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National Catholic Register

The Eastern Churches: Distinguishing Church and Rite

Pav-Pro Photography Ltd
A religious mosaic decorates a wall in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Croatia.

Understanding the difference between Churches and rites helps avoid common misunderstandings in liturgical discussions.

Pope Leo XIV Tells Monaco: 'It Is the Humble Who Shape History'

Marco Bertorello
Pope Leo XIV gives a speech from the balcony next to Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco at the Prince's Palace of Monaco in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The Pope’s whirlwind visit to Monaco began with a meeting with the country's royal family and an address to the small city-state.

Full Text: Mother Angelica’s 10th Anniversary Mass

Daniel Ibáñez
Holy Mass in memory of Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN, on the 10th anniversary of her passing, celebrated from the Chapel of the Choir of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on March 27, 2026.

Like Sheen, Mother Angelica understood that the fruitfulness of the apostolate depends on union with the Lord.

In Holy Week, Life’s Indignities Reveal Our Eternal Dignity

Gustave Moreau, “Pietà,” 1836, National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo

COMMENTARY: In the frailty of old age and the reversals of family life, the cross of Jesus Christ comes into focus as the true measure of human dignity.

Welcoming New Catholics

Sarah Webb
Over 1,150 people preparing to enter full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter received a blessing from Archbishop Nelson Pérez during Rite of Election liturgies on Feb. 21-22 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pa.

As Easter approaches, the Church prepares to welcome many, many new members. In fact, this year, dioceses across the United States are reporting record numbers of catechumens. Register staff writer Matt McDonald joins us to talk about this remarkable spike. And then, Register staff writer Jonah McKeown joins us with an update on the always interesting topic of AI.

The Passion Behind Passion Plays

NYCKellyWilliams
A Holy Week Passion Play takes place at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas, March 31, 2024.

From lavish productions to gory barrio dramas, reenactments of the crucifixion and the Via Crucis are doggedly making their way back into the spotlight.