website says the parish was completed in 1890 and designed by local Swiss-American architect Henry Messmer.

Built in the early Gothic Revival manner, the building has seen several additions in the roughly 130 years since it was built, including in 1965 and 2024.

The parish is part of the Diocese of Madison. A press release from the diocese  said the diocesan office of buildings, construction, and real estate was responding to the incident, along with the insurer Catholic Mutual Group.

"St. Joseph Church has served generations of Catholics in northeast Dane County, and we are heartbroken by the devastation," the diocese said. "We ask for your prayers as we assess the damage."

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Amid the fierce persecution against the Catholic Church by the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo, exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez denounced the "false peace" that "dictators seek to impose through fear and weapons."

In the homily delivered during a Mass he celebrated on Sunday, April 12, at St. Agatha Church in Miami, Baez, who has been living in exile since 2019, warned that the wounds inflicted on the Nicaraguan people will remain but that "they will be scars healed by the love of God — wounds glorious forever, wounds of love destined for eternity. So too will be the wounds and sores of our people. One day, they will just be historical scars reminding us of a painful past of injustice and oppression, so that we may never repeat it," he underscored.

A message of hope

The Nicaraguan prelate reflected on the Gospel passage in which the risen Jesus shows his wounds so that the apostle Thomas may touch them and believe.

Báez affirmed that "just like the glorious wounds of Jesus, so too one day will be the wounds we endured as we alleviate and heal, with respect and mercy, the wounds of others."

"And those very wounds — scarred over yet eloquent — will spur us to build the future, acting as artisans of peace, ready to foster processes of healing and reconciliation with ingenuity and boldness," the prelate continued.

Báez denounces 'false peace'

The bishop also referred to the vigil for peace led by Pope Leo XIV on April 11 at the Vatican and pointed out that "peace is not merely the absence of war. Political systems that impose themselves upon people through terror, stripping them of their freedom, are enemies of peace."

"Even if they speak of peace, if they repress, control, imprison, and force people into exile, they are enemies of peace. For peace is not a mere balance of forces, nor is it synonymous with the tranquility of cemeteries. We must not grow accustomed to the false peace and deceptive normality that dictators seek to impose through fear and arms, solely to preserve their privileges," he continued.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Nicaraguan dictatorship has banned thousands of processions and public events during Lent and Holy Week, permitting only a few on the streets and always under police surveillance.

Currently, 309 religious including bishops, priests, and nuns have been forced to leave the country, while the regime has confiscated at least 39 properties belonging to the Catholic Church and has banned the ordination of priests in several dioceses.

A call to be builders of peace

The prelate emphasized that "we, the disciples of Jesus, having received his peace are called to be builders of true peace: a peace that springs from justice, is lived out in freedom, and bears the fruit of reconciliation."

The bishop expressed the hope "that the mercy of the Lord, welcomed into our hearts, may make us mature believers, earnest builders of peace in the world, and people capable of bending down with mercy [to heal] the wounds of our brothers and sisters."

"Our lives may not be easier, but they will be fuller, more vibrant, and more filled with light and love," 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.

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Pope Leo XIV finished the first leg of his papal trip to Africa on April 15, wrapping up meetings with Catholics and local religious and civic leaders in Algeria before heading south to Cameroon.

The Holy Father will spend several days in Cameroon before heading on to Angola and Equatorial Guinea during his first apostolic journey to Africa. The trip is scheduled to last through April 23.

Here is a look at the pope's activities in both Algeria and Cameroon:

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Rep. Greg Steube, R-Florida, is urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to add crucifixes to its list of acceptable symbols for veteran headstones at national cemeteries.

"In the pursuit of religious freedom, as guaranteed by the First Amendment to our Constitution, we urge the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration to offer the crucifix as an eligible emblem of belief for inscription on headstones at national cemeteries," Steube said in an April 10 letter addressed to Secretary Douglas Collins of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Samuel Brown.

"Veterans and their next of kin may select from nearly 100 different emblems representing several different belief systems," he said, noting sanctioned emblems include symbols for several Christian denominations as well as Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu symbols.

