U.S.
Data on sweeping immigrant detentions underscores U.S. bishops’ concerns, says policy expert
WASHINGTON — Data showing most individuals in immigration detention do not have violent criminal records highlights ongoing concerns expressed by the nation’s Catholic bishops over the Trump administration immigration crackdown, said an official with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. CBS News, citing an internal document from the Department of Homeland Security, reported Feb. 9 that “less than 14% of nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in President Trump’s first year back in the White House had charges or convictions for violent criminal offenses.” That data broadly aligns with other immigration detention data collected by Syracuse University. David Spicer, policy and engagement director for the USCCB’s Secretariat of Migration, said the numbers underscored the special message issued by the USCCB during its annual fall assembly in November, in which the bishops opposed the “indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” Spicer stressed that “respecting human dignity and upholding the rule of law are not in conflict,” as Catholic social teaching on immigration makes clear. (OSV News)
Georgia martyrs expected to be beatified in Savannah this Halloween
A date for the beatification of five Franciscans known as the Georgia martyrs has been set for Oct. 31, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints’ website. It lists Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto as the beatification Mass’ celebrant. In 1597, the Spanish Franciscans Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodríguez de Cuacos, Miguel de Añón, Antonio de Badajoz and Francisco de Veráscola were ministering at five missions along the coast of present-day Georgia when they were killed by a band of Indigenous men between Sept. 14-17. Their murders were prompted by Father de Corpa angering the heir to a Guale chiefdom, Juanillo, by telling him that as a baptized Christian, he could not follow his culture’s custom and take a second wife. Juanillo and his men killed the priest at a mission near the modern city of Eulonia, Georgia, before killing four of the other five Franciscan missionaries ministering in the area. Pope Francis recognized the friars’ deaths as martyrdom Jan. 27, 2025, paving way for their beatification. (OSV News)
Bp. Zurek resignation accepted; Cdl. DiNardo named as apostolic administrator of Amarillo
WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek of Amarillo, Texas, 77, and has appointed retired Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, 76, as apostolic administrator of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed and installed. The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, on Feb. 14, 2026. Bishop Zurek is a native of Sealy, Texas and has served as head of the Diocese of Amarillo since his installation in February 2008. Cardinal DiNardo served as archbishop of Galveston-Houston until his resignation was accepted in January 2025. (OSV News)
WORLD
For its 400th anniversary, St. Peter’s Basilica to get 21st-century upgrade, Vatican announces
ROME — Four hundred years after its consecration, St. Peter’s Basilica is marking the milestone with a 21st-century upgrade. At a Feb. 16 Vatican press conference, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti unveiled anniversary celebrations leading up to Pope Leo XIV’s Mass on Nov. 18 — exactly four centuries after Pope Urban VIII dedicated the basilica. Pilgrims in 2026 can expect expanded rooftop access, a streamlined online reservation system and AI-powered, real-time Mass translations in 60 languages accessible on one’s cellphone by QR code. A new temporary Stations of the Cross, weekly “Spiritual Elevations” with the Cappella Giulia choir, lectures and special meditations are also planned. Cardinal Gambetti called the anniversary “an opportunity to re-understand the Basilica as an ‘authentic event’ in the history of humanity.” In addition to the celebrations, an extensive conservation program is underway in partnership with Italian oil and gas company Eni to safeguard the basilica’s structural stability for future centuries. The project, which used advanced geophysical, geological, topographical and structural survey technologies, found the basilica to be in a “good state of health.” (OSV News)
Dozens kidnapped in latest anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria
KADUNA STATE, Nigeria — Gunmen in Nigeria’s Kaduna state abducted 32 people, including a Catholic catechist and his pregnant wife, in the latest attack targeting Christian communities. Armed militants raided two villages tied to St. Joseph Parish, leaving residents terrified and forcing most families to flee. The kidnapping came days after another assault on Holy Trinity Church, where a priest and parishioners were taken, and a separate raid on a prayer vigil in Benue state. Catholic leaders say the violence is escalating. Nigeria’s bishops recently called the country a “slaughterhouse,” while clergy marched in protest, demanding stronger protection. Church officials report more than 80 Christians killed, hundreds of churches and communities destroyed and tens of thousands displaced. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria criticized the government for its continued treatment of the right to life “as optional,” and called on authorities to deploy security forces to defend areas “where citizens are under siege.” Pope Leo XIV voiced sorrow and prayers for victims, urging authorities to safeguard human life. Local priests say despite fear, some faithful remain, determined to care for their communities and trust in God’s faithfulness there still today. (OSV News)
