News & Commentary

A pro-life advocate holds a rosary and sign in this file photo from Nov. 3, 2019. Planned Parenthood released its new annual report for 2023-2024, their first covering a period of time after the Dobbs decision. (OSV News photo/Sam Lucero, The Compass)

Planned Parenthood report shows abortions, public funding up after Dobbs

Planned Parenthood's latest annual report shows an increase in abortions from the previous year's report, while also showing a $100 million increase in government funding amid an overall decrease in cancer screenings and prevention services.
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Conclave: First ballot fails to elect pope

As expected, the 133 cardinals who entered the Sistine Chapel May 7 failed to elect the next pope on their first ballot.
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Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna processes into St. Peter's Basilica for the Mass "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice" ("for the election of the Roman pontiff") at the Vatican May 7, 2025.

Choose the pope the world needs, dean urges cardinals before conclave

At Mass before the conclave that will elect the next pope, the dean of the College of Cardinals urged his brothers to choose the shepherd the church and all of humanity need "at this difficult and complex and tormented" turning ...
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Cardinals Gérald C. Lacroix of Québec, Wilton D. Gregory, retired archbishop of Washington, and Daniel N. DiNardo, retired archbishop of Galveston-Houston, speak outside the Pontifical North American College in Rome May 5, 2025.

In final pre-conclave meetings, cardinals discuss war, dialogue

With less than 48 hours until the beginning of the conclave, the cardinals who will enter the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope discussed war, the need for dialogue and the role of the pope in fostering it.
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, April 30, 2025.

Trump’s AI image depicting himself as pope brings condemnation from some; others call it a jest

President Donald Trump posted an image that appeared to be created by artificial intelligence depicting himself as pope just days after making a comment to reporters that he would like to become the next pope.
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Pope Francis greets an elderly woman as he meets with people in Asuncion, Paraguay, July 12, 2015. The pope in January 2021 established the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly, celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, near the July 26 liturgical memorial of Jesus' grandparents Sts. Joachim and Anne. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

In 12 years, Pope Francis made enormous impact on church, liturgical life

While the liturgical legacy of Pope Francis may have flown under the radar for many, several experts told OSV News his 12-year papacy made a definite impact.
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Salesian Sister Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, is pictured meeting the pope at the Vatican in an undated photo. Pope Francis named Sister Alessandra to her post in 2021, first as undersecretary then as secretary. Formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the pope died April 21, 2025, at age 88. (CNS photo/Vatican Media, courtesy Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development)

How Francis’ legacy is shaping the next chapter of the Church for women

The enduring legacy of Pope Francis is seen in the women whose voices helped shape his vision.
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