"While even atheists, humanists, and Wiccans have an eligible emblem of belief for inscription, Catholic veterans do not currently have the option to select a crucifix, an emblem of belief that most accurately represents the faith of nearly 20% of all veterans," he said.

A crucifix is a cross that bears the body of Jesus Christ crucified, which is called the "corpus." It is a spiritual symbol that recalls the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, calling attention to his love, suffering, and redemption of humanity.

Steube's press release quoted Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, saying, "I support the bipartisan effort led by Congressman Greg Steube (R-Florida) to support the free exercise of religion of veterans in having the crucifix included on tombstones."

The archdiocese did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The VA has the authority to add emblems administratively, or lawmakers could introduce legislation if the agency does not act.

Steube's letter, signed by 45 members of Congress — including 42 Republicans and three Democrats — requested the Department of Veterans Affairs provide its criteria for evaluating and approving emblems of belief for inscription on headstones at national cemeteries and whether any prior request had been made to include crucifixes on its list.

"VA is looking into the lawmakers' request and will answer their letter directly," Quinn Slaven, press secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs, told EWTN News.

Republican Reps. Riley Moore of West Virginia, Mike Carey of Ohio, and John Rutherford of Florida were among the 20 Catholic members of Congress who signed on to the letter. Steube is Protestant, according to Pew Research Center.

Steube's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV arrived Wednesday in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, after a five-hour flight. While meeting with journalists aboard the papal plane, he delivered a brief address, thanking the Algerian authorities and reflecting on the first leg of the journey.

Leo, speaking in English, expressed his "gratitude to all the authorities in Algeria, who made this visit possible. As you've seen, they've even granted us the full honor of an escort as we fly over Algerian airspace."

This, the pope said, is "a sign of the goodness, of the generosity, of the respect that the Algerian people and the Algerian government have wished to show to the Holy See, to myself. And so I want to say a word of thanks to them, as well as a word of thanks to the very small but very significant presence of the Catholic Church in Algeria."

The pontiff then reflected on the journey.

"We had, as you know," he said, "some very special visits both in the Basilica Notre Dame d'Afrique as well as in Annaba yesterday, in the Basilica of St. Augustine on the hill overlooking both the modern city of Annaba and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ippona. And that in itself, I would say, is also symbolically significant, because St. Augustine, who was bishop, as you know, of Hippo for more than 30 years, actually is a figure which is very much from the past and speaks to us of tradition, speaks to us of the life, the Church, as the Church grew in the early centuries."

Continuing to speak about St. Augustine, Leo said that he is "a very important figure today as his writings, his teaching, his spirituality, his invitation to search for God and to search for truth is something that is very much needed today — a message that is very real for all of us today, as believers in Jesus Christ, but for all people. And as you've seen, even the people of Algeria, the vast majority of whom are not Christian, they very much honor and respect the memory of St. Augustine as one of the great sons of their land."

"So it was a special blessing for me personally to return once again to Annaba yesterday," he said, "but also to offer to the Church and the world a vision that St. Augustine offers us in terms of the search for God and the struggle to build community, to seek for unity among all peoples and respect for all peoples in spite of the differences."

The pope concluded: "In two days in Algeria I think we've really had a wonderful opportunity to, if you will, continue to build bridges, to promote dialogue. I think the visit to the mosque was significant and to say that it showed that although we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshipping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace. And so I think that promoting that kind of image is something which the world needs to hear today, and that together we can continue to offer in our witness through as we continue on this apostolic voyage."

Pope Leo XIV is the third pope to visit Cameroon.

Leo will first meet with 92-year-old President Biya, elected to an eighth term and in power for 40 years. After his address to the diplomatic corps — a standard stop at the beginning of every trip — the pope will visit the Ngul Zamba orphanage, a historic point of reference for the care and education of orphaned children and minors in situations of serious social vulnerability.

In addition to Yaoundé, Leo XIV will also visit the city of Bamenda, around 230 miles from the capital, at the center of the Anglophone crisis — a complex situation in which English-speaking separatists have also called for the formation of their own state.

The pope will also visit Douala, Cameroon's economic capital, thus touching all the major realities of the country before departing for Angola on April 18.

