Diocese of Scranton

MONGOMO, Equatorial Guinea (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in the second-largest Catholic Church in Africa April 22, telling Catholics in the oil-rich nation that “the future of Equatorial Guinea depends upon your choices.” The pope offered Mass in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the eastern city of Mongomo, near Equatorial … Continue reading "In Central Africa’s largest Catholic church, Pope Leo tells faithful: ‘The future of Equatorial Guinea depends upon your choices’"

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (OSV News) – Flying over the west coast of central Africa on April 21, Pope Leo XIV paused to honor his predecessor on the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, remembering the Argentine pope’s witness to mercy and closeness to the poor. On the papal flight from Luanda, Angola, to Malabo, … Continue reading "Pope Leo XIV honors Pope Francis on death anniversary, recalling his mercy and closeness to ‘the little ones’"

(OSV News) – New data estimates show the number of abortions in the U.S. remained stable in 2025, totaling some 1.126 million, with apparent declines in out-of-state travel for abortions offset by increasing access to telehealth abortions. The actual number of abortions is likely higher, given certain exclusions in the estimates. At the same time, … Continue reading "U.S. saw more than 1.12 million abortions in 2025, but actual figures likely higher"

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV pushed back against the media narrative that has pitted him against President Donald Trump since the start of his 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, telling journalists aboard the papal flight to Angola April 18 that “there has been a certain narrative that has not been … Continue reading "Pope Leo XIV rejects media ‘narrative’ his Africa remarks targeted Trump"

(OSV News) – The canonization cause for Jesuit Father Walter Ciszek — a Polish American priest who ministered amid years in Soviet captivity — has been terminated, although Vatican’s decision does not “diminish the enduring spiritual value” of his witness, said a leading advocate for the cause. In an April 9 letter, Msgr. Ronald C. … Continue reading "Vatican ends canonization cause for Jesuit Father Walter Ciszek"

(OSV News) – An increasing number of the nation’s young men say religion is “very important” in their lives, marking a return to levels seen 25 years ago, and edging them ahead of young women on the issue, according to Gallup. In addition, Gallup noted that attendance at religious services has risen by several points … Continue reading "Gallup: Young men are an ’emerging exception’ among ‘low ebb’ of religiosity in US"

DOUALA, Cameroon (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for more than 120,000 people in Cameroon’s largest city on April 17, urging “beloved children of the African continent” to share God’s love by feeding the hungry and offering the spiritual nourishment of “the bread of life.” Because of the large turnout, the Mass was … Continue reading "Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass with 120,000 people in Cameroon: ‘Bring the bread of life to your neighbors’"