For 250 years, the Catholic Church has quietly helped shape the United States—not only through prayer, but also through education, healthcare, charity, justice, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. As America celebrates its semiquincentennial under the theme "One Nation Under God," here is the remarkable story of a faithful legacy that continues to inspire the nation.
The Vatican has formally declared the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to be in schism after it proceeded with the unauthorized consecration of four bishops in Écône, Switzerland, despite repeated warnings from Pope Leo. The Holy See imposed automatic excommunications on the bishops involved, declared SSPX clergy to be in schism, warned Catholics against formally adhering to the Society, and ruled that Confessions heard by, and marriages celebrated before, its priests are invalid. This carousel explains who the SSPX are, the decades-long dispute with Rome, why the consecrations triggered one of the Church's strongest canonical sanctions, and what the Vatican's decree means for the faithful.
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will reach its historic culmination in Philadelphia on July 5, uniting faith and patriotism under the theme “One Nation Under God.” The pilgrimage concludes in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, underscoring the bishops’ call to renew the nation’s spiritual foundations as it celebrates its semiquincentennial. The final four days of the pilgrimage are being hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, with continuous Eucharistic adoration, liturgies, service events, and opportunities for prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The closing celebration on July 5 will begin with a Solemn Mass, followed by a two-mile Eucharistic procession through the streets of Philadelphia to the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The pilgrimage, which began on May 24 in St. Augustine, Florida, has traced the historic St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route along much of the Eastern Seaboard, passing through many of the original thirteen colonies and significant Catholic landmarks before arriving in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. Adding to the significance of the event, Pope Leo is expected to deliver a special video message to the pilgrims gathered in Philadelphia and to Catholics across the United States, inviting the nation to look beyond its political heritage and rediscover its deepest identity in Christ, present in the Holy Eucharist. As fireworks light up the skies across America in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, the faithful will process with the Eucharistic Lord, proclaiming that the nation's future is strongest when it remains truly “One Nation Under God.”
Pope Leo has released his prayer intention for July, inviting Catholics around the world to pray for respect for human life. In his monthly message, the Pope describes every person as a sacred gift from God and calls on the faithful to recognize and protect the unique dignity of every human being, from conception to natural death. He also urges Christians to welcome life, care for the vulnerable, defend those without a voice, and help build a culture in which every person is valued and loved.
More than 70,000 Catholics gathered at Tac Say Church in the Diocese of Can Tho on July 2 as the Catholic Church celebrated the beatification of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, the first beatification ceremony ever held on Vietnamese soil. The historic Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and special envoy of Pope Leo XIV. Concelebrating the Mass were Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Holy See's resident representative to Vietnam; cardinals and bishops from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia; and nearly 2,000 priests. Tens of thousands of religious and lay faithful also took part. At the beginning of the liturgy, Bishop Peter Le Tan Loi of Can Tho formally petitioned for the beatification of the Servant of God. Following the reading of Fr. Diep’s biography, Cardinal Tagle proclaimed Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter in Latin, officially declaring him “Blessed.” A large portrait of the new Blessed was then unveiled and honored with flowers and incense. Describing the occasion as “a truly historic day in the life of the Church,” Cardinal Tagle conveyed Pope Leo’s congratulations and apostolic blessing to Catholics across Vietnam. Fr. Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, who was appointed pastor of Tac Say Parish in 1930, became renowned for his unwavering dedication to the poor, the sick, and those suffering amid war. He was martyred after being killed by two Japanese defectors. Vietnam is home to more than 7.5 million Catholics, representing about 7.4 percent of the population. Although 117 Vietnamese martyrs have already been beatified and canonized, this marks the first time a beatification ceremony has been held on Vietnamese soil rather than at the Vatican.
The Vatican has imposed one of its strongest canonical sanctions in decades after the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeded with the unauthorized consecration of four bishops in Écône, Switzerland, despite repeated appeals from Pope Leo not to do so.
In a decree issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Holy See declared the July 1 episcopal consecrations to be "an act of a schismatic nature." The two bishops who performed the consecrations and the four newly consecrated bishops incurred automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication, reserved to the Apostolic See, for acting without a pontifical mandate.
The Vatican stated that SSPX clergy are to be regarded as being in schism and warned that lay faithful who formally adhere to the Society are likewise considered to be in schism and excommunicated under the conditions established by canon law. It also declared that Confessions heard by SSPX priests and marriages witnessed by them are invalid, urging Catholics not to participate in SSPX liturgies or activities.