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The Knights of Columbus issued a statement that affirms the Catholic fraternal organization's solidarity with Pope Leo XIV as President Donald Trump criticized the Holy Father a second time on Truth Social.

"The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division but to unity, not to conflict but to peace," Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in the statement.

"In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction," he said.

Trump escalated his criticism of the Holy Father late Tuesday evening in a second post on Truth Social, which criticized the pontiff's staunch opposition to war.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Leo's policy views, Kelly said, "the Holy Father's prophetic voice deserves to be heard with respect and engaged seriously."

"Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace, dialogue, and restraint in a world marked by war and suffering," he said. "The Holy Father's words are not political talking points — they are reflections of the Gospel itself."

Kelly noted that many Catholics and others "have been deeply disappointed by the disparaging comments directed at Pope Leo XIV" by Trump, and that Leo "is not a politician — he is the vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls."

In his statement, Kelly acknowledged that faithful Catholics can hold differing views on foreign policy and that Catholics should engage in the public square. He said nations can safeguard security "in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace."

"The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good," he said.

Kelly also encouraged prayers for the pope, the president, and other politicians.

"As Knights, we are called to be men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens," he said. "I encourage all Knights of Columbus to pray for the Holy Father, to pray for civic leaders, and to pray for peace and those working to achieve it."

"And let us recommit ourselves to charity in our public discourse," he added. "May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them. In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel."

Trump goes after Leo again

Trump's social media post said: "Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable."

During the protests, Leo did call for peace, saying in January that "ongoing tensions [in Iran and Syria] continue to claim many lives."

"I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society," he said at the time.

Leo has also strongly opposed nuclear weapons, saying in June 2025: "The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region."

While Trump cited numbers exceeding 40,000 people, estimates about the number of people killed in anti-regime protests and unrest in Iran varies a lot, ranging from several thousand to more than 30,000. Most protesters were unarmed, but Iran's government claims some were armed and killed about 500 security personnel. Trump said the United States tried to arm the protesters, but those guns did not get to the right people.

Vance, bishops offer more comments

Catholic bishops and leaders have responded to Trump's attack on Pope Leo, and elected officials also have made statements.

Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, said he is deeply concerned and troubled by Trump's social media rhetoric, especially during Holy Week and Easter, which he says falls short of the moral standard expected of both the presidency and a professed Christian. The archbishop criticized Trump's attacks on Pope Leo, saying the pope's calls for peace and dialogue arise from his pastoral mission, not political ideology.

Sample said the Church's role is to proclaim peace, human dignity, and the Gospel, citing Jesus' teaching: "Blessed are the peacemakers."

The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemned attacks and mockery directed at Pope Leo XIV and the papacy, affirming that respect for the Holy Father is essential to Catholic faith.

Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said at a Turning Point USA event that Pope Leo XIV should "be careful when he talks about matters of theology."

"One of the issues here is that if you're going to opine on matters of theology, you've got to be careful," he said. "You've got to make sure it's anchored in the truth."

Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said: "Any religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously, if you wade into political waters, I think you should expect some political response."

Pope Leo XIV has responded to Trump's public criticism by saying he has "no fear of the Trump administration" and will continue to speak out boldly with the message of the Gospel.

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YAOUNDE, Cameroon — "Peace, in fact, cannot be decreed: It must be embraced and lived," Pope Leo XIV emphasized on Wednesday in a meeting with government authorities, the diplomatic corps, and civil society in Cameroon — the second stop of his journey in Africa.

In a dense address, the pope expressed confidence in Cameroon's society, often described as "Africa in miniature" because of the richness of its lands, cultures, languages, and traditions. A country marked by conflict, even recent conflict, but whose civil society, the pope said, is ready to take responsibility for a rebirth, together with its young people.

Leo arrived in Cameroon's capital, Yaoundé, for the second leg of his 11-day papal journey to Africa. President Paul Biya, in power for nearly four decades, welcomed the pope. Yet beneath a political system that has endured, conflicts have also taken root. In particular, the so-called Anglophone crisis remains in the background, a topic the pope will address when he visits Bamenda on Thursday.

