Saint Polycarp by Ermes Dovico

The revolution sought by the German Synodal Way is being put to the test in the election for president of the Bishops' Conference. A split is possible over issues such as same-sex unions, celibacy, women's ordination, and the role of the laity. The Synodal Path is also preparing to monitor bishops who reject the innovations.

USA

Social media on trial: the strategy to nail Zuckerberg & Co.

Almost eight hours of questioning for the founder of Facebook, as part of the lawsuit filed against Instagram and other giants such as Google. Protected for years by Section 230, Big Tech companies now have to defend themselves against the new strategy of the plaintiffs' lawyers: the accusation of deliberately designing social media to create addiction in minors.

THE STATEMENT

Double rejection: Lefebvrians reject Rome's proposals

No U-turn from the Society of Saint Pius X after the Holy See's request to suspend episcopal ordinations and resume theological dialogue. Don Pagliarani criticises Müller for the failure of past talks and tries to ingratiate himself with Fernández by leveraging the “todos, todos, todos”

Monsignor Paul Coakley
SOCIAL TEACHINGS

United States, bishops oppose appointment of pro-abortion professor

The Catholic University of Notre Dame appoints a pro-abortion professor to head one of its institutes. Scandal among the faithful. The bishop takes a stand along with a dozen other confreres, including the president of the Episcopal Conference.

From the biblical reference to forty days to liturgical signs and ascetic practices, everything on the Lenten journey contributes to our immersion in the mystery of Redemption. A translation from Italian of an excerpt from the current issue of La Bussola Monthly magazine.

Ecclesia 18_02_2026 Marco Begato

For Saint John Paul II, growth in holiness was inextricably linked to the mystery of the Holy Face of Jesus — a theme that the Polish Pope explored in depth in Novo Millennio Ineunte. For Wojtyla, this was not just one devotion among many, but a way of living the entirety of Christian life.

Ecclesia 17_02_2026

Cristiane Murray leaves the deputy directorship of the Vatican Press Office to Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić. The Croatian nun, who discovered her vocation in Medjugorje, is taking over from the Brazilian laywoman. The latter represented a certain social-ecological line and an ecclesial era that is coming to an end. It’s the first step in the anticipated overhaul of  Vatican communications.

Ecclesia 16_02_2026 Nico Spuntoni
AFTER THE VERDICT

Free Jimmy Lai; don't forget Hong Kong!

The day after the pro-democracy publisher and entrepreneur was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the US and the UK called for his release on humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, the Vatican remains silent on the matter to avoid upsetting Beijing.

CHINA

Twenty years for Jimmy Lai: the outcome of Hong Kong’s sham trial

A death sentence, the end of the legal system in Hong Kong, and the final nail in the coffin for freedom in the former British colony. A lesson for Taiwan. These are the initial reactions to the sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, a Catholic entrepreneur and publisher who has become a symbol of the struggle for democracy. The sentence was read out in an emotional and packed courtroom attended by his wife, Teresa, and Cardinal Zen.
- EXCLUSIVE: The testimony of a former journalist of Apple Daily
- DOSSIER: Jimmy Lai, a Roman Catholic against the Power

HONG KONG

Jimmy Lai the Confessor: a modern example of white martyrdom

As an editor, he was so harsh that people questioned his faith. However, his time in prison revealed his unwavering commitment to the truth, demonstrating that martyrdom is not defined by a single heroic act, but by steadfast devotion to Christ under the weight of persecution. The testimony of a former journalist at Apple Daily.
- Here's the link to the Chinese version of the article

United Kingdom

Abortion and the new Vaughan Spruce case: freedom of thought is at stake

The director of March for Life UK is facing trial for the third time for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. If convicted, the consequences would be serious for everyone, as the state would effectively be authorised to control people's thoughts.