Kate Scanlon
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Articles by Kate Scanlon
US Catholic bishops urge the faithful to vote, but put 'faith over politics'
A person drops off an election ballot at a drive-through ballot drop box during the California primary election in San Diego June 2, 2026. (OSV News/Mike Blake, Reuters) Ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement Oct.
Trump calls off Hegseth plan to livestream execution denounced by Catholic leaders
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December. The plan was met with widespread condemnation, including from U.S. bishops.
Trump calls off Hegseth plan to livestream execution denounced by Catholic leaders
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December. The plan was met with widespread condemnation, including from U.S. bishops.
60 years later, thanking God for the ‘compulsion’ of becoming a priest
From 1966, left to right: Father Ron’s dad; 18-year-old Ron; a friend of his mother; his mother; and his older brother, already a priest, Father Wendelin. (Courtesy Father Ron Rolheiser) In telling his faith story, C.S. Lewis shares that, at the moment of his conversion, he was “the most reluctant convert in the history of Christianity,” but that he gave himself over to Christ because “God’s compulsion is our liberation.” That phrase spoke to me recently when, on Sept.
With pastor’s help, LA teen is teaching families about new child investment program
Sophia Moreno is a senior at Marlborough School in Los Angeles and a parishioner at St. Martin of Tours Church in Brentwood. Moreno recently created the First Investor Project, a platform to help low-income families learn about Section 530A child-investment accounts (also called Trump Accounts). (Submitted photo) Sophia Moreno has been active in debate since sixth grade, but she never expected her debating experience to spark her interest in policy and economics.
Trump pushes ahead on AI in face of ongoing concerns from Pope Leo and voters
Trump pushes ahead on AI in face of ongoing concerns from Pope Leo and voters US President Donald Trump hosts a luncheon for tech leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington September 29, 2026.
Chicago Catholics rally for prayer in Pope Leo's hometown after his lung cancer diagnosis
"He has much more good work to do, many more wise words to preach and many more ways to inspire others," Cupich said in a statement. Earlier Wednesday, students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy made get-well cards and a care package, complete with a White Sox blanket, to send to the Vatican. Fr. Charles Rubey, a retired priest, planned to offer a Sunday Mass in the apartment where he lives in the suburbs of Chicago.
Pope Leo resumes working, sees top aide in hospital as doctors say lung recovered from surgery
Pope Leo XIV met with a top aide on Thursday and resumed working from the hospital, as doctors reported his lung had recovered well from surgery to remove a cancerous nodule.
Trump calls off Hegseth plan to livestream execution denounced by Catholic leaders
President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December. The plan was met with widespread condemnation, including from U.S. bishops.
Catholic, evangelical leaders issue joint call for compassionate immigration reform
Catholic and evangelical leaders issued an ecumenical statement Oct. 13 as part of a joint effort to call for compassionate immigration reform. Bishop Brendan Cahill, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, and Rev. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, are the co-chairs of the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration.
Bishops conclude Vatican family meeting as Pope Leo XIV recovers in hospital
"The church can offer a challenging vision of marriage as intimate partnership oriented to love and justice that does not require perfection," she added.
Catholic, evangelical leaders issue joint call for compassionate immigration reform
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Catholic and evangelical leaders issued an ecumenical statement Oct. 13 as part of a joint effort to call for compassionate immigration reform. Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, and Rev. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, are the co-chairs of the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration.
Pew survey finds President Donald Trump’s approval drops among Catholic voters, support swings to Democrats
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington March 31, 2026, during the signing ceremony for an executive order on mail ballots. (OSV News photo/Evan Vucci, Reuters) WASHINGTON — Catholic voters have soured on President Donald Trump since he returned to the White House last year, a new Pew Research Center survey found.
Cardinal Tagle delivers Pope Leo’s prepared homily at family meeting closing Mass
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 14, 2026, on the final day of a meeting in which the presidents of bishops' conferences are marking the 10th anniversary of "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love"). The Mass also included special prayers for the health of Pope Leo XIV, following his lung surgery the previous day and diagnosis of cancer.
