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National Catholic Register

Trump to Create Sanctions Plan for Nigeria, Congressman Says

Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, speaks about a sanctions plan to increase pressure on the Nigerian government amid ongoing Christian persecution on Dec. 9, 2025.

Rep. Chris Smith, a Catholic who chairs the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, mentioned the plan during his Dec. 9 speech at a summit organized by For the Martyrs, a nonprofit that aids persecuted Christians.

Pontifical Yearbook Goes Digital: What Is It and What Does It Contain?

Pope Leo XIV uses a tablet to navigate the website of the new digital version of the Vatican's Pontifical Yearbook, known as the Annuario Pontificio in Italian.

The important reference is updated every year with Church statistics, the names and contacts of bishops, information about the departments of the Holy See, and more.

Lebanese Twins Capture Historic Papal Visit for Popular Instagram Account

Lebanese twins (left to right) Charbel and Giovanni Lteif, founders of the social-media ministry Eastern Christians, join monks of the Lebanese Maronite Order to await Pope Leo XIV’s historic arrival at the tomb of St. Charbel in Annaya on Dec. 1, 2025.

Giovanni and Charbel Lteif, 21-year-old Maronite Catholic brothers, documented Pope Leo’s journey via their social-media apostolate.

60 Years After Its Conclusion, Vatican II Still Speaks to Us

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The interior dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, seen in July 2024. The basilica was the site of the Second Vatican Council, which closed 60 years ago on Dec. 8.

COMMENTARY: The Church continues to be inspired by the rich insights and vitality of the last ecumenical council.

Rome and the Church in the United States

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The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., stands illuminated at midnight on a winter night.

COMMENTARY: In recent years, there has been a mistaken notion put forth that the U.S. bishops are a divided and contentious bunch.