Founded in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the SSPX rejects key teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly those on ecumenism, religious liberty, and liturgical reform, while maintaining that it preserves authentic Catholic Tradition. In 1988, Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without papal approval, prompting excommunications that were later lifted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 as part of efforts to restore full communion.
A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga-Hadassi, was shot dead in a suspected targeted ambush in the Central African Republic on June 29 while traveling near his parish in Zémio. Another person traveling with him was wounded. Bishop Aurelio Gazzera of Bangassou said that Fr. Crépin's commitment to dialogue and reconciliation may have made him a target. As chairman of Zémio's Peace Committee, the priest worked to promote peace among communities in a region affected by armed groups, government forces, and Russian Wagner mercenaries. Fr. Crépin was ordained in 2021 and had served as assistant parish priest in Zémio since 2024. His funeral was held on July 1 in Bangassou.
Bishop Abelardo Mata, the bishop emeritus of Estelí, was detained for several hours by police on June 29, shortly after celebrating a Mass where he prayed for the persecuted Church in Nicaragua. The 80-year-old prelate was taken from a clinic in Estelí to the Investigations Center at the Evaristo Vásquez Sánchez Police Complex, known as “El Nuevo Chipote,” a facility reportedly linked to the detention of political prisoners and allegations of abuse. He was later released and returned to his home in Tisma.
According to local reports, Bishop Mata had traveled to Estelí on June 25 and celebrated Mass on June 28 at Calvary’s Cross Church. During the liturgy, he asked the faithful to pray for the suffering Church and remembered exiled clergy, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez and Father Frutos Constantino Valle Salmerón. Authorities have reportedly prohibited Bishop Mata from returning to Estelí and celebrating public Masses.
Bishop Álvarez resigned as bishop of Estelí in 2021, and served as apostolic administrator before being forced into exile. The incident highlights continued tensions between the Nicaraguan government and the Catholic Church. Bishop Álvarez, a critic of President Daniel Ortega, was imprisoned and later expelled from the country in 2024. Several Church figures continue to face restrictions amid ongoing pressure on religious communities.
Father Eric Pintar’s journey to the Catholic priesthood is a story of faith, transformation, and a lifelong search for purpose. Born deaf with severe to profound hearing loss, Pintar learned from an early age to navigate a world of silence while discovering his unique gifts and calling. Before becoming a priest, he built a successful career in technology, including working at Google, where he used his skills in engineering and human-computer interaction. Yet, a deeper calling eventually led him away from Silicon Valley toward the altar.
A convert from Evangelical Protestantism, Father Pintar entered the Catholic Church after years of spiritual searching and reflection. In his own account of his conversion, he described his path as a search for the fullness of Christian truth and a deeper relationship with Christ. His journey of faith ultimately brought him to the seminary, where he prepared for priesthood.
Ordained this month, Father Pintar has become the 11th deaf Catholic priest in the United States. His ministry carries a special significance for the deaf community, offering a powerful witness that God can call people through every circumstance of life.
From technology to theology, from a world of innovation to a life of service, Father Pintar’s story is a reminder that vocation can emerge in the most unexpected ways.
Pope Leo has urged Christians of all denominations worldwide to walk together toward the celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Redemption in 2033, calling them to rediscover their shared mission as witnesses to the Risen Christ. The Pope appealed on Tuesday at the Vatican while receiving a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. He described the visit as a sign of the fraternal bond between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Expressing gratitude to Bartholomew I and the members of the Holy Synod, Pope Leo emphasized the shared commitment to advancing toward full Christian unity. He recalled his meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch and stressed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation. The Pope pointed to the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea as a reminder of the faith that unites Christians, saying the Nicene Creed remains a foundation for the ecumenical journey. In a world marked by conflicts, polarization, and social divisions, Pope Leo said Christians reconciled in faith can become a powerful sign of peace and hope. He urged greater cooperation in addressing global challenges, including peacebuilding, responsible use of technology, and care for creation. The Pope concluded by calling Christians to embrace their responsibility to protect human dignity and life, especially the most vulnerable, as they prepare for the historic 2033 celebration.
Shalom World News
For 250 years, the Catholic Church has quietly helped shape the United States—not only through prayer, but also through education, healthcare, charity, justice, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. As America celebrates its semiquincentennial under the theme "One Nation Under God," here is the remarkable story of a faithful legacy that continues to inspire the nation.
