Catholic news for Monday, August 17

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption with a Mass in Castel Gandolfo. He reflected on Mary's authentic beauty, revealed through a life of enduring love. The Pope emphasized that Mary's soul leads us toward the glory of Heaven.

SourcesDiocese of Bragança PaulistaVatican News

An earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores Island, killing over 53 people and injuring around 100. Caritas Indonesia is providing aid to those affected. The Catholic organization has mobilized its resources across the country to help the victims.

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of HallamDiocese of Labuan Bajo

John DeJak, USCCB's education director, provides an overview of Catholic education in America. He discusses current trends in US Catholic education as a new school year begins.

SourcesDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendAngelus NewsThe Catholic SunThe LeavenOSV News

Pope Leo XIV expressed spiritual solidarity and closeness to those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia. The earthquake occurred on August 15 and caused over 50 deaths and thousands of displacements. The Pope encouraged ongoing humanitarian efforts.

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of HallamDiocese of Skopje

A bus carrying Polish pilgrims crashed on a Hungarian highway, killing 12 people and injuring at least 10. The bus was returning from Medjugorje. The Hungarian police suspect the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

SourcesKonferencja Episkopatu PolskiVatican NewsDiocese of EłkCírkev.czNiedzielaGość Niedzielny

SourcesCNBBDiocese of GrodnoDiocese of BuéaDiocese of Santa Fe de AntioquiaArchdiocese of RigaNiedziela

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the parish church in Castel Gandolfo on the feast of the Assumption. He said that true beauty is found in enduring love, which 'ennobles and lifts us up.'

SourcesL'Osservatore RomanoDiocese of SaginawRome ReportsThe Catholic RegisterThe TabletCatholic Star Herald

Pope Leo XIV delivered a homily at a Mass on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass was held at the parish church of San Tommaso da Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope reflected on the significance of the Assumption.

SourcesVatican NewsKnisja MaltijaArchdiocese of RennesCatholic Bishops' Conference of JapanDiocese of Ban Mê Thuôt

Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of priests remaining faithful to the texts and instructions of the Mass. He encouraged proper formation to celebrate the sacred liturgy with dignity. The Pope made these comments in a message to participants in a Vatican-organized meeting in Oregon.

SourcesVatican NewsMagyar KurírCatholic New YorkCathNews AustraliaTK KBSThe Catholic Thing

Pope Leo XIV will visit San Marino on Aug. 22. He will meet with authorities, lead Eucharistic adoration, and meet the faithful. San Marino has deep Catholic roots.

SourcesNational Catholic RegisterCatholic News AgencyACI PrensaCatholic Star HeraldACI DigitalCatholic World Report

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as papal legate, led a prayer vigil in Aci Castello, Sicily, to mark the 900th anniversary of the translation of St. Agatha's relics. He praised St. Agatha's enduring witness of immense faith. The vigil was part of the celebrations for the 900th anniversary of the translation of the martyr's relics.

SourcesVatican News

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of KontumArchdiocese of HuêDiocese of Ðà Nang

Ten Catholics were arrested for expelling Hindu activists from a church in Rajasthan, India. They were held on charges of conversion and attempted murder. The Rajasthan High Court granted bail after 104 days.

SourcesCatholic News AgencyNational Catholic RegisterCatholic Star HeraldACI PrensaCatholic World Report

Bishop Stanislas Lalanne, emeritus bishop of Pontoise, died suddenly. He was 78 years old. Lalanne previously served as secretary general of the French Bishops' Conference.

SourcesÉglise catholique en FranceVatican NewsLa CroixAleteia

The Diocese of Nantes broadcasts a Mass from Piriac-sur-Mer. The Archdiocese of Malta also announces a Mass and Rosary. Mass readings are available for August 23-30, 2026.

SourcesKnisja MaltijaDiocese of NantesMagyar KurírThe Southern Cross

Pope Leo XIV expresses hope that the Mediterranean Games in southern Italy will promote sport as a 'prophecy of peace and fraternity'. The event will feature Athletica Vaticana with four athletes in three disciplines. The Games will open with a Holy Mass and the lighting of the Olympic flame.

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of HallamCanção NovaTK KBS

Florida Catholic bishops defend their ability to determine policies for Catholic schools after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent them a letter. The letter demanded that Catholic schools adopt religious exemptions to vaccine requirements.

SourcesDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendThe Catholic SunOSV NewsAmerica

A priest of the Archdiocese of San Antonio was found guilty of schism and removed from the clerical state. He had called Popes Francis and Leo 'usurpers'. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller warned Catholics not to follow him or support his group, Mission of Divine Mercy.

SourcesDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendThe Catholic SunOSV NewsZENIT News Agency