The Catholic Herald

"If you want to engage in your own mini Counter-Reformation, a trip to Le Puy-en-Velay is a good option and a way to begin to discover what precious treasures the Eldest Daughter of the Church still holds in her bosom." James Jeffrey visits Le Puy-en-Velay, where the atmosphere of departure, devotion and deep history shapes the opening steps of the Camino. 🔗 ow.ly/1UhG50YwK8s

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has warned against invoking God to justify conflict, saying war is driven by political interests and condemning the use of “pseudo-religious language” in the Middle East crisis. 🔗 ow.ly/VKln50YwJH7

The SSPX has written to every diocesan bishop in Italy, distributing a new book defending its plan for episcopal consecrations and arguing that a grave crisis in the Church justifies extraordinary action. 🔗 ow.ly/y61h50Ywn4G

The House of Lords has rejected two key amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, clearing the way for the decriminalisation of abortion up to birth and the continuation of at-home abortions without in-person consultations. 🔗 ow.ly/5cbS50YwrgK

The Vatican has released the official themes and imagery for Pope Leo XIV’s Africa journey, in what will be his longest international trip so far. 🔗 ow.ly/NG7J50Ywj0k

“In the past, it was Caesar who persecuted us. Now it feels as if a father has raised the knife against his own son.” The promise of reconciliation between Rome and Beijing has, for some Catholics in China, given way to a more complex reality marked by surveillance, control and growing unease. 🔗 ow.ly/XtAJ50YwcEK

“It is not the greatness of the pagans, lived out in public words or asserted achievements, but greatness found in the quiet observance of God’s law. It is a faithfulness which is strong and silent holiness.” - Fr Gary Dench 🔗 ow.ly/1HUL50Ywcsm

Pope Leo XIV is to be awarded the Liberty Medal in Philadelphia on July 3, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. 🔗 ow.ly/QXPB50YwiRh

“Our age’s road to Damascus may well run through the ‘For You’ page” @DelphineChui reflects on the growing number of young people discovering Christianity online, and what this means for the Church’s mission in a digital age. 🔗 ow.ly/fNHU50YwciK

Pope Leo has said the protection of minors is no longer a discrete policy area but a test of the Church’s credibility, calling for safeguarding to be embedded in governance and culture across every level of the Church. 🔗 ow.ly/XkcK50YwbnC

The Vatican’s appeal court has issued a decree of relative nullity in the prosecution of Cardinal Angelo Becciu. 🔗 ow.ly/nLve50Yw0yA

Ted Cruz has promoted a sprawling essay attacking Catholic integralism, but the claims conflate theology with extremism and misrepresent both the tradition and its place in the Church’s teaching. 🔗 ow.ly/55VO50Yw0tf

"Newman’s own experience of providence had taught him that the theological virtue of hope cannot be reduced to mere optimism. Optimism naively asserts that all our present endeavours will be prosperous and successful. Hope, by contrast, is a gritty virtue that resigns itself to the truth that many setbacks and obstacles may yet lie between us and our heavenly goal." - Clement Harrold 🔗 ow.ly/50Mf50YvK7z

Liam McArthur’s assisted suicide Bill has been defeated by 69 votes to 57 in Holyrood, with senior SNP, Labour and Conservative figures uniting in opposition. A major victory for the most vulnerable in society. 🔗 ow.ly/KB3P50YvKaf

“A Reform government would treat our national faith as a lifestyle choice, equal to any other under an umbrella of liberal pluralism.” @Con_Tomlinson explores the emergence of Restore Britain and the challenge it poses to existing political movements. 🔗 ow.ly/N7e850YvJxm

A judge’s decision in Indiana is drawing national attention as legal experts and pro-life advocates assess its potential impact beyond the state. 🔗 ow.ly/8hkh50Yv8O3

"The Feast of Saint Patrick is a time to consider who we are in the context of our faith. It brings us to reflect, not just on what it means to be a person of faith in Ireland today, but also how people of faith might contribute to Ireland, and indeed the world, today." - Archbishop Dermot Farrell 🔗 ow.ly/21YI50Yvv17

Douglas Wilson, a Reformed pastor invited to preach at the Pentagon, has suggested banning Marian processions in a future Protestant America, describing them as “public displays of idolatry”. 🔗 ow.ly/mCiz50YvirE

Take a closer look at those who help manage Pope Leo XIV’s daily work in the Vatican. Now settled in the Apostolic Palace, the Augustinian Pope is supported by a small circle of trusted aides who shape and sustain his life and mission, offering an early glimpse into the style and priorities of his pontificate. 🔗 ow.ly/pZak50Yv8XO