Catholic News
- Vatican forbids removal of names from baptismal registers (Vatican News)
The Dicastery for Legislative Texts has published an Italian-language note forbidding the removal or alteration of names in baptismal registers, “except to correct transcription errors.” Canon 535 of the Code of Canon Law requires parishes to maintain such registers. The register is “the objective verification of sacramental actions or events related to the sacraments historically carried out by the Church,” the dicastery stated. “The sacraments received and the entries made do not in any way limit the free will of Christian faithful who, by an act of that same will, choose to leave the Church.” “Even though the data contained in the Church’s registers cannot be deleted, in light of the interest of the person involved and all other relevant parties, it is permitted—at the simple request of the person concerned—to record their expression of will to leave the Church in the context of a formal hearing,” the dicastery added. - Vatican informed of allegations against Abbé Pierre in 1955, French journalists find (France 24)
The Vatican was informed of allegations against the famed French priest Abbé Pierre (1912-2007) in 1955, according to two French journalists’ Vatican archival research, published in a new book. “A priest had written to the Holy See in October 1955 to say Abbé Pierre had done ‘immoral things’ while visiting the United States,” France 24 reported. “The Vatican requested the bishop of Versailles to conduct an investigation, but none was launched.” (The bishop at the time was the future Cardinal Alexandre Renard.) In addition, according to Vatican archival material from 1957, “two US and Canadian cardinals had alerted the Vatican in 1955 and detailed allegations against the French religious figure from 1955 to 1957,” France 24 reported. Ordained to the priesthood in 1938, Abbé Pierre took part in the French resistance against the Nazis during World War II and was a member of the French parliament from 1945 to 1951. Known for his ministry to the poor and homeless, he became a beloved figure in France; he was also a critic of Catholic teaching on sexual morality. The Paris prosecutor’s office, citing the statute of limitations, has declined to investigate allegations against him. - In Easter encyclical, Ecumenical Patriarch recalls Nicaea anniversary (Orthodox Times)
In his 2025 Easter encyclical, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who holds a primacy of honor among the Orthodox churches, recalled the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. “The Lord’s raising from the dead constitutes the nucleus of the Gospel, the stable point of reference for all the books of the New Testament, as well as for the liturgical life and devotion of the Orthodox Christians,” he wrote. “Indeed, the words ‘Christ is Risen!’ summarize the theology of the Church.” The Ecumenical Patriarch—born in 1940, and enthroned in 1991—added: For the Holy Great Church of Christ, one source of such resurrectional joy is also found this year in the common celebration of Easter by the entire Christian world, along with the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which condemned the heresy of Arius ... The Council of Nicaea inaugurates a new age in the conciliar history of the Church, the transition from the local to the ecumenical synodal level ... The “spirit of Nicaea” exists unspoiled in the life of the Church, whose unity is associated with the correct understanding and development of its conciliar identity. Discussion on the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea reminds us of the common Christian archetypes and the meaning behind the struggle against the perversion of our spotless faith, encouraging us to turn toward the depth and essence of Church tradition. - Jerusalem's Christian leaders issue Easter message (Custody of the Holy Land)
The Patriarchs and other heads of churches in Jerusalem have released their 2025 Easter message. “From the midst of the present darkness that engulfs our region, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, nevertheless boldly proclaim to the world a message of life and hope,” the Christian leaders stated. “It is the same message first announced to the women who had come to mourn at Christ’s tomb ... The Lord had risen indeed!” The leaders called on “Christians and others of goodwill from around the world to recommit themselves to working and praying for the relief of the afflicted, the release of all captives, and an end to the wars and assaults that have led to immeasurable human suffering, death, and destruction throughout our beloved Holy Land ... Most of all, we call upon them to join us in working for a just and lasting peace.” - Judge bars enforcement of Biden-era regulations against diocese, employer (Religion Clause)
