Edition of Thursday, October 22

Ordinary Time, Week 29 · Green

Thursday, October 22

11 stories · 3 with multiple publishers

01
Vatican reports 407,421 priests worldwide
discussVaticanOct 22, 12:15 AM PDTFirst report Oct 16, 2:49 AM PDT
The total number of Catholic priests worldwide rose to 407,421, marking the first increase in five years, according to statistics released by the Vatican agency Fides.
Briefing and sources: Vatican reports 407,421 priests worldwide. 37 sources58 reportsArchdiocese of HuêDiocese of Bac NinhCBCP News+34

First report Oct 16, 2026, 2:49 AM PDTLatest report Oct 22, 2026, 12:15 AM PDT

The total number of Catholic priests worldwide rose to 407,421, marking the first increase in five years, according to statistics released by the Vatican agency Fides. The report, which uses data from the Statistical Yearbook of the Church as of December 31, 2024, shows a net increase of 425 priests compared to the previous year.
Africa recorded the largest growth with 1,676 additional priests, followed by Asia with 1,065. The Americas also saw an increase of 199 priests. Conversely, Europe reported a decrease of 2,483 priests, while Oceania saw a decline of 32.
The overall growth was driven by diocesan priests, whose numbers reached 279,238, an increase of 496. During the same period, the number of priests from religious orders fell by 71 to 128,183. Despite the rise in the number of priests, the ratio of Catholics per priest increased to 3,491.

SourcesArchdiocese of Huê Diocese of Bac Ninh CBCP News Diocese of Kontum Vatican News
02
Archbishop James R. Golka asks Father Chad Ripperger to step back from media for 1 yearArchdiocese of Denver
discussBishopsOct 22, 10:31 AM PDTFirst report Oct 19, 3:04 PM PDT
Archbishop James R. Golka of Denver has asked Father Chad Ripperger to take a one-year break from public speaking and interviews.
Briefing and sources: Archbishop James R. Golka asks Father Chad Ripperger to step back from media for 1 year. 21 sources22 reportsThe Catholic WeeklyThe Catholic TelegraphDiocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend+18

First report Oct 19, 2026, 3:04 PM PDTLatest report Oct 22, 2026, 10:31 AM PDT

Archbishop James R. Golka of Denver has asked Father Chad Ripperger to take a one-year break from public speaking and interviews. The Archdiocese of Denver announced the request on October 19, stating that the priest agreed to the arrangement.
The archbishop made the recommendation during a recent meeting to discuss Father Ripperger's ministry and his religious community, the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother. Also known as the Doloran Fathers, this semi-contemplative society of priests is based in Keenesburg, Colorado. The archdiocese said the break will allow Father Ripperger to devote himself to the society and the people it serves.
The archdiocese confirmed that Father Ripperger remains a priest in good standing. Archbishop Golka expressed gratitude for the priest's service and exorcism ministry, as well as his willing response to the request. The archbishop and Father Ripperger plan to review the arrangement after one year.

SourcesThe Catholic Weekly The Catholic Telegraph Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend National Catholic Register The Catholic Sun Crux ACI Prensa OSV News Catholic News Agency
03
European bishops adopt declaration on AI
discussBishopsOct 22, 8:01 AM PDTFirst report Oct 19, 3:56 AM PDT
Briefing and sources: European bishops adopt declaration on AI. 16 sources40 reportsCOMECEVatican NewsDiocese of Belfort–Montbéliard+13

First report Oct 19, 2026, 3:56 AM PDTLatest report Oct 22, 2026, 8:01 AM PDT

SourcesCOMECE Vatican News Diocese of Belfort–Montbéliard
04
Pope Leo XIV receives participants in Congress on Pastoral Care for Schools and UniversitiesPope Leo XIV
discussEducationBackgroundOct 22, 2:55 AM PDT
Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the International Congress on School and University Pastoral Care on October 22, 2026.
Briefing and sources: Pope Leo XIV receives participants in Congress on Pastoral Care for Schools and Universities. Holy See Press Office

First report Oct 22, 2026, 2:55 AM PDT

Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the International Congress on School and University Pastoral Care on October 22, 2026. The audience took place in the Paul VI Hall during the first day of the congress.
The Pope addressed attendees from various parts of the world, including the prefect, secretaries, and officials of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. He noted the importance of pastoral work in academic institutions to support the dignity of the person and the proclamation of the Gospel.
In his address, the Pope stated that pastoral care in schools and universities must respond to the internal desires of students. He observed that while many students show enthusiasm and a spirit of service, others face existential suffering, including family difficulties, digital isolation, and uncertainty regarding the future.

SourcesHoly See Press Office
05
Pope Leo XIV to Address Conference on School and University Pastoral MinistryPope Leo XIV
discussEducationBackgroundOct 22, 2:19 AM PDT
Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the International Conference on School and University Pastoral Ministry on October 22, 2026.
Briefing and sources: Pope Leo XIV to Address Conference on School and University Pastoral Ministry. Holy See Press Office

First report Oct 22, 2026, 2:19 AM PDT

Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the International Conference on School and University Pastoral Ministry on October 22, 2026. The audience took place in the Paul VI Hall at the start of the conference.
During his address, the Pope thanked the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, along with officials and secretaries, for organizing the event. He noted that the conference brings together attendees from various parts of the world to discuss ministry within educational and academic institutions.
The Pope stated that pastoral ministry in schools and universities must respond to the human and Christian journeys of students. He observed that while young people often show enthusiasm and a spirit of service, many also face challenges such as broken families, digital loneliness, and uncertainty regarding the future.

