U.S.
Artemis astronaut: Lunar mission inspires wonder, prayer, unity
HOUSTON — NASA’s first crewed lunar flyby in half a century has sparked wonder, reflection and prayer — both in space and on the ground. “I think, as we go into Easter Sunday, thinking about all the cultures all around the world, whether you celebrate it or not, whether you believe in God or not, this is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing, and that we’ve got to get through this together,” astronaut Victor Glover, pilot of the Artemis II mission, told CBS News. (OSV News)
Supreme Court hears case on birthright citizenship executive order with Trump in attendance
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 1 on President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship, with the president in attendance. Trump’s presence for oral arguments in the case, Trump v. Barbara, marked the first time a sitting president attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court, according to records from the high court and the nonprofit Supreme Court Historical Society. Trump v. Barbara concerns an executive order signed by Trump that sought to change the longstanding legal interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” An amicus brief filed by the U.S. bishops and other groups argued that ending the practice of birthright citizenship would weaken families and risk leaving children stateless. (OSV News)
WORLD
Pope sends Easter greetings to Catholic parish in Gaza
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV sent Easter greetings to Catholics in Gaza, offering prayers and support to a community living amid war and uncertainty. Father Gabriel Romanelli of Holy Family Parish — the only Catholic church in Gaza — said the pope has remained in close contact through messages and calls, assuring them of his concern and blessing. Despite ongoing violence and heavy casualties reported across Gaza, local Catholics marked Easter with resilient faith, proclaiming hope in Christ’s resurrection. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa described a subdued and restricted Easter due to security concerns limiting access to major liturgies. Even so, he urged Christians to hold fast to hope, reminding them that no darkness can overcome the promise of the risen Christ, even in the most difficult circumstances. (OSV News)
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Triduum liturgies
ROME — Pope Leo XIV marked his first Holy Thursday as pope by washing and kissing the feet of 12 priests during Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran on April 2, reviving a long-standing papal tradition. In his homily, he pointed to Christ’s example of humility and service at the Last Supper. “As true God and true man, Christ offers us the example of self-giving, service and love. We need His example to learn how to love, not because we are incapable of it, but precisely to teach ourselves and one another what true love is,” he said. On Good Friday, Pope Leo carried the cross for all the stations. Life must be lived as a journey seeking to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, the pope said after completing the Stations of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum. “Let us make our own the prayer by which St. Francis invites us to live our lives as a journey of ever-deepening participation in the communion of love that unites the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” he said at the the service April 3. (OSV News and CNS)