The Anglophone crisis erupted in 2016 when Cameroon's Anglophone minority launched a campaign calling for greater autonomy and was rejected by Biya. From that point onward, the situation deteriorated, resulting in deaths and displacement, culminating in a "declaration of independence" proclaimed in October 2017 in a territory referred to as Ambazonia. At the height of the crisis, mediation by the Holy See was also requested.

The Church remains present in Cameroon and carries out extensive work. Leo XIV recalled that he is the third pope to visit the country, following two visits by St. John Paul II and one by Pope Benedict XVI. In 1995, John Paul II chose Yaoundé, the country's capital, to promulgate the postsynodal apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Africa, which emerged from the Synod for Africa.

'A hunger and thirst for justice'

This was the backdrop of Leo's address on April 15, which was not only as a message of peace but also an encouragement to Catholics in Cameroon to continue building the common good.

"I come among you as a shepherd and as a servant of dialogue, fraternity, and peace," he said. "We are living, in fact, at a time when hopelessness is rampant and a sense of powerlessness tends to paralyze the renewal so deeply desired by peoples. There is such a hunger and thirst for justice! A thirst for getting involved, for a vision, for courageous choices and for peace!"

The pope expressed his desire to reach everyone, especially the young, "who are called to help shape a world that is more just, including in the political sphere." He recalled the visits of his predecessors and asked where the country stands today, quoting St. Augustine: "Those who rule serve those whom they seem to command; for they rule not from a love of power but from a sense of the duty they owe to others — not because they are proud of authority, but because they love mercy."

From this perspective, he said, serving one's country means dedicating oneself, with clarity of mind and upright conscience, to the common good of all people, including both the majority and minorities, and their mutual harmony.

Leo acknowledged that Cameroon is facing complex difficulties. Violence and tensions in the northwest, southwest, and far north regions have caused profound suffering: lives lost, families displaced, children deprived of education. In response, he recalled his appeal to reject violence and war and to embrace peace founded on love and justice: "A peace that is unarmed, that is, not based on fear, threats or weapons, and at the same time disarming, because it is capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts, and generating trust, empathy, and hope."

"Peace cannot be reduced to a slogan: It must be embodied in a way of life that renounces all forms of violence, both personally and institutionally," the pontiff continued. He forcefully reiterated that "the world is thirsting for peace… Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction, and exile!"

"Peace, in fact, cannot be decreed: It must be embraced and lived. It is a gift from God, which unfolds through patient and collective effort. It is everyone's responsibility, beginning with civil authorities," he said. To govern, the pope added, means to love one's own country and neighboring countries, applying the commandment "love your neighbor as yourself" even to international relations. Governing also means truly listening to citizens and valuing their ability to help build lasting solutions. In this context, he recalled Pope Francis' call to move beyond "the idea of social policies being a policy for the poor, but never with the poor and never of the poor, much less part of a project which can bring people back together."

Civil society, the pope stressed, must be recognized as a vital force for national cohesion. "Cameroon is ready for this transition!" Associations, women's and youth organizations, trade unions, humanitarian nongovernmental organizations, and traditional and religious leaders, he said, play an irreplaceable role in social peace. They are often the first to intervene during tensions, to assist the displaced, support victims, open spaces for dialogue, and encourage local mediation. Their closeness to communities allows them to identify the root causes of conflict and appropriate solutions.

Leo expressed particular gratitude for women, who are frequently the first victims of prejudice and violence yet remain tireless peacemakers. Their commitment to education, mediation, and rebuilding the social fabric curbs corruption and abuse of power and requires that their voices be fully recognized in decision-making processes.

Transparency in managing public resources and respect for the rule of law, he said, are essential to restoring trust.

'Integral human development'

Addressing those in positions of authority, Leo XIV spoke of a twofold witness: collaboration among institutions in service of the people, especially the poor, and integrity of personal conduct. To allow peace and justice to flourish, he said, the chains of corruption must be broken and hearts freed from idolatrous pursuit of profit. True profit lies in integral human development.