9 hours ago | [YT] | 465
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Shalom World News
The Vatican has formally declared the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to be in schism after it proceeded with the unauthorized consecration of four bishops in Écône, Switzerland, despite repeated warnings from Pope Leo. The Holy See imposed automatic excommunications on the bishops involved, declared SSPX clergy to be in schism, warned Catholics against formally adhering to the Society, and ruled that Confessions heard by, and marriages celebrated before, its priests are invalid. This carousel explains who the SSPX are, the decades-long dispute with Rome, why the consecrations triggered one of the Church's strongest canonical sanctions, and what the Vatican's decree means for the faithful.
1 day ago | [YT] | 636
View 67 replies
Shalom World News
As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will reach its historic culmination in Philadelphia on July 5, uniting faith and patriotism under the theme “One Nation Under God.” The pilgrimage concludes in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, underscoring the bishops’ call to renew the nation’s spiritual foundations as it celebrates its semiquincentennial. The final four days of the pilgrimage are being hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, with continuous Eucharistic adoration, liturgies, service events, and opportunities for prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The closing celebration on July 5 will begin with a Solemn Mass, followed by a two-mile Eucharistic procession through the streets of Philadelphia to the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The pilgrimage, which began on May 24 in St. Augustine, Florida, has traced the historic St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route along much of the Eastern Seaboard, passing through many of the original thirteen colonies and significant Catholic landmarks before arriving in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. Adding to the significance of the event, Pope Leo is expected to deliver a special video message to the pilgrims gathered in Philadelphia and to Catholics across the United States, inviting the nation to look beyond its political heritage and rediscover its deepest identity in Christ, present in the Holy Eucharist. As fireworks light up the skies across America in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, the faithful will process with the Eucharistic Lord, proclaiming that the nation's future is strongest when it remains truly “One Nation Under God.”
1 day ago | [YT] | 736
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Shalom World News
Pope Leo has released his prayer intention for July, inviting Catholics around the world to pray for respect for human life. In his monthly message, the Pope describes every person as a sacred gift from God and calls on the faithful to recognize and protect the unique dignity of every human being, from conception to natural death. He also urges Christians to welcome life, care for the vulnerable, defend those without a voice, and help build a culture in which every person is valued and loved.
1 day ago | [YT] | 1,791
View 20 replies
Shalom World News
More than 70,000 Catholics gathered at Tac Say Church in the Diocese of Can Tho on July 2 as the Catholic Church celebrated the beatification of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, the first beatification ceremony ever held on Vietnamese soil.
The historic Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and special envoy of Pope Leo XIV. Concelebrating the Mass were Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Holy See's resident representative to Vietnam; cardinals and bishops from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia; and nearly 2,000 priests. Tens of thousands of religious and lay faithful also took part.
At the beginning of the liturgy, Bishop Peter Le Tan Loi of Can Tho formally petitioned for the beatification of the Servant of God. Following the reading of Fr. Diep’s biography, Cardinal Tagle proclaimed Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter in Latin, officially declaring him “Blessed.” A large portrait of the new Blessed was then unveiled and honored with flowers and incense.
Describing the occasion as “a truly historic day in the life of the Church,” Cardinal Tagle conveyed Pope Leo’s congratulations and apostolic blessing to Catholics across Vietnam.
Fr. Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, who was appointed pastor of Tac Say Parish in 1930, became renowned for his unwavering dedication to the poor, the sick, and those suffering amid war. He was martyred after being killed by two Japanese defectors.
Vietnam is home to more than 7.5 million Catholics, representing about 7.4 percent of the population. Although 117 Vietnamese martyrs have already been beatified and canonized, this marks the first time a beatification ceremony has been held on Vietnamese soil rather than at the Vatican.
1 day ago | [YT] | 519
View 6 replies
Shalom World News
The Vatican has imposed one of its strongest canonical sanctions in decades after the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeded with the unauthorized consecration of four bishops in Écône, Switzerland, despite repeated appeals from Pope Leo not to do so.
In a decree issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Holy See declared the July 1 episcopal consecrations to be "an act of a schismatic nature." The two bishops who performed the consecrations and the four newly consecrated bishops incurred automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication, reserved to the Apostolic See, for acting without a pontifical mandate.
The Vatican stated that SSPX clergy are to be regarded as being in schism and warned that lay faithful who formally adhere to the Society are likewise considered to be in schism and excommunicated under the conditions established by canon law. It also declared that Confessions heard by SSPX priests and marriages witnessed by them are invalid, urging Catholics not to participate in SSPX liturgies or activities.
