U.S.
Abp. Coakley calls for prayer after attempted attack on press dinner
WASHINGTON — Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, denounced violence and called for all to respond with prayer after a gunman’s attempted assault on the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington April 25 forced the evacuation of the president, first lady and members of the Cabinet. “We are grateful the lives of the President, those who protect him, and everyone in attendance last night were spared from serious harm,” the archbishop said in a statement April 26. “Let us all pray for our elected leaders and public officials that they may receive God’s blessings.” President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and several Cabinet members were whisked out of the annual dinner with the White House press corps after a man rushed toward the main ballroom where the event was held and briefly exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. A suspect was taken into custody. (OSV News)
Virginians march against extreme abortion amendment
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia voters will weigh a high-stakes constitutional amendment on Nov. 3 that opponents say could expand abortion access with few limits. On April 22, pro-life advocates gathered in downtown Richmond for the annual Virginia March for Life to raise awareness about the proposal. At a rally on the state Capitol grounds, Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond invoked the image of St. George, whose feast day follows the march, to frame the issue in stark terms. He warned of what he described as a threat to human life, urging attendees to stand firm in defense of the unborn. Pro-life advocates argue it could open the door to unregulated abortions, including late-term procedures, and weaken existing safeguards. (OSV News)
U.S., Japanese bishops warn that ‘nuclear threats are escalating’
SANTA FE, N.M. — Several U.S. and Japanese Catholic bishops seeking nuclear disarmament are expressing both urgency and wariness, as the United Nations hosts a conference on a non-proliferation treaty at a time when the U.N. head himself admits “arms control is dying.” In an April 27 statement, the archbishops of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Seattle joined their fellow prelates from the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in warning that as “nuclear threats are escalating,” the world is “sliding backwards with massive modernization programs to keep nuclear weapons forever.” The bishops’ message comes at the opening of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which is taking place April 27-May 22 at U.N. headquarters in New York. The NPT is now “badly frayed” and possibly “in danger of collapsing,” they said. (OSV News)
WORLD
Lebanese Christians rejoice over new statue brought by Italian soldiers
DEBEL, Lebanon — Lebanese Christians in Debel are celebrating the gift of a new statue of Jesus on the cross after a recent act of desecration by two Israeli soldiers drew global outrage. Israel’s military placed two soldiers in military detention for 30 days after they destroyed the town’s crucifix. The social media picture of an Israeli soldier striking a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross drew worldwide condemnation April 20 and apologies from Israeli officials. Local pastor Father Fadi Felefli said the community is “very happy” to see the statue restored, calling it a sign of resilience amid ongoing conflict. The new crucifix was installed April 22 with support from Italian peacekeepers serving with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. Father Felefli said that the Israeli Defense Forces made a gift of a different crucifix to the town “which is now inside the church.” (OSV News)
Patron saints named for World Youth Day 2027
SEOUL, South Korea — Organizers in Seoul have named five patron saints for World Youth Day 2027, highlighting themes of truth, peace and love at the heart of the global event. The saints include Sts. John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day; Andrew Kim Taegon and companions; Frances Xavier Cabrini, patron of immigrants; Josephine Bakhita, linked to victims of human trafficking; and Carlo Acutis, known for evangelizing online. Organizers said the saints reflect modern challenges like persecution, migration and social struggle, making them fitting guides for young pilgrims. Their selection followed consultations with youth and pastoral leaders, along with committee discernment. Cardinal Kevin Farrell said patron saints play a key role in WYD preparation, encouraging young people to respond generously to God’s call. The official website for World Youth Day 2027 — https://wydseoul.org/en — was updated with biographical information on each saint. (OSV News)
