2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of the great Saint Francis of Assisi and also the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis.
As part of the celebrations, Pope Leo XIV met with thousands of young people from all over Europe today.
Since 2011, Ireland has seen a colossal collapse in birth rates.
Between 2011 and 2025, the birth rate collapse by a dramatic 25%, thanks to catastrophic policies by Fine Gael, which created mass emigration and discouraged people from having children. Housing is a particularly important concern, with young people marrying much later due to competition with migrants for housing.
Now, reports are emerging today that the state is worried that the internet could scupper the progress that they have made into turning the country into a childless zone of workers for multinational corporations.
According to Newstalk, the state is deeply disturbed that young Irish people are considering traditional gender roles more seriously.
It states that there are plans for a national strategy to stop women from working in the home with their children.
The horror in Nigeria continues, even after intervention from the USA and even with a presidential election looming.
11 children were among 31 killed in recent violence, with a priest also hacked to death with a machete.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has found himself in a war of words with the Catholic bishops over the situation.
Famous UFC fighter Tabatha Ricci has posted an image from inside Saint Colman’s Cathedral in County Cork.
Four orders of nuns in New York have successfully won a reprieve from new laws on Assisted Suicide.
Becket Fund quotes some of the sisters involved:
Mother Mary Rose Heery, O. Carm., Prioress General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm:
“At our homes, we bring Christ’s unbounded love to elderly New Yorkers of every background and walk of life. We strive to bring His compassion to those entrusted to our care, ensuring that no resident ever has to die alone. This law strikes at the heart of that vocation.”
Mother Marie Edward, O.P., Superior General of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne:
“For over 125 years, we have ministered to the poor who are dying of cancer as if they were Christ Himself. Our calling is to offer comfort, prayer, and loving medical care to those in their final days—not death. We pray the court will protect our freedom to remain faithful to that ministry God has entrusted to us.”
Sister Justyna Owsiejko, O.S.B., of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict:
“We are simple nuns whose mission is to serve God—and we do that by offering the aged a home in which to live their final days in peace, tranquility, and comfort, cared for by Sisters who see the face of Christ in each person they serve. New York is trying to force us to abandon that vocation and help our residents commit suicide. That is something we will never do. Our foundress overcame war and exile to serve those in need—we will overcome this law to do the same.”
Mother Alice Marie Monica of the Little Sisters of the Poor:
“We have served God by welcoming the elderly poor and dying into our homes for nearly 200 years. Our calling is to protect and care for needy seniors, not steer them toward suicide. We will remain true to that mission, whatever the cost.”
Pope Leo XIV has sent a message to the Knights of Columbus at their annual conference: 'I express deep gratitude for your Order's continued generosity to the less fortunate, and trust that your endeavors will continue to bear fruit for many years to come'.
The Knights were founded by Irish American Fr. Michael McGivney.
Tensions are still running high in Spain, and across Europe, over the sinister invasion of Ceuta by Moroccan Muslims.
Tens of thousands entered and were swiftly removed, while dozens died trying to cross the sea.
One priest in Pamplona has decided to throw the cat among the pigeons on the issue.
Fr. Javier Aizpún of Pamplona delivered a no holds barred message on social media, calling for a Reconquista and the conversion of Morocco to Christianity.
'Our Lady of Africa, patroness of Ceuta, may she drive the reconquest of Morocco and its conversion to Christianity. What Queen Isabella the Catholic left undone, let us know how to finish'
The funeral has taken place of Oscar Winner and Frames singer Glen Hansard today in Dublin.
Although a baptised Catholic, Glen had a mixed relationship with religion throughout his life, although a social media post from last week showed him expressing interest in Saints Carlo Acutis and Anthony.
The funeral of Oscar winner and The Frames lead singer Glen Hansard is currently taking place at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin pic.twitter.com/XSgM1qaI0S
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) August 4, 2026
His funeral took place at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, the former Catholic church which has been a Protestant church now for centuries under the Church of Ireland.
We can make a guess that the venue was chosen in part because of its location, its size and also because of the type of service that it ended up being, which was a Christian service but which obviously gave the family freedom to include many eulogies and songs from famous singers, such as Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.
Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder singing at the funeral of Glen Hansard in Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin pic.twitter.com/LnNSpfod8P
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) August 4, 2026
In 2023, there was a mixed reaction to Shane MacGowan’s funeral when Glen Hansard played Fairytale of New York, with people dancing at the altar. The contrast between that and the sudden demise of Hansard could be seen in an ensemble rendition of 'Forever Young’ by Bob Dylan, with singers putting their hands on their heads and wiping tears from their eyes with their sleeves and a teary Eddie Vedder greeting leaving as soon as the song finished.
May he rest in peace.
The Diocese of Spokane has published incredible images of a state of Our Lady that survived the terrible fire in Washington.
USA 🇺🇸
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) August 3, 2026
Statue of Our Lady survived in Spokane after terrible fires pic.twitter.com/MaILV7YZau
Last week, the world was shocked by the manic scenes on the beaches of Ceuta.
Tens of thousands stormed the border after travelling from Morocco, though Spain insists that all have been returned now.
This coming week, on August 5th, Catholics will stage a public procession in honour of Our Lady of Africa.
La Santísima Virgen de África ya se encuentra vestida con su manto blanco para la próxima salida el día de su fiesta el próximo 5 de agosto.
