Archbishop Lori ordains 12 transitional deacons Radio Interview: Saying yes to God’s plan Archdiocese of Baltimore names teachers of the year Archbishop Lori recognized with new award Pope Leo XIV to publish encyclical on artificial intelligence May 25 Local News Archbishop Lori ordains 12 transitional deacons Katie V. Jones May 18, 2026 Their ordination as transitional deacons is the final step before they are expected to be ordained to the priesthood next year. Radio Interview: Saying yes to God’s plan Catholic Review Staff May 18, 2026 Mark Viviano talks with Gregg Landry, founder of Blue Rock Productions and president of the Catholic Business Network of Baltimore, about how a single reflection question at a men’s faith group – what have you said no to that could have been a blessing? – led Landry to eucharistic ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore and, eventually, prison ministry. Archdiocese of Baltimore names teachers of the year Katie V. Jones May 18, 2026 The Archdiocese of Baltimore recognized three teachers of the year May 7 with surprise visits to their classrooms by their principals and Gregory Farno, chancellor for archdiocese schools. Archbishop Lori recognized with new award Katie V. Jones May 18, 2026 A long-time advocate for St. John Vianney Center in Philadelphia, Archbishop William E. Lori was given the center’s first-ever Ambassador Award May 8 during its 80th anniversary breakfast. More Local News World News Pope Leo XIV thanks Catholic Extension Society for supporting poor US dioceses Courtney Mares May 18, 2026 Pope Leo XIV encouraged Catholic Extension Society in its mission of supporting poor and remote Catholic communities across the United States, Puerto Rico and Cuba during a papal audience on May 18, saying that “love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God.” Pope Leo XIV to publish encyclical on artificial intelligence May 25 Courtney Mares May 18, 2026 Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” will be published May 25, addressing artificial intelligence and the protection of human dignity, the Vatican has announced. America 250 occasion to reflect on equality as a God-given right, Bishop Barron says Kate Scanlon May 18, 2026 As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it should reflect on how the American understanding of equality is grounded in the belief that all people are equally children of God, Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said May 17 at a prayer rally on the National Mall. Pope approves creation of interdicasterial commission on AI Isabella H. de Carvalho May 16, 2026 Pope Leo XIV approved the creation of an Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence in a rescript released May 16. The rescript was signed by Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. More World News Commentary I’m OK, you’re OK…well we’re mostly OK (on springtime transitions) Rita Buettner May 18, 2026 I wouldn’t want to hold our children back. Or maybe I would, just a little bit, to keep them close a little longer. Question Corner: Are parish priests allowed to do confirmations? Jenna Marie Cooper May 18, 2026 The short answer is that while the Latin (a.k.a. “Roman”) Catholic Church normally envisions a bishop as being the minister of confirmation, there are some scenarios where a simple priest is able to celebrate this sacrament. Cardinal Gibbons: Baltimore’s effective advocate for American Catholicism’s Americanization Russell Shaw May 16, 2026 In a long, fruitful career as leader of the American hierarchy, Cardinal Gibbons combined diplomacy, patriotism and a canny understanding of human nature in a manner that made him the most effective advocate before or since of the Americanization of American Catholicism. To him more than anyone, the Catholic Church owes both the advantages and the unintended consequences of assimilation into American secular culture. The Final School Lunch Rita Buettner May 14, 2026 Forever ago—or maybe it was just the other day—I packed a lunchbox for my 4-year-old to take to school. A surprise painting Rita Buettner May 14, 2026 “I love thinking of how God was watching, guiding us toward one another, always knowing how it would come together. He must have enjoyed seeing how we connected over a much-loved painting of a little girl and a dog.” More Commentary Featured Video Veteran Vatican journalist Gerard O’Connell joins Vatican Access to discuss the inside story of the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history.
Archbishop Lori ordains 12 transitional deacons Katie V. Jones May 18, 2026 Their ordination as transitional deacons is the final step before they are expected to be ordained to the priesthood next year.
Radio Interview: Saying yes to God’s plan Catholic Review Staff May 18, 2026 Mark Viviano talks with Gregg Landry, founder of Blue Rock Productions and president of the Catholic Business Network of Baltimore, about how a single reflection question at a men’s faith group – what have you said no to that could have been a blessing? – led Landry to eucharistic ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore and, eventually, prison ministry.
Archdiocese of Baltimore names teachers of the year Katie V. Jones May 18, 2026 The Archdiocese of Baltimore recognized three teachers of the year May 7 with surprise visits to their classrooms by their principals and Gregory Farno, chancellor for archdiocese schools.
Archbishop Lori recognized with new award Katie V. Jones May 18, 2026 A long-time advocate for St. John Vianney Center in Philadelphia, Archbishop William E. Lori was given the center’s first-ever Ambassador Award May 8 during its 80th anniversary breakfast.
Pope Leo XIV thanks Catholic Extension Society for supporting poor US dioceses Courtney Mares May 18, 2026 Pope Leo XIV encouraged Catholic Extension Society in its mission of supporting poor and remote Catholic communities across the United States, Puerto Rico and Cuba during a papal audience on May 18, saying that “love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God.”
Pope Leo XIV to publish encyclical on artificial intelligence May 25 Courtney Mares May 18, 2026 Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” will be published May 25, addressing artificial intelligence and the protection of human dignity, the Vatican has announced.
America 250 occasion to reflect on equality as a God-given right, Bishop Barron says Kate Scanlon May 18, 2026 As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it should reflect on how the American understanding of equality is grounded in the belief that all people are equally children of God, Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said May 17 at a prayer rally on the National Mall.
Pope approves creation of interdicasterial commission on AI Isabella H. de Carvalho May 16, 2026 Pope Leo XIV approved the creation of an Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence in a rescript released May 16. The rescript was signed by Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
I’m OK, you’re OK…well we’re mostly OK (on springtime transitions) Rita Buettner May 18, 2026 I wouldn’t want to hold our children back. Or maybe I would, just a little bit, to keep them close a little longer.
Question Corner: Are parish priests allowed to do confirmations? Jenna Marie Cooper May 18, 2026 The short answer is that while the Latin (a.k.a. “Roman”) Catholic Church normally envisions a bishop as being the minister of confirmation, there are some scenarios where a simple priest is able to celebrate this sacrament.
Cardinal Gibbons: Baltimore’s effective advocate for American Catholicism’s Americanization Russell Shaw May 16, 2026 In a long, fruitful career as leader of the American hierarchy, Cardinal Gibbons combined diplomacy, patriotism and a canny understanding of human nature in a manner that made him the most effective advocate before or since of the Americanization of American Catholicism. To him more than anyone, the Catholic Church owes both the advantages and the unintended consequences of assimilation into American secular culture.
The Final School Lunch Rita Buettner May 14, 2026 Forever ago—or maybe it was just the other day—I packed a lunchbox for my 4-year-old to take to school.
A surprise painting Rita Buettner May 14, 2026 “I love thinking of how God was watching, guiding us toward one another, always knowing how it would come together. He must have enjoyed seeing how we connected over a much-loved painting of a little girl and a dog.”