Looking ahead, the Holy Father highlighted Cameroon's human, cultural, and spiritual resources and emphasized that "young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures." While unemployment and exclusion can fuel frustration and violence, investing in education, training, and entrepreneurship, he said, is a strategic path to peace and the only way to stem the loss of talent and counter the scourges of drugs, prostitution, and apathy.

Cameroonian youth, he added, possess a "deep spirituality that still resists the homogenizing influence of the market."

Through its educational, health care, and charitable efforts, the Catholic Church in Cameroon wishes to continue serving all without distinction, collaborating with civil authorities and strengthening ties between Cameroonians worldwide and their communities of origin, the pope concluded.

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

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The U.S. bishops' chair for doctrine issued a clarification on April 15 reaffirming that Catholic just war theory sets strict moral limits on the use of military force, emphasizing that it is not a political endorsement of war but a moral framework.

The statement came as President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the latter a Catholic, have taken issue with papal remarks claiming that "anyone who is a disciple of Christ" is "never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs."

Speaking at an April 14 event hosted by the conservative group Turning Point USA, Vance publicly criticized Pope Leo on his anti-war remarks, asking: "How can you say God is never on the side of those who wield the sword?"

Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop James Massa's statement on the subject underscored that Christians are obliged to critically evaluate claims made in favor of armed conflict rather than assume moral legitimacy.

"For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has taught just war theory and it is that long tradition the Holy Father carefully references in his comments on war," Massa said.

"A constant tenet of that thousand-year tradition is a nation can only legitimately take up the sword 'in self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed' (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2308)," Massa noted.

Massa continued: "That is, to be a just war it must be a defense against another who actively wages war, which is what the Holy Father actually said: 'He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.'

"When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of goodwill must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars," the bishop concluded.

Pope Leo XIV responded to Trump's public criticism by saying he has "no fear of the Trump administration" and will continue to proclaim the Gospel.

At the Turning Point USA event, Vance — who is publishing a book about his conversion to the Catholic faith — said if Pope Leo was "going to opine on matters of theology," his comments needed to be "anchored in the truth."

"In the same way that it's important for the vice president of the United States to be careful when I talk about matters of public policy, I think it's very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology," Vance said.

Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas, who was elected vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 2025, said in a statement on X on April 15 that "public officials may opine about theology, as is their right."

But "the successor of Peter teaches. This is his office," Flores said. "If what he teaches doesn't sound like what we want to hear, we should admit the likelihood that the problem is in what we want to hear and not in what he teaches."

Vance: 'Stick to matters of morality'

On Monday, Vance defended Trump's decision to post on social media, and later delete, an AI-generated image that critics said depicted the president as Jesus Christ. Vance described it as a joke that people misunderstood.

"It would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, to stick to matters of what's going on in the Catholic Church and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy," Vance said in an interview on Fox News.

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YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by the happy chatter of children on Wednesday at the Ngul Zamba Orphanage in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where he shared a message of God's presence.

"Dear children, I know that many of you have endured difficult trials. Some of you have known the pain of loss through the death of parents or loved ones. Others have experienced fear, rejection, abandonment, deprivation, and uncertainty. Yet, you are called to a future that is greater than your wounds. You are bearers of a promise," the pope said April 15.

Run for 40 years by the religious congregation the Daughters of Mary, the Ngul Zamba Orphanage — whose name means "Strength of God" — provides food, lodging, and education to poor or abandoned children.

During the visit, the pope listened with delight to the various songs of welcome. He applauded with satisfaction, smiling in return at the many smiles of the children. He was also moved by the recitation of a verse from Psalm 27: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even should mothers forget, I will never forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before my eyes."

Leo also listened to two testimonies from staff members, one of whom is a former student, who expressed his gratitude for all that the Daughters of Mary of Yaoundé did for him and concluded by reaffirming his commitment to promoting an "education for all," without exclusion.

Pope Leo then addressed the children and staff: "I am very happy to visit this orphanage, which has become your home. Here, above all, it is our heavenly Father who welcomes you with love as his children. He wants to show you his tenderness and to draw you close to his heart. In his name, I too wish to do the same. Indeed, you form a true family here, with brothers and sisters who all share a similar history marked by suffering. In this family, your eldest brother is Jesus! It is living as brothers and sisters gathered around him that makes you strong, helps you to carry life's burdens together, and allows you to experience true joy."

