Archive for December 31, 2025

Credit: udra11/Shutterstock?w=200&h=150

By Daniel Payne

Rest in peace: Looking back at notable Catholics who passed away in 2025

In 2025, numerous notable Catholics entered eternal life — from public officials to the vicar of Christ himself.  Read more

Pope Leo XIV walks through the Holy Door carrying the jubilee cross while leading the Holy See’s pilgrimage on June 9, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media?w=200&h=150

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

8 stories that made 2025 a true year of hope

These inspiring stories show why 2025 can truly be remembered as a time when hope shone bright. Read more

Pope Leo XIV greets a girl in a wheelchair during an audience with members of Italian Catholic Action on Dec. 19, 2025 at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media?w=200&h=150

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

CNA’s top Catholic moments of 2025

2025 was filled with impactful moments — here are some of the top Catholic moments of the past year. Read more

Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered for his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media?w=200&h=150

By Marco Mancini

Pope Leo XIV ends 2025 urging Catholics to examine conscience and entrust new year to God

In St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 31, the pope said 2025 brought both joy and sorrow, citing the jubilee pilgrimage... Read more

Young people at the 2023 SEEK conference in St. Louis. | Credit: Photo courtesy of SEEK?w=200&h=150

By Amira Abuzeid

SEEK 2026 set to kick off in 3 cities

The annual Catholic SEEK conference will take place Jan. 1–5 in three U.S. cities: Columbus, Ohio; Denver; and Fort Worth,... Read more

“When I began hearing the confessions of the faithful, I understood that there can be no inner peace without forgiveness," said Father Pero Miličević.| Credit: Vatican Media?w=200&h=150

By Victoria Cardiel

Bosnian Muslims murdered his family, but later as a priest he forgave them

Twenty years after his father and other relatives were murdered by Muslim militiamen in Bosnia, Father Pero Miličević was finally... Read more

Afternoon prayers for the ecumenical youth gathering are taking place in the Accor Arena, which can accommodate more than 20,000 people. Credit: Taizé Community?w=200&h=150

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

Thousands of young Europeans are beginning the new year at ecumenical gathering

Thousands of European youth are in Paris for an ecumenical event organized by the Taizé Community. Read more

Prayer for the New Year 2026. | Credit: ACI Prensa?w=200&h=150

By ACI Prensa

A special prayer to conclude 2025 and begin 2026

As we close out 2025 and welcome 2026, now is the perfect time to thank God for the past year,... Read more

Downtown Indianapolis is seen on March 10, 2021. | Credit: John McDonnell/The Washington Post/Getty Images?w=200&h=150

By Daniel Payne

Indianapolis church files federal lawsuit to knock down parish after historic designation

Overseers of an unused parish in Indianapolis have filed a federal lawsuit demanding the government allow the building to be... Read more

A Planned Parenthood facility in Minneapolis. | Credit: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock?w=200&h=150

By Daniel Payne

Appeals court allows White House cuts to Planned Parenthood in multiple states

A federal appeals court will allow federal funding cuts to Planned Parenthoods that provide abortion, permitting a key Trump policy... Read more

Pope Leo XIV presides over first vespers (evening prayer) in St. Peter's Basilica in anticipation of the Jan. 1 solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Dec. 31, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media.?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Leo XIV on New Year’s Eve: The future is in God’s hands

Pope Leo XIV presided over first vespers (evening prayer) at the Vatican on Wednesday in anticipation of the Jan. 1... Read more

2025 was a complex and multifaceted year for Christians in the Middle East, oscillating between supportive initiatives and messages of hope alongside persistent challenges. | Credit: Ismail Adnan/ACI MENA?w=200&h=150

By Souhail Lawand

Christians in the Middle East in 2025: Signs of hope and the struggle to remain

2025 was a complex and multifaceted year in the Middle East for Christians, a mixture of supportive initiatives and messages... Read more

Credit: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock?w=200&h=150

By Diego López Marina

How to obtain a plenary indulgence for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026

The Catholic Church offers special graces at both the close of a year and the beginning of a new year. Read more