USCCB president condemns plan to livestream execution as ‘barbaric’
Editor’s note: President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off plans to livestream the execution. Bell County Sheriff’s Office via Reuters Nidal Hasan, charged with killing 13 people and wounding 32 in a November 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood, is pictured in an undated handout photo. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December.
Pew: Trump's support among Catholic voters drops heading into midterms
Trump's approval rating has dropped from 47% at the beginning of his second term to 30% in October 2026, study finds US President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at a campaign rally at Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla, Alaska, on October 13. (Photo: AFP) Catholic voters have soured on President Donald Trump since he returned to the White House last year, a new Pew Research Center survey found.
Trump revives baseless claims about Haitian migrants in Ohio while touting deportations
Ohio's Senate race is one of the key competitive races in the 2026 midterm elections. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report ranked the race as a toss-up.
Pew: Trump’s support among Catholic voters drops heading into midterms
WASHINGTON — Catholic voters have soured on President Donald Trump since he returned to the White House last year, a new Pew Research Center survey found. Although Trump, who is term-limited, is not on November’s ballot, his fellow Republicans are attempting to defend majorities in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Voters’ perceptions of a president are likely to influence their choices at the ballot box in midterm elections, historic election data shows.
Trump revives baseless claims about Haitian migrants in Ohio while touting deportations
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — President Donald Trump revived baseless claims surrounding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, during an Oct. 12 campaign rally in the state. In remarks at his Youngstown rally, Trump appeared to allude to unfounded allegations he made in 2024 that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Springfield, saying he was right, but without evidence.
Washington Letter: Pentagon plan to livestream execution met with widespread condemnation
News Features Commentary Series Specials Video Stories PODCAST Pope Leo XIV called death penalty an 'inadmissible attack' on human dignity U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (L) shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump after introducing him to speak at Tradepoint Atlantic on October 06, 2026 in Sparrows Point, Maryland.
FDA expects to draft mifepristone safety review next year; pro-life groups call it ‘insufficient’
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The Food and Drug Administration’s safety review of mifepristone is expected to stretch into next year, according to an Oct. 7 court filing, prompting disappointment from pro-life groups. In a court-ordered status update on the review, the FDA said in a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana that it is “on track to obtain study results by mid-December 2026,” which it then plans to review and draft a report of its findings.
El presidente de la conferencia episcopal de EEUU condena el plan 'bárbaro' del Pentágono de transmitir en vivo una ejecución
Your browser does not support the audio element. WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- Después de que funcionarios del Pentágono anunciaran sus planes de transmitir en vivo en diciembre la ejecución por fusilamiento de Nidal Malik Hasan, el autor del tiroteo en Fort Hood, el presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE.UU. (USCCB) denunció el plan como "una promoción bárbara de una cultura de la muerte".
US bishops' president condemns 'barbaric' Pentagon plan to livestream execution
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Washington Letter: Pentagon plan to livestream execution met with widespread condemnation
NATIONAL By Kate Scanlon, OSV News United States Army Specialist Robert Orcutt prays near a makeshift memorial for victims of the shootings at Fort Hood Army post in Fort Hood, Texas November 9, 2009. In an Oct. 8, 2026 interview, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they planned to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December; Archbishop Paul S.
US bishops' president condemns 'barbaric' Pentagon plan to livestream execution
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Oct. 8 that the execution would take place at Fort Hood on Dec. 3 Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, gestures during a news briefing during a June 10, session of the annual spring meeting of the USCCB in Orlando, Fla.
US bishops’ president condemns ‘barbaric’ Pentagon plan to livestream execution
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — After Pentagon officials said they planned to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced the plan as “barbaric.” President Donald Trump recently approved the execution by firing squad of Hasan, the former U.S. Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 others in a mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009.
Amid assault scandal, Cornell Catholics offer prayer, pastoral care
People walk on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2026, amid an investigation of sexual assault allegations against seven members of the Chi Phi Fraternity. As Cornell University grapples with a high-profile sexual assault case, Catholic leaders on campus said Oct.
Cardinal Tagle elected dean of College of Cardinals, succeeding Cardinal Re
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, arrives to attend the final Mass of the nine days of official mourning for Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 4, 2025. The Vatican announced Oct. 9, 2026, that Cardinal Tagle has been elected as the new dean of the College of Cardinals upon the retirement of 92-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) The Vatican announced Oct.
