Catholic Nutshell News: Wednesday 3/4/26
Topics include: Pope ‘cannot comment’ on Jimmy Lai; Iran war as ‘God’s divine plan’?; Polish bishops unveil canonical fines; & Euthanasia bill is ‘dead’ in England and Wales
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EWTN News
Pope ‘cannot comment’ on Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment
By Hannah Brockhaus, March 4, 2026
Pope Leo XIV told EWTN News he “cannot comment” on Jimmy Lai, the Catholic founder and publisher of the outspoken pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, who was sentenced Feb. 9 on charges Chinese authorities say violate national security laws. The sentence to 20 years in prison came after his conviction in December, a case his supporters have denounced as a politically driven show trial. Pope Leo XIV met with Lai’s wife and daughter in October 2025. Leo has not talked about Lai directly but has spoken about imprisoned journalists and the importance of press freedom. “The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations and the international community, calling on all of us to safeguard the precious gift of free speech and of the press.”
National Catholic Register
A radio show turned an Anglican into a Catholic pilgrim
By Zelda Caldwell, March 4, 2026
Penelope Williams is a self-described “Catholic Answers convert.” The 71-year-old resident of Carlsbad, California, will be embarking on her second Catholic cruise in the company of some of the very people she says helped spark her conversion to the Catholic faith: the apologists from the Catholic Answers media apostolate. Twelve years ago, the former Anglican said, she happened upon an episode of Catholic Answers Live, the radio call-in show in which apologists field questions from believers and nonbelievers alike. “Never in a million years was I considering becoming Catholic until I, by a stroke of the Holy Spirit, heard an episode of Catholic Answers Live,” she told the Register, explaining that “many of my family prejudices against Catholicism were exploded.” A couple of years later, she was received into the Catholic Church.
Related: ‘My Name Is Lazarus’: Former Charlottesville rally participant says Catholic faith, Chesterton led him away from neo-Nazism, Catholic Vote News Feed - March 3, 2026
CatholicVote/Zeale
Complaints that commanders cast Iran war as ‘God’s divine plan’
By Elise Winland, March 3, 2026
Independent journalist Jonathan Larsen reported March 2 that dozens of U.S. service members filed complaints with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) alleging that senior military officers are describing the war with Iran as part of “God’s divine plan.” Larsen, a former MSNBC producer, said that between the morning of Feb. 28 and March 2, more than 110 complaints were submitted to the MRFF, a nonprofit that advocates for separation of church and state within the armed forces. According to Larsen, the complaints “came from more than 40 different units spread across at least 30 military installations.” In a written complaint Larsen shared in his report, a non-commissioned officer (NCO) said a combat unit commander told troops during a readiness briefing that President Donald Trump “has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth.”
Jerusalem Post
Mojtaba Khamenei poised to become next supreme leader?
By REUTERS, March 4, 2026
Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly survived the strike on Iran and is seen by the establishment as the prospective next supreme leader, two Iranian sources told Reuters on Wednesday. A mid-ranking cleric with close ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards, hardliner Mojtaba is one of the most influential figures in the Iranian clerical establishment. He has, for years, been seen as one of the top candidates to succeed his father. “He (Mojtaba) is alive ... he was not in Tehran when the Supreme Leader was killed,” one of the sources said. His father, slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday after the United States and Israel attacked targets across Iran - one of a number of military and other influential figures killed. The Assembly of Experts building had been evacuated in advance due to the risk of an attack, and the leadership selection was conducted virtually and had entered its final stages. According to Fars
The Pillar
Polish bishops unveil fines for canonical offenses
By Luke Coppen, March 3, 2026
A new canonical law entered into force in Poland on Sunday, imposing financial penalties on clergy and lay personnel who violate Church law. Under the new law, financial penalties can be imposed for a wide variety of offenses, including disobedience to ecclesiastical authority, misappropriation of Church property, and bribery. Two canons — canon 1336 § 2, n. 2, and canon 1336 § 4, n. 5 — concern “expiatory penalties,” which are punitive in nature, meant to satisfy justice, rather than “medicinal penalties,” which are aimed at the reform of the offender. The Polish bishops’ decree ties fines to the country’s minimum gross monthly wage, which is currently 4,806 Polish złotys (around $1,300) for full-time employees. In recent years, Polish bishops who mishandled abuse cases have been asked to donate to the St. Joseph’s Foundation, a body established by the Polish bishops in 2019 to support abuse survivors.
