OSV News

Pope Leo XIV has named Sister Alessandra Smerilli prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Vatican announced June 30, making her the latest woman elevated to lead a major Vatican office under the new pontificate. The pope also appointed Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect of the same dicastery, with special responsibility for the Laudato si’ Higher Education Center. Sister Smerilli and Cardinal Baggio will take up their new roles Sept. 1, 2026. The pairing of a woman religious as prefect alongside a cardinal as pro-prefect echoes a leadership model first introduced by Pope Francis, who in January 2025 named Sister Simona Brambilla prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime serving alongside her as pro-prefect. Sister Smerilli, a member of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, succeeds Cardinal Michael Czerny, 79, the Czech-born Canadian Jesuit who has led the dicastery since 2022. She has served as the dicastery's secretary since August 2021, when she became the first woman appointed to that position in a Vatican dicastery. 📷 Lola Gomez @CatholicNewsSvc Full story: https://lnkd.in/eqcwWX35

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we're diving deeper into how Catholics have made an impact on American history from the first settlements in the 17th century to today. Many hospitals Americans rely on today trace their roots to religious sisters who founded and staffed early healthcare institutions across the United States. Long before public health systems existed, these women cared for the sick during epidemics, wars and frontier expansion, often treating patients regardless of their ability to pay and helping lay the foundation for a national healthcare network. Read more about how religious sisters and Catholic organizations created one of the largest health systems in the country, and shaped the modern standard of care. #America250 #CatholicHospitals #ReligiousSisters #CatholicsinMedicine

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we're diving deeper into how Catholics have made an impact on American history from the first settlements in the 17th century to today. Catholic education remains one of the Church's most significant contributions to the nation, expanding opportunity for millions of Americans and helping broaden participation in the American dream. Read more about how Church leaders, religious, laypeople and saints were at the forefront of creating one of the largest private educational systems in the world. #America250 #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools

In this continuing series on the origins of Catholicism in the 50 states, the story of New England begins in a region that was, from the start, among the least welcoming places in early America for Catholics. Taken together, the Catholic story of New England is one of endurance and gradual transformation. From the early missionary encounters with Native peoples along rivers and lakes, through centuries of exclusion, suspicion and legal restriction, Catholic life survived largely at the margins. What began as a scattered and often hidden faith was reshaped in the 19th and early 20th centuries by immigration and industrialization as parishes, schools and charitable works took root across the region. Today, Catholicism is woven deeply into New England’s religious and cultural fabric — a long way from the days when Mass was forbidden, bishops arrived in their new diocese in disguise and Catholics struggled simply to be counted. As the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage travels through New England, read more about the Catholic history of these six states: https://lnkd.in/eqr4Ezyw

Dad jokes may not make someone a saint — but fatherhood has. This Father’s Day, meet a few of the many saints who were also fathers from whom men leading families can learn and seek prayerful intercession: https://lnkd.in/ejCyq4GY #FathersDay #Saints #FatherFigure

Long before he became St. John Paul II, young Karol Wojtyła learned faith, perseverance and prayer from his father, Karol Wojtyła Sr. Their story is a powerful reminder that a father's example can leave a lasting impact for generations. Karol Wojtyla Sr. raised his two sons alone after the death of his wife, leaving an enduring example of fatherhood rooted in faith, sacrifice and daily presence which helped shape one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. “The key influence in his life was the example of his father, and far too little is said about that,” George Weigel, biographer of John Paul and author of “Witness to Hope,” underlined. “He was not afraid of suffering,” Weigel said. “There was a certain nobility in him that became an inspiration for his son throughout his life. Certainly, the depth of his faith became a foundation in shaping the man who later became John Paul II.” Read the full story at https://lnkd.in/eBzvkuCR #FathersDay #JPII #StJohnPaulII #FatherFigures

Karen Callaway, longtime photo editor for the Chicago Catholic, received the 2026 St. Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Media Association on the final day of its annual conference in Atlantic City. It is the highest award the CMA presents to an individual for “outstanding contributions to Catholic journalism.” “I’m humbled and honored. It’s a big surprise,” she said in accepting the award via a video message from — appropriately — Chicago, where she was outside the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV in the south suburb of Dolton, Illinois. Congratulations, Karen! https://lnkd.in/eTZSke25

Pope Leo XIV may carry the weight of guiding 1.4 billion souls, but the Holy Father is not above a good dad joke. Since his election, the 70-year-old Chicago native has deployed a steady stream of quips, puns and one-liners in the past year that would feel right at home around any family dinner table. In honor of Father’s Day June 21, here’s a look at some of the Holy Father’s best dad jokes about sports, retirement and the Holy Spirit: https://lnkd.in/eU8fKR8Z

OSV News’ Gretchen Crowe and Bob Roller are excited to be in Atlantic City for #CMCAC with the Catholic Media Association this week! Grateful for the chance to meet and network with members of the Catholic media from the across the country 🙏

Vice President JD Vance's new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," is a story of several of his conversions: from Protestant Christian to atheist to Christian again as a Catholic; from Appalachia to Washington; from a vocal skeptic of President Donald Trump to his running mate. In "Communion," a 304-page sequel published by HarperCollins to his 2016 breakout bestseller "Hillbilly Elegy," a memoir of growing up in his Appalachian family, Vance weaves his faith journey, beginning in his childhood, through his recent life changes and with his own policy and cultural views, ranging from immigration and abortion to U.S. birth rates and supporting young families. Read more: https://lnkd.in/enbd8ERV