SourcesHoly See Press Office
06
Marriage Preparation Courses: 2027 dates announced
discussVaticanOct 22, 11:56 PM PDT
Briefing and sources: Marriage Preparation Courses: 2027 dates announced. Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh

First report Oct 22, 2026, 11:56 PM PDT

The Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh has released the 2027 schedule for its marriage preparation courses, with bookings now open for couples planning a Catholic wedding.
Couples can choose to attend sessions fully online or participate in a hybrid format that combines online learning with an in-person session at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Led by Fr Benedict Iwatt, the Vicar Episcopal for Marriage and Families, the courses include contributions from other priests and married couples. The curriculum covers prayer, communication, conflict management, and the Catholic Marriage Rite, specifically focusing on the meaning of marriage vows.
Fr Benedict noted that the preparation helps couples understand the significance of marriage in the Church and reflect on their commitment. He referenced Pope Francis's teachings in Amoris Laetitia, stating that the program aims to equip couples for a lifelong vocation of love and faithfulness rather than just focusing on the wedding ceremony.
Couples must consult their parish priest before registering for a course and are advised to provide at least six months' notice before their wedding date.

SourcesArchdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh
07
Sense and Sensibility — PG (A-ll)
discussLife & FamilyOct 22, 11:25 PM PDT
Briefing and sources: Sense and Sensibility — PG (A-ll). The Catholic Spirit

First report Oct 22, 2026, 11:25 PM PDT

Director Georgia Oakley and screenwriter Diana Reid have adapted Jane Austen’s 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility into a new film. The production explores human nature and the social refinements of the era, making it suitable for various age groups.
The story follows two sisters with contrasting temperaments: the prudent Elinor Dashwood, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, and the headstrong Marianne Dashwood, played by Esmé Creed-Miles. After their father dies, the sisters, their mother, and their youngest sibling Margaret must share their home with their half-brother John and his wife Fanny.
The plot centers on the family conflict that arises when Elinor develops an attachment to Edward Ferrars, the brother of Fanny. The sisters eventually face new living arrangements after a distant relative, Mrs. Jennings, offers them a tenancy.

SourcesThe Catholic Spirit
08
Street Fighter — PG-13 (A-lll)
discussReligious FreedomOct 22, 11:14 PM PDT
Briefing and sources: Street Fighter — PG-13 (A-lll). The Catholic Spirit

First report Oct 22, 2026, 11:14 PM PDT

The martial arts fantasy film Street Fighter, directed by Kitao Sakurai and T.J. Fixman, contains elements of violence, nudity, and sexual humor that may require parental discretion.
Set in 1993, the story follows estranged friends Ryu, played by Andrew Koji, and Ken, played by Noah Centineo. Ryu lives in seclusion selling Japanese food, while Ken has become a minor celebrity. A dictator named Bison, played by David Dastmalchian, organizes a tournament to steal Ryu's energy, forcing both men to compete. Chun-Li, played by Callina Liang, organizes the event while working toward her own hidden agenda.
The Catholic Spirit reports that the film features frequent nonlethal but gory violence, instances of torture, and fleeting nudity. The movie also includes sexual double entendres, occasional sexually themed humor, and various levels of profanity and swearing. While the film includes brief warnings about the evils of envy and egotism, the review describes the majority of the content as frenetic and macho.

SourcesThe Catholic Spirit
09
Archdiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino to hold formation course for sacristans and cult attendantsDiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino
discussEducationOct 22, 11:00 PM PDT
Briefing and sources: Archdiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino to hold formation course for sacristans and cult attendants. Diocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino

First report Oct 22, 2026, 11:00 PM PDT

The Archdiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino will hold a training course for sacristans and cult attendants starting November 4, 2026. The sessions will take place at the Montarioso Pastoral Center in Monteriggioni.
The course consists of four meetings held from 18:00 to 19:15 on November 4, November 11, November 19, and November 25.

SourcesDiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–Montalcino
10
Father Sheridan, Diocese of Charlotte’s first schools superintendent, dies at 89Diocese of Charlotte
discussDiocesesOct 22, 10:45 PM PDT
Briefing and sources: Father Sheridan, Diocese of Charlotte’s first schools superintendent, dies at 89. Catholic News Herald

First report Oct 22, 2026, 10:20 PM PDTLatest report Oct 22, 2026, 10:45 PM PDT

SourcesCatholic News Herald
11
Diocese of Milano researches foreign nunsDiocese of Milano
discussReligious OrdersOct 22, 10:00 PM PDT
Briefing and sources: Diocese of Milano researches foreign nuns. Diocese of Milano

First report Oct 22, 2026, 10:00 PM PDT

SourcesDiocese of Milano