Aleteia
Euthanasia bill is ‘dead’ in England and Wales
By Theresa Civantos Barber, March 3, 2026
Controversial legislation to permit assisted suicide in England and Wales is set to fail because of a lack of parliamentary time. The government will not give the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill more time before the May deadline, when all legislation must have passed or automatically fall. Although it may seem early to declare that the bill will run out of time, a press release from Right To Life UK explained why the bill is considered dead: “It is failing because it is a badly drafted piece of legislation and, after appropriate & necessary scrutiny, Peers have rightly determined that the Bill cannot be made safe or workable.” This bill applies only to England and Wales. A separate assisted suicide bill is currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament. In Canada, astonishing reports of forced euthanasia have plagued its assisted suicide program since euthanasia became legal there in 2015. Other reports note same-day availability, the killing of a young man with only seasonal depression, and other issues.
CRUX
Conservative Anglican leaders debate on a possible breakaway
By Peter Smith, March 3, 2026
Anglicans worldwide are grappling with foundational questions: Can they stay together? Should they? Or have their theological differences frayed centuries of unity beyond repair? The outlook for the Anglican Communion, one of the world’s largest families of Christian churches, remains uncertain, but some answers may emerge by the end of this week. Conservative leaders of numerous Anglican churches are gathering in Nigeria on Tuesday for a four-day meeting. They’ll discuss a plan that could result in a historic split in one of the world’s largest Christian communions. At the same time, representatives of the historic Anglican Communion announced a revised restructuring plan on Monday. It would decentralize its leadership away from its longtime base in England and potentially enable cooperation despite strong theological disagreements.
OSV News
Colorado clergy peer support, resiliency program a first
By Sheryl Tirol, March 3, 2026
When Deacon Ernie Martinez took on his role as director of deacons for the Archdiocese of Denver three years ago, he brought with him an insight few clergy possess: 40 years of experience with the Denver Police Department, where he witnessed firsthand how peer support could save lives. That experience has now translated into what organizers believe is the nation’s first diocesan-sponsored clergy peer support and resiliency initiative, a program designed to address the often-invisible weight carried by those who minister to others. “No one survives this vocation alone,” said Deacon Martinez. “In law enforcement, we say, ‘Watch your six’ — I’ve got your back when you can’t see what’s coming. In the church, we say something older and holier: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ Different language, but the same mission.” Close to 35 deacons from Denver and two from Colorado Springs completed the training, along with four priests.
From Loop & EWTN to Pillar Post for 3/4/26
CatholicVote: Zeale’s LOOP
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US VATICAN AMBASSADOR EXPLAINS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POPE, TRUMP - U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Brian Burch, in a recent interview, rejected claims that Pope Leo is at odds with President Donald Trump. “I don’t see a conflict there. I think people want to make it into a personality fight between the Pope and the president. That’s not what it’s about.” READ
SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH PARENTS AGAINST SCHOOLS HIDING KIDS’ ‘GENDER’ - The Supreme Court has sided with concerned parents against a California policy that allows school teachers and administrators to hide kids’ “gender transitions” from their families. The high court granted an emergency application to several California parents on March 2. READ
100,000 PILGRIMS FLOCK TO SAINT’S REMAINS IN ASSISI - A newly opened display of St. Francis of Assisi’s remains drew about 100,000 pilgrims to the Italian town in its first week, a surge the Franciscan friars managing the display attributed to a desire for communion and prayer amid ongoing violence. READ
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — March 4, 2026
EWTN News provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and the activities of the Holy See, and is available to anyone with internet access.
‘2 hours to pack up’: How the Iranian conflict has upended Catholic pilgrimages in the region - By Daniel Payne - The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran brought major conflict to the Middle East and sent Christian pilgrims scrambling for safe harbor there. “All along the Red Sea were resorts — resort after resort, all of them abandoned on this beautiful sea,” said Father Albert and Abby Scharbach, who discovered that their pilgrimage in Israel had been cut short. “There is nothing there.”
‘This work is about hope:’ University of St. Mary prison education program centers on human dignity - By Kate Quiñones - “The students are some of the most devoted, conscientious, and hardworking I have had,” said English professor Leanna Brunner. “Every week that I go in the prison to teach, I come out feeling even more insightful than when I entered. I learn as much from the students about life as they do from me.”
Priest scrutinized for letters written on behalf of 2 notorious Mexican drug traffickers - By Belén Zapata - Mexican priest José Dolores Aguayo González, known as Father Lolo, has received criticism from the archbishop of Guadalajara, Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega, about letters Aguayo sent to a U.S. court on behalf of two convicted drug traffickers.