FDA expects to draft mifepristone safety review next year; pro-life groups call it ‘insufficient’
NATIONAL By Kate Scanlon, OSV News A box containing a mifepristone tablet is pictured in a Feb. 28, 2023, photo. (OSV News photo/Callaghan O’Hare, Reuters) WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The Food and Drug Administration’s safety review of mifepristone is expected to stretch into next year, according to an Oct. 7 court filing, prompting disappointment from pro-life groups.
In rare interviews, Catholic justice Samuel Alito defends court’s independence, reflects on impact of Dobbs leak
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — In interviews at the start of the new Supreme Court term, Justice Samuel Alito expressed concern about what he called “a concerted effort to intimidate the court.” In rare interviews that coincided with the beginning of the Supreme Court’s 2026-2027 term, and the release of his first book, “So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court and Our Country,” Alito pushed back on criticism of the court from both the Biden and Trump administrations and...
Supreme Court hears key climate change lawsuit, but procedural question remains
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — In the first case of its new term Oct. 5, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit from officials in Boulder, Colorado, against two major oil companies over climate change. Almost a decade ago, officials in Boulder sued Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy, alleging they were responsible for climate change in Colorado, such as increased temperatures and the related risk of wildfires.
In rare interviews, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito defends court’s independence, reflects on impact of Dobbs leak
Pope Leo XIV greets U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. at the end of an audience in St. Peter's Square Sept. 20, 2025, as part of the Jubilee of Justice. In rare interviews, Alito spoke to CBS and Fox just ahead of the Oct. 5, 2026, start of the court's 2026-2027 term.
Haitian migrants in Florida turn to Catholic sister as deportation fears grow Original
No one would say that, even in normal times, the streets of Immokalee, Florida, were ever bustling most summer afternoons. This is a town of about 25,000, after all, and even in the late summer days of September, the humid, thick, sticky inland air can make shirts, tops and pants stick to the skin, driving people inside for air-conditioned relief. But these are not normal times. The streets feel deserted. "For Rent" signs are a common sight around town.
St. Louis Archdiocese sues over policy barring it from providing sacraments to ICE detainees
(OSV News) — The Archdiocese of St. Louis filed a lawsuit against the federal government Oct. 5 over a policy it said prohibits priests from distributing Communion and hearing confessions to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, said the Ste.
Pope Leo warns of 'watering down' Christianity, oppression of the weak
Pope Leo XIV greets visitors and pilgrims from the popemobile while riding around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience Oct. 7, 2026. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called on Christians to be capable of “viewing the world in a positive light,” while urging them to be actively committed to transforming society according to the spirit of the Gospel, without watering down the Christian message.
Fort Worth diocese questions FedEx about shipping abortion pill
A FedEx Express plane is seen at LAX Airport in Los Angeles Dec. 13, 2020. (CNS photo/Los Angeles World Airports via Reuters) Catholic investors are urging a major shipping company to account for the legal risk of carrying abortion drugs across state lines. At FedEx’s annual meeting on Sept.
Supreme Court expected to hear religious liberty, gun and environmental cases in its new term
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The U.S. Supreme Court began its new term Oct. 5, with cases on its schedule involving religious liberty, guns, immigration and the environment. Among the noteworthy cases the high court will hear this term is St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a clash between Catholic preschools and the state of Colorado over whether those schools can participate in the state’s universal preschool program.
Supreme Court hears key climate change lawsuit, but procedural question remains
"When somebody in New York defames a citizen of Boulder on national television, or somebody in California releases a computer virus on the internet, or a biological virus into the world, and it causes mass damage in Colorado. It has never been thought that only federal law can provide a remedy," he argued. Care for creation is a key tenet of Catholic social teaching.
Políticas de vivienda, género y aborto figuran entre las medidas electorales estatales de 2026
Your browser does not support the audio element. WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- En noviembre, los votantes de varios estados de EE.UU. se pronunciarán sobre medidas electorales que abarcan temas que van desde el aborto y las políticas de género hasta la vivienda y la política fiscal.