— Parroquia de Sta. María de África (@p_africaceuta) August 3, 2026
Ven con toda Ceuta a dar gracias a nuestra patrona por su amparo y protección. pic.twitter.com/1CNUBOsvXf
In a new interview with The Tablet, the head of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, Cardinal Arthur Roche, has claimed that Pope Leo XIV has no plans to reverse the draconian Latin Mass restrictions imposed in 2021.
Well, let me say, first of all, it's a very complex area. And it's a very important area because the Eucharist is the sacrament of unity: it's the place where we should all be able to be together to celebrate Mass. So if it begins to divide us, there's something seriously amiss. But no, Pope Leo is not going to change Traditionis Custodes, and he's not going back to Summorum Pontificum.
In Asturias, Northern Spain, Catholics gather each July to take part in a Traditional Mass pilgrimage.
A prominent annual pilgrimage is organized by Nuestra Señora de la Cristiandad (Our Lady of Christendom), a lay-led organisation of Traditional Catholics. It takes place each year in late July (July 27-29).
Pilgrims undertake a gruelling walk of 95 km over 3 days from Oviedo to Covadonga, camping along the way.
Hay una España Católica que se niega a morir.
— Manolo Otero (@Manotepas) July 28, 2026
LAUS DEO pic.twitter.com/Q4Ubhrqv3M
Visca la Mare de Déu!
— Eric (@requeteric) July 28, 2026
Visca Catalunya católica!
Visca Espanya católica! pic.twitter.com/zFaCEKUqo6
VIVA CRISTO REY!!!
— Alejandro Valverde (@TraditionCrux) July 28, 2026
Peregrinación a Nuestra Señora de Covadonga.@nscristiandades pic.twitter.com/E0iLYMz2wS
In an interview broadcast in connection with the Canticle for Peace event at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV has tonight said that his family history contains both ‘slaves’ and ‘slaveowners’.
'My family were both slaves and slave owners'
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) July 29, 2026
Pope Leo XIV pic.twitter.com/lWxOLVoAlV
Carlo Acutis Youth Ireland have shared an amazing story about Glen Hansard and his interest in Saint Anthony and Saint Carlo Acutis. Hansard died tragically this morning in a motorbike accident.
Pope Leo XIV has promoted Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone to the Vatican's highest court.
Cordileone famously DENIED Communion to Nancy Pelosi over her pro abortion politics in a very public spat.
The Archbishop of San Francisco cited Canon 915 to say that Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, should not be admitted to Communion.
In May 2022, he made his instruction public.
Such a measure is only enforced in a diocese, Pelosi was able to receive Communion at high profile events in Washington DC and Rome on other occasions.
Cordileone has been appointed now to the Apostolic Signatora, the Vatican’s highest court.
The Vatican has announced another episcopal ordination under the agreement with the Chinese Communist Party.
The stated on their website:
Today, Wednesday 29 July 2026, the episcopal ordination of the Reverend Francis Xavier Duan Yongkun took place. On 15 June 2026, the Holy Father appointed him coadjutor bishop of Bameng (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China), having approved his candidacy within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China.
Curriculum vitae
The Reverend Francis Xavier Duan Yongkun was born on 6 December 1980 in Hangjin Houqi, Inner Mongolia. From 2000 to 2007 he attended the Hebei Theological Seminary. From 2008 to 2013, he studied at Peking University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. Meanwhile, on 1 January 2011, he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Bameng. From 2013 to 2016, he continued his studies at Fujen Catholic University in Taiwan. Upon returning to his circumscription, he served as director of the local formation centre from 2016 to 2020. He was subsequently appointed vicar general of the diocese of Bameng and parish priest of the diocesan cathedral.
One of Ireland’s most famous singers, Glen Hansard, has died tragically aged 56.
His death occurred in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in the early hours of this morning.
Hansard starred in famous Irish film The Commitments early in his career before finding success with The Frames. He became a global star with his Oscar winning song ‘Falling Slowly’ from the film Once, which he also starred in.
In recent years, Hansard was also known for his activism, particularly towards Dublin’s homeless, busking in the city every Christmas Eve to raise money.
In the 2010s, he took part in a documentary retracing the medieval route to the Camino Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
He had earlier covered U2’s song 40, which was composed of the words of Psalm 40.
Hansard was baptised and raised Catholic and even served as an altar boy. He later became interested in the Hare Krishna movement.
In 2018, after his Camino journey, he was asked about his relationship with faith.
‘We are drawn to the monastic life without necessarily following the teachings of the church. Getting the opportunities to sleep in churches, living a very simple life, is very attractive. Walking with only what you can carry’
When asked if he had faith, he replied ‘Absolutely. I definitely have a belief. I have a relationship with some spiritual thing. I like churches, but I don’t like the Church. I like the peace and quiet that’s in them’.
Hansard represents his generation of Irish people’s attitude to Catholicism, they were raised around it and cannot get away from it and are even attracted to its ancient pilgrimages, they raise money for its charitable endeavours, but there is some obvious relational barrier, one that is surely not impossible to overcome and it definitely falls to us in the church to try harder to do so.
He is survived by his partner and 4 year old son. Pray for his soul and for them.
Both France and Spain have been hit by horrific wildfires this summer, causing extensive damage to wildlife and even threatening major cities like Bordeaux.
One sign of hope however has emerged in Gironde.
Amidst the wreckage and destruction, a wooden Cross surviving the destruction in an image that has gone viral.
Pope Leo XIV and Andrea Bocelli will host a concert together this evening entitled ‘Canticle for Peace’.
The event will take place at Castel Gandolfo and is part of the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Children from 164 countries will sing at the event.