"In a world often marked by indifference and selfishness, this home reminds us that we are the ones who need to look after our brothers and sisters, and that, in God's great family, no one is ever a stranger or forgotten, no matter how small he or she may be."

Turning directly to the children, the Holy Father acknowledged the weight of their experiences:

"Dear children, I know that many of you have endured difficult trials. Some of you have known the pain of loss through the death of parents or loved ones. Others have experienced fear, rejection, abandonment, deprivation, and uncertainty. Yet, you are called to a future that is greater than your wounds. You are bearers of a promise. For wherever there is misery, suffering, or injustice, God is present; and he knows each of your faces and is very close to you. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus cares especially for children like you, and he would often place them at the center of a gathering. Know that he looks upon each one of you today with that same affection."

Finally, the pope addressed all those who care daily for the children of the orphanage:

"I would also like to greet with gratitude all those who take care of these children: the directors, educators, staff, volunteers, and, of course, the sisters. Your faithful dedication is a beautiful testimony of love. By caring for these children, you are getting a foretaste of the joy that the Lord has promised to those who serve the little ones. Your patience reflects the face of divine mercy. Through your patience and dedication, you offer much more than mere material support: You offer these children a presence, a listening ear, a family, and a future. Through you, God's tenderness is made manifest — a faithful tenderness that does not falter in times of trial and never disappoints. I thank you for all that you do, and I encourage you to persevere courageously in this beautiful work that you have undertaken."

He concluded by entrusting everyone to Mary's care: "As I impart my heartfelt blessing, I entrust each of you to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother. May she always watch over you, console you in moments of sadness, and help you to grow as true friends of her son, Jesus."

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

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About 495 faith leaders and advocates are set to gather in Washington, D.C., to read the entire Bible aloud ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.

America Reads the Bible is a national Scripture-reading event and movement led by Christians Engaged, a nonprofit organization committed "to discipling Americans on biblical worldview and their responsibilities as citizens to pray, vote, and engage for the well-being of our nation."

From April 19–25, a diverse set of speakers including some Catholics will gather at the Museum of the Bible and read the King James Version of the Bible from beginning to end "as a spiritual celebration of our nation's founding ideals and a call to rediscover the truth that still anchors us today," event organizers reported.

The event is inspired by the Hebrew book of Ezra, where the public reading of Scripture sparked national repentance and renewal, according to a press release.

The event will kick off with an opening celebration on April 18 as leaders from more than 100 national ministries will begin to gather for the weeklong celebration. The recitation will begin on April 19 at the museum and will continue with speakers reading each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to complete the whole Bible in a week.

Those interested in attending can register to join in person or can watch live online.

Catholic speakers

A wide array of speakers including actors, lawmakers, and advocates will participate in the anniversary celebration.

Event sponsors and organizers will speak over the week including Bunni Pounds, America Reads the Bible organizer and president of Christians Engaged, and Steve Green, chair and co-founder of the Museum of the Bible.

Catholic companies, set to serve as partners with America Reads the Bible, including Catholic Book Publishing, will also send speakers. Catholic author Allan Wright, whose books focus on discipleship, evangelization, and the Catholic faith, will read.

The event is also partnering with CatholicVote and will welcome its president, Kelsey Reinhardt, to read.

Catholic figures from the Trump administration will take the stage including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. Among others, Christian administration members participating will also include Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

A number of lawmakers and government representatives will speak, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who is Catholic. Others lawmakers scheduled to read include U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa, and Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho.

Pro-life leaders will also read, including Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and Kristie McCrary, adviser to the president. Pro-life advocate Abby Johnson, CEO and founder of ProLove Ministries and And Then There Were None, will read as well.

Entertainers and actors from various Christian backgrounds will read Scripture including Catholic actress and author Patricia Heaton, and Christian actress Candace Cameron Bure, America Reads the Bible national spokesperson. Other entertainers will include actors Dean Cain and David Hunt.

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