Washington Letter: Trump pushes ahead on AI in face of ongoing concerns from Pope Leo, voters
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The same week President Donald Trump sought to push for the rapid development of artificial intelligence, or AI, and data centers, Pope Leo XIV said safety concerns about the technology should be taken seriously. After meeting with ?tech executives at the White House, Trump said they agreed Sept. 29 to establish voluntary safety standards for AI, including allowing independent auditors to assess the technology.
Tennessee halts executions after death row inmate survives lethal injection attempt
(OSV News) — After Tennessee officials failed in their Sept. 30 attempt to execute death row inmate Christa Gail Pike for a 1995 murder, the state’s Gov. Bill Lee halted the one remaining execution for the rest of the year pending an investigation. But some Catholic opponents of the death penalty said that the incident demonstrates the flaws with capital punishment.
Hegseth announces ‘Office of Religious Affairs’ in speech on Pentagon policy
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new “Office of Religious Affairs” during a speech Sept. 30 on Pentagon policy. Hegseth — who uses the moniker “secretary of war” since Trump signed an executive order last year adding the “Department of War” as a secondary, ceremonial title for the Department of Defense — announced the new office during a speech at U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.
La Corte Suprema de EEUU permite, por ahora, continuar las deportaciones a terceros países
Your browser does not support the audio element. WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- La Corte Suprema de EE.UU. permitió temporalmente que la administración Trump llevara a cabo deportaciones a terceros países --es decir, la expulsión a un país con el que el migrante no tiene vínculos-- mientras se resuelve el litigio en curso contra esa política.
Tennessee Catholic bishops join call for clemency for inmate who survived execution attempt
Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, a group that advocates for the abolition of capital punishment in line with Catholic teaching, said in a statement, "We are stunned and bewildered by this unprecedented news." "We pray for Ms. Pike's current condition, and we pray for the victim Colleen Slemmer's family as this situation must surely be retraumatizing," she said.
Multistate lawsuit asks Supreme Court to hear challenge to abortion ‘shield laws’
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The attorneys general of Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas Sept. 30 announced a lawsuit challenging the abortion “shield laws” of New York, California and Massachusetts. The Republican-led states asked the Supreme Court to take up their challenge to the so-called “shield laws” passed by the Democratic-led states in an effort to prevent the prosecution of abortion providers within those states by states with bans or other restrictions on abortion.
Hegseth announces ‘Office of Religious Affairs’ in speech on Pentagon policy: ‘Finally have an advocate’
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends a news briefing at the Pentagon in Washington March 31, 2026, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Hegseth announced Sept. 30 that he is starting an Office of Religious Affairs that reports directly to him. (OSV News photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters) WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new “Office of Religious Affairs” during a speech Sept. 30 on Pentagon policy.
With 2027 event theme, March for Life aims 'to make the case for the truth, for life'
Your browser does not support the audio element. WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- The 2027 National March for Life theme is "The Truth is Pro-Life," the March for Life Education and Defense Fund announced Sept. 29.
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura receives $750K to repair crumbling plaster
Mission San Buenaventura in Ventura, Calif., is seen in this undated photo. On July 15, 2020, Pope Francis elevated the mission church to the rank of minor basilica. (OSV News photo/Mike Nelson) The historic Mission Basilica San Buenaventura in Ventura is one of 26 nationwide projects to receive a portion of the $11.9 million in Semiquincentennial grants from the National Park Service, announced at a press conference on Oct. 1.
Hegseth announces 'Office of Religious Affairs' in speech on Pentagon policy
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new "Office of Religious Affairs" during a speech Sept. 30 on Pentagon policy. Hegseth — who uses the moniker "secretary of war" since Trump signed an executive order last year adding the "Department of War" as a secondary, ceremonial title for the Department of Defense — announced the new office during a speech at U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.
Catholic actor's new sketch comedy series evangelizes through laughter
Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez star in a sketch scene in "Our Ladies Show," now streaming on the Roku Channel. (OSV News photo/courtesy Our Ladies Show) A new sketch comedy series is breaking ground as a secular-style show for women with a distinctly Catholic heart. Created by Christin Jezak, "Our Ladies" aims to evangelize through humor and storytelling, reaching audiences via streaming platforms in the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico and Canada.
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