Coronavirus

The Latest

Pope Francis offers Mass in Casa Santa Marta on March 11, 2020.

Pope Francis prays for media covering the coronavirus pandemic 

Apr 1, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis offered a prayer for media professionals who are covering the coronavirus pandemic before his daily Mass on Wednesday.  Read more

Ultrasound.

Kentucky AG aims to declare abortion 'non-essential' under coronavirus bans

Mar 31, 2020

Kentucky’s attorney general has joined the national controversy over whether abortion clinics can continue to operate at a time when... Read more

The flag of Nicaragua.

Nicaraguan bishops cancel annual pilgrimage, but mayor reportedly goes ahead

Mar 31, 2020

Local media in Nicaragua are reporting that despite the nation’s bishops’ conference suspending Mass and prohibiting large gatherings, the mayor... Read more

Hand holding small pine branch.

Maine priest encourages 'Pine Sunday' where there are no palms

Mar 31, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

With public Masses cancelled across the United States, ahead of Palm Sunday this weekend, some Maine Catholics are being encouraged... Read more

Students at the 2020 FOCUS Student Leadership summit. Courtesy photo.

How college students can spend their time during the coronavirus

Mar 31, 2020

By Perry West

The coronavirus pandemic has led colleges across the country to close their dorms, and offer classes online. As students return... Read more

An Indian health worker sprays disinfectant on the luggage of migrant workers and labourers along with their families stuck in New Delhi, India, March 29.

Indian bishop condemns 'shocking' disinfectant spray of migrant workers

Mar 31, 2020

A bishop in India has condemned the spraying of migrant workers and their children with disinfectant, after a video posted... Read more

Texas state capitol building, Austin.

Texas coronavirus abortion rule back in effect, after court grants stay

Mar 31, 2020

A Texas order prohibiting most abortions during the novel coronavirus pandemic is temporarily back in effect, after the Fifth U.S.... Read more

Bishop John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster.

English bishop 'shocked' by permission for at-home medical abortions

Mar 31, 2020

The British government’s plans to allow women to have early abortions at home without medical supervision during the coronavirus crisis... Read more

Our Lady of Sorrows at the Church of the Holy Cross in Salamanca.

Church in Mexico calls for national day of penance

Mar 31, 2020

The bishops of Mexico have designated April 3, the Friday of Passion Week, as a National Day of Penance amid... Read more

Stock image via VGstockstudio/Shutterstock

Majority of Americans praying for end to coronavirus, survey finds

Mar 31, 2020

A majority of Americans say they have prayed for an end to the new coronavirus, including some who say they... Read more

Archbishop William Lori, speaks at a Legatus conference on Feb 8, 2013.

Churches closed in Maryland, not Virginia, after governors’ orders

Mar 31, 2020

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has closed all churches to private prayer and instructed priests to only offer sacraments in cases of... Read more

Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo.

African cardinal tests positive for coronavirus as pandemic spreads across the continent

Mar 31, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo of Burkina Faso has tested positive for the coronavirus, his archdiocese announced Tuesday. He is the second... Read more

Blue and white sign above the entrance for the Planned Parenthood clinic in Newton, NJ. Via Shutterstock.

Federal judges stop states designating abortion 'non-essential'

Mar 31, 2020

Federal judges in Texas, Alabama, and Ohio on Monday halted state rules that would limit or halt entirely abortions during... Read more

The flag of Vatican City with St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

Vatican flags at half-staff in solidarity with coronavirus victims

Mar 31, 2020

By Courtney Mares

More than 11,500 people have died of COVID-19 in Italy after a total of 101,739 people have been documented by... Read more

Pope Francis lifts the Eucharist during Mass March 31, 2020.

Pope Francis prays the Church will welcome the homeless during coronavirus

Mar 31, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis prayed Tuesday for all those who do not have homes to go to during the coronavirus pandemic, that... Read more

Our Lady of Walsingham.

Britons rededicate England to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mar 30, 2020

More than half a million people took part Sunday in the rededication of England to Our Lady Sunday, organizers have... Read more

UK government reverses policy yet again, will allow at-home medical abortions

Mar 30, 2020

Amid the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and strict social distancing orders in the United Kingdom, the UK government has... Read more

Sign outside Pittsburgh's Cathedral of St. Paul.

Dioceses announce staff cuts, but federal aid could help

Mar 30, 2020

By Matt Hadro

As Catholic dioceses and parishes begin to cut staff during the coronavirus pandemic, they could be eligible for unprecedented federal... Read more

Fr. Deogratius Kiibi Kateregga. Public domain.

Priests arrested for public Mass celebrations during coronavirus shutdowns

Mar 30, 2020

Amid lockdowns responding to the coronavirus pandemic, at least three priests were arrested Sunday for celebrating Mass publicly, in alleged... Read more

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre closed indefinitely

Mar 30, 2020

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre will remain closed until further notice. It is the first time in nearly 700 years... Read more