Founded in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the SSPX rejects key teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly those on ecumenism, religious liberty, and liturgical reform, while maintaining that it preserves authentic Catholic Tradition. In 1988, Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without papal approval, prompting excommunications that were later lifted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 as part of efforts to restore full communion.
1 day ago | [YT] | 256
View 32 replies
Shalom World News
A Catholic priest, Fr. Crépin Martial Monga-Hadassi, was shot dead in a suspected targeted ambush in the Central African Republic on June 29 while traveling near his parish in Zémio. Another person traveling with him was wounded.
Bishop Aurelio Gazzera of Bangassou said that Fr. Crépin's commitment to dialogue and reconciliation may have made him a target.
As chairman of Zémio's Peace Committee, the priest worked to promote peace among communities in a region affected by armed groups, government forces, and Russian Wagner mercenaries.
Fr. Crépin was ordained in 2021 and had served as assistant parish priest in Zémio since 2024. His funeral was held on July 1 in Bangassou.
1 day ago | [YT] | 1,378
View 116 replies
Shalom World News
Bishop Abelardo Mata, the bishop emeritus of Estelí, was detained for several hours by police on June 29, shortly after celebrating a Mass where he prayed for the persecuted Church in Nicaragua. The 80-year-old prelate was taken from a clinic in Estelí to the Investigations Center at the Evaristo Vásquez Sánchez Police Complex, known as “El Nuevo Chipote,” a facility reportedly linked to the detention of political prisoners and allegations of abuse. He was later released and returned to his home in Tisma.
According to local reports, Bishop Mata had traveled to Estelí on June 25 and celebrated Mass on June 28 at Calvary’s Cross Church. During the liturgy, he asked the faithful to pray for the suffering Church and remembered exiled clergy, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez and Father Frutos Constantino Valle Salmerón. Authorities have reportedly prohibited Bishop Mata from returning to Estelí and celebrating public Masses.
Bishop Álvarez resigned as bishop of Estelí in 2021, and served as apostolic administrator before being forced into exile. The incident highlights continued tensions between the Nicaraguan government and the Catholic Church. Bishop Álvarez, a critic of President Daniel Ortega, was imprisoned and later expelled from the country in 2024. Several Church figures continue to face restrictions amid ongoing pressure on religious communities.
2 days ago | [YT] | 728
View 32 replies
Shalom World News
Father Eric Pintar’s journey to the Catholic priesthood is a story of faith, transformation, and a lifelong search for purpose. Born deaf with severe to profound hearing loss, Pintar learned from an early age to navigate a world of silence while discovering his unique gifts and calling. Before becoming a priest, he built a successful career in technology, including working at Google, where he used his skills in engineering and human-computer interaction. Yet, a deeper calling eventually led him away from Silicon Valley toward the altar.
A convert from Evangelical Protestantism, Father Pintar entered the Catholic Church after years of spiritual searching and reflection. In his own account of his conversion, he described his path as a search for the fullness of Christian truth and a deeper relationship with Christ. His journey of faith ultimately brought him to the seminary, where he prepared for priesthood.
Ordained this month, Father Pintar has become the 11th deaf Catholic priest in the United States. His ministry carries a special significance for the deaf community, offering a powerful witness that God can call people through every circumstance of life.
From technology to theology, from a world of innovation to a life of service, Father Pintar’s story is a reminder that vocation can emerge in the most unexpected ways.
2 days ago | [YT] | 2,056
View 33 replies
Shalom World News
Pope Leo has urged Christians of all denominations worldwide to walk together toward the celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Redemption in 2033, calling them to rediscover their shared mission as witnesses to the Risen Christ. The Pope appealed on Tuesday at the Vatican while receiving a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. He described the visit as a sign of the fraternal bond between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Expressing gratitude to Bartholomew I and the members of the Holy Synod, Pope Leo emphasized the shared commitment to advancing toward full Christian unity. He recalled his meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch and stressed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation. The Pope pointed to the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea as a reminder of the faith that unites Christians, saying the Nicene Creed remains a foundation for the ecumenical journey. In a world marked by conflicts, polarization, and social divisions, Pope Leo said Christians reconciled in faith can become a powerful sign of peace and hope. He urged greater cooperation in addressing global challenges, including peacebuilding, responsible use of technology, and care for creation. The Pope concluded by calling Christians to embrace their responsibility to protect human dignity and life, especially the most vulnerable, as they prepare for the historic 2033 celebration.
2 days ago | [YT] | 1,480
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