The Pillar
Pillar Stories for Tuesday, 3/4/26
The Pillar offers a news summary and a capsule take on Catholic News. Here are news stories from the past week in the Pillar Post:
Juan Pablo Guanipa is one of the best-known faces of Venezuela’s political opposition. He is widely considered to be Nobel Peace Prize Award winner María Corina Machado’s right-hand man. And for his efforts to champion a change in Venezuela, he spent more than nine months in prison, until he was freed last month after the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Fr. Roberto Regoli is president of the Ratzinger Foundation, whose aim is to promote the theological work of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — Pope Benedict XVI. He talked with The Pillar about Ratzinger’s intellectual legacy, his faith, and his enduring influence.
The German bishops will formally ask the Vatican to permit lay preaching at Masses, despite the Church’s clarity that the homily is an act of sacred orders, and thus reserved to the ordained. I don’t expect the Apostolic See will say yes. On the other hand, at least the Germans are asking permission instead of just doing it. That’s gotta count for something, right? Oh, wait …
Nutshell reflections for 3/4/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection Audio - March 4, 2026
Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent
CBCPNEWS
Manila archdiocese opens center amid rise in exorcism cases
By Norman Dequia, February 24, 2026
The Archdiocese of Manila on Monday inaugurated a center for “spiritual liberation”, as Church leaders cited an increase in cases involving spiritual distress. Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila said the blessing of the Makati City facility, dedicated to Saint Michael, marked more than the opening of a building. “This is not merely the inauguration of a building. It is the consecration of a mission,” Advincula said during the rites. The center will serve as the hub of the archdiocese’s Ministry of Exorcism and Spiritual Liberation. St. Michael is widely invoked in Catholic devotion for protection against evil spirits, particularly in exorcisms. Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, chief exorcist of Manila, said the establishment of the center comes amid a rise in cases referred to the archdiocese’s Office of Exorcism. “Especially now, cases of diabolical oppression, obsession, and possession are increasing. We usually receive about two cases a day,” Syquia said.
Aleteia
Climb with us to see Michelangelo’s cleaned-up work
By Camille Dalmas, March 3, 2026
Aleteia had the unique opportunity to climb the scaffolding of an impressive restoration project currently underway on the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. The method used by the Museum teams shouldn’t be controversial. It consists of delicately flattening a small square of almost transparent Japanese paper onto the fresco, then just as carefully passing a brush dipped in demineralized water over it. In a few minutes, the paper absorbs the whitish patina and is removed. The operation has already been carried out on a large part of the wall and should be completed in a month, in time for the start of Holy Week. “It’s a less demanding project than others, but nevertheless necessary to preserve The Last Judgment,” says Fabrizio Biferali, who says he is honored to be part of this small gesture in the history of painting and restoration. Pictures of the improvements available here.
Catholic Exchange
Why Catholics don’t do ‘Sola Scriptura’ or Scripture Alone
By Victoria Cardona, March 4, 2026
For many Christians, the opinion that the Bible is the best and only source of religious knowledge feels natural, even obvious. However, the Catholic Church holds onto something richer and more nutritious than only relying on scripture. It is about the Word of God, which stems from Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. This is where the irony rolls in—the belief that sola Scriptura is the only rule of faith is itself not found anywhere in the Bible. In fact, scripture confirms that the Word of God was passed on orally and by tradition, first from the apostles to their disciples, and from there to multitudes. All this occurred before the content was ever written down. The Early Church did not have the New Testament written for several generations, at least not until the fourth century. Christians practiced the Faith based on the knowledge they had from oral apostolic teaching, the Eucharist, the liturgy, and guidance from bishops.
Crisis Magazine
Forced Chinese organ harvesting — the Church should speak up
By John Cassara, March 4, 2026
This article is not for the squeamish. A haunting video of a former Chinese doctor describes how he was ordered to extract the eyes of a prisoner. Filled with terror, the eyes were moving. The prisoner was alive. Annie, who escaped to the United States, talks about her husband, a brain surgeon, who suffers from horrible flashbacks due to the things he was asked to do to living, breathing children of God. Her husband, Annie says, forcibly removed over 2,000 corneas. “Every time he did this, he got lots of money and cash awards—several dozen times his normal salary—several hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars.” It is estimated that illicitly acquired organs are involved in up to 10% of all transplants, estimated to be at least a $1 billion per year in China. Fortunately, the United States has officially condemned the practice of forced organ harvesting in China. The Vatican should be at the forefront in criticizing Chinese organ harvesting and other forms of CCP immoral criminality. Yet it has never issued a formal, explicit condemnation.