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Pope Leo XIV

Only the resurrected Jesus can give the peace that sustains: Pope

Power, possessions and rank do not satisfy the deep desire for real meaning in life, Pope Leo XIV said yesterday. Source: CNS.

Immigration Opinion

Cynical voices risk damaging Australia’s hard-won social cohesion

In recent weeks, we have witnessed a concerning shift in Australia’s conversation about migration, writes Jerry Nockles. Source: Canberra Times.

Families

Birth rate hits record low as parents put off having children

Australia’s fertility rate has collapsed to its lowest level on record, forcing the country to rely more heavily on immigration to expand the population as parents increasingly choose to have children when they are older. Source: The Age.

Appointment In The Dioceses

Bunbury Bishop names diocese’s new chancellor

Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS has appointed Kerrie Merritt as the diocese’s new chancellor from February 2026.

First Nations Victoria

Catholic Social Services welcomes treaty legislation

Catholic Social Services Victoria has welcomed the introduction and progression of treaty legislation in the Victorian Parliament.

In The Dioceses

New pastoral plan for Sale Diocese’s ‘journey of renewal’

Bishop Greg Bennet says the launch of Sale Diocese’s new pastoral plan is a “highly significant moment” in the life of the Victorian diocese.

Abuse crisis Canon Law

Vatican group defining crime of spiritual abuse ‘making good progress’

A group working to define and classify the crime of spiritual abuse in Canon Law is making progress, with its leader confirmed despite being transferred to another department. Source: Crux.

Animals Pope Leo XIV

If the Popemobile ever breaks down …

At his Wednesday morning general audience, Pope Leo’s face lit up with an unusually bright smile as he received a unique donation: Proton, a purebred Arabian horse from a prestigious Polish stable. Source: OSV News.

Southeast Asia

Filipinos wear white to Mass in protest against corruption

Catholics in the Philippines wore white clothing to Mass on Sunday, following an appeal from their bishops as a symbolic gesture to call for renewal in the predominantly Catholic nation, which is grappling with corruption scandals. Source: UCA News.