A federal judge has permanently halted the enforcement of 2024 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations against the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota, and the Catholic Benefits Association (CBA). Judge Daniel Traynor, a Trump appointee, barred the EEOC from enforcing the regulations “in a manner that would require them [the diocese and the CBA] to speak or communicate in favor of abortion, fertility treatments, or gender transition when such is contrary to the Catholic faith; refrain from speaking or communicating against the same when such is contrary to the Catholic faith, use pronouns inconsistent with a person’s biological sex; or allow persons to use private spaces reserved for the opposite sex.” - Religious sister accused of 'forced conversion' in central India (Crux)
Sister Bincy Joseph, the principal of a Catholic nursing college in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh (map), has been accused of attempting to convert a student. The student lodged the complaint after the sister imposed disciplinary consquences for poor class attendance. “I have spoken with Sister Bincy Joseph; the conversion allegations are fabricated and baseless—just harassment,” said Bishop Emmanuel Kerketta of Jashpur. “However, since a complaint has been made, let the authorities do their proper investigations.” - 80,000 register for Jubilee of Teenagers (Zenit)
80,000 adolescents have registered for the Jubilee of Teenagers, an event for the 2025 jubilee year. The Jubilee of Teenagers begins on April 25 and culminates in the canonization Mass for Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) in St. Peter’s Square on Divine Mercy Sunday. - Over 2,000 to be baptized in Malaysia on Easter Vigil (Fides)
Over 2,000 people in Malaysia will enter the Church during the Easter Vigil: “1,047 newly baptized in Peninsular Malaysia and an equivalent number in Malaysian Borneo” (map), the Fides news agency reported. Islam is the official religion of the Southeast Asian nation. 55% of its 34.6 million people are Muslim, 10% are Christian, 7% are Hindu, and 5% are Buddhist, with 19% adhering to Chinese folk religions and 4% to ethnic religions. - USCCB publishes Q and A on immigrant registration (USCCB)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has published a two-page document, in question-and-answer format, on an immigrant registration policy that went into effect on April 11. The document addresses four questions: “What is immigrant registration?”, “What are the registration requirements? “, “What are the penalties for failing to register?”, and “Have there been any legal challenges brought against this?” The Department of Homeland Security “announced that the Trump Administration would fully enforce certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act requiring noncitizens aged 14 years or older who are residing in the United States for at least 30 days to register with the federal government,” the USCCB explained. “All noncitizens who are registered must always carry their registration with them. Noncitizens who fail to register or produce proof of registration face potential criminal consequences that include jail time and fines.” - Texas House passes $1B school-choice legislation backed by bishops (Wall Street Journal)
The Texas House has passed legislation establishing a $1-billion education savings account program that will allow 100,000 students to receive $10,000 scholarships to attend independent schools. The Senate has approved the measure, and the governor is expected to sign it. The $10,000 in funding for educational savings accounts is approximately 85% of government per-student funding for public schools. The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops supported the measure, which also provides $2,000 education savings accounts for homeschooled students. - Once-secret records show how San Francisco archdiocese handled abuse allegations (San Francisco Chronicle)
A federal bankruptcy judge ordered the release of the minutes of the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Independent Review Board, which addresses clergy abuse allegations. “At least three priests who by the Church’s definition faced credible accusations of sexually abusing minors stayed on the San Francisco Archdiocese’s list of clergy members with full status for years, including one, David Ghiorso, who faced five credible abuse accusations and remains on the good standing list,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The archdiocese released a statement following the bankruptcy judge’s order, noting: The Archdiocese will continue to work diligently toward constructive transparency and a timely resolution in collaboration with the other parties involved in this bankruptcy process. At the same time, the Archdiocese remains focused on its mission to help parishes serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, celebrating Mass, offering the Sacraments, and providing religious education. - Pope makes Holy Thursday visit to Rome prison (Vatican Insider)
Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Regina Coeli prison in Rome on April 17. The Pope has visited the same prison in the past on Holy Thursday, washing the feet of prisoners there. “This year I cannot do it,” he told the assembled inmates. “But I can and want to be close to you.” The Pope met in the prison’s main hallway with about 70 inmates, and spoke with staff, during his afternoon visit. - At Chrism Mass, Pope's message calls priests to ministry of hope (Vatican News)
In his message to the priests of Rome, who gathered on April 17 for the Chrism Mass, Pope Francis said that the Jubilee Year is “a specific summons to a new beginning on our path to conversion.” Inspired by faith in Christ, the Pope said, a priest’s ministry “becomes one of hope, because in each of our stories, God opens a Jubilee.” He encouraged the priests to recall the prayer said at their ordination: “May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.” The Pontiff added: “He does.” Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, the retired president of APSA (the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See), celebrated the Chrism Mass and delivered the Pope’s message. - Jerusalem patriarch exhorts priests to hope in Jesus (Patriarchate of Jerusalem )
As he celebrated the Chrism Mass, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, told his priests that the call of divine justice requires “people who, like Jesus, are prepared to pay for it themselves.” The situation in the Holy Land today is “dark and complicated,” the cardinal said. But he exhorted his priests: The evil we experience is real, the pain of our people is deep, the injustice that oppresses us is heavy. And we must not be afraid to acknowledge and denounce it. But we know with Jesus that these are not the last words about history and life. We are hungry for justice, that is true. But not for the justice of men, which is always lacking, which always disappoints, and which will always make us hungry. We long for the justice that flows from the heart of Jesus, from His self-giving on the cross, which is an excess, a “more” of love and forgiveness. - Rome's rabbi, Pope exchanges greetings (Vatican News)
Pope Francis has sent a message to Rome’s Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni on April 17—Holy Thursday—as the Jewish community prepares to celebrate the Passover. “I wish to extend my most cordial and fraternal greetings to you and to the beloved Jewish community of Rome,” the Pope said. Rabbi Di Segni replied: . “As our respective Easter celebrations coincide, I wish to extend my warmest greetings, with a particular thought for your health, that it may continue to improve.” - Cardinal Parolin, VP Vance to meet in Rome (CNS)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, will receive US Vice President JD Vance on Good Friday, the vice president’s office has announced. Vice President Vance will visit Italy and India from April 18-24. He is also scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. - Detroit's new archbishop ends traditional Latin Mass in parishes (Archdiocese of Detroit)
Less than a month after his installation as archbishop of Detroit, Archbishop Edward Weisenburger has announced that the traditional Latin Mass will cease to be celebrated in parishes on July 1. The prelate cited the Pope’s 2021 document that drastically restricted the extraordinary form’s celebration. The traditional Latin Mass will continue to be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Shrine, entrusted to the care of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. - Pope recommends lower holiday travel fares to reunite families (La Croix)
In the monthly papal question-and-answer column in Piazza San Pietro magazine, a Sicilian mother whose children work elsewhere suggested that lower travel fares around the holidays could help reunite families. Such a lowering of fares, “at least for the Christmas and Easter holidays,” would “be an act of humanity and brotherhood, to which the world of economics and business is also called,” the Pope wrote in his response. At the same time, “we can use video calls, during which we can also pray together at a distance, discuss the Word of God, and grow in communion,” the Pope added. “It cannot be the rule, but in some cases, we can use these new tools.” - Typical new US priest: 34-year-old cradle Catholic who prays Rosary, takes part in Eucharistic adoration (CWN)
The typical member of the priestly ordination class of 2025 is a 34-year-old cradle Catholic, according to a newly released survey of 309 of the 405 men slated to be ordained to the priesthood in the United States this year. The survey was conducted for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. - New French converts cite influence of social media (CNA)
As the Catholic Church in France prepares to receive a record number of adult converts at the Easter Vigil, a survey finds that more than three-quarters of the converts cited the influence of social-media contacts in helping them discover the Church. An even greater proportion of the candidates for baptism or confirmation said that they regularly follow Christian “influencers” on the internet. - More...