Catholic Nutshell News: Friday 1/8/26
Topics include: UK diocese has rising conversions; Forcing priests to violate the confessional vows; Pope denounces ‘zeal for war’; & Amy Coney Barrett's book
Fridays, "Living that coconut kinda life."
Today's sources: National Catholic Register, Catholic News Agency, Word on Fire, Catholic World Report, Zenit, & Aleteia. (Catholic Nutshell is a FREE subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise their Catholic News Muscle)
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Catholic News Agency
UK diocese has rising conversions with evidence-based faith
By Madeleine Teahan, January 9, 2026
A diocese in England and Wales has launched a pioneering apologetics project aimed at empowering Catholics to talk more authoritatively about their faith. The project, titled “Ambassadors for Christ,” is a fresh approach to apologetics in England and Wales and takes an evidence-based approach to the big questions surrounding the Catholic faith. In a Jan. 5 statement, the Archdiocese of Southwark explained that it has launched the project in response to the rise in people joining the Catholic Church. “As more people become interested in the faith, practicing Catholics are experiencing more questions from their family, friends, and colleagues but often remain unsure where to look for evidence-based answers,” the statement said. As Catholics, leading people to Christ has to be at the heart of everything we do … It is the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus, where people will find the answers to their burning questions, where their thirst for truth will be sated.”
aciafrica
Kenyan Bishop urges priests to bless everyone
By Sabrine Amboka, January 9, 2026
The Bishop of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay has cautioned those in leadership positions within the Church against denying others the opportunity to receive God’s blessings, calling on them instead to encourage believers, especially those living in poverty, to participate fully in the life of the Church. In his Wednesday, January 7, homily, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay, Bishop Michael Otieno Odiwa, said that Church leaders should never become a barrier to blessings but should instead help Christians access them, recognizing the key role of Priests in offering blessings to the people of God. “Each person contributes a little. Little by little, it fills the basket. The Priests are going to bless you today. Take those blessings to our Christians who need God’s blessing.”
CatholicVote
Forcing priests to violate the confessional vows not necessary
By Hannah Hiester, January 8, 2026
Jean Hill, the executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s bishops in matters of public policy, commented on the decision of Arizona’s legislature to offer up HB 2039, prefiled Dec. 4 by Democratic Rep. Stacey Travers, which would do away with the current religious exemption for the seal of Confession in Arizona’s statute on mandatory reporters of physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and other harm done to minors. “Preventing abuse and upholding the sacred seal of confession are not mutually exclusive — we can and must do both,” Hill said. “That’s why the Church supported the law’s goal from the beginning and only asked for a narrow exemption to protect the sacrament. We’re grateful the state ultimately recognized it can prevent abuse without forcing priests to violate their sacred vows.”
National Catholic Register
‘Dilbert’ Cartoonist takes ‘Pascal’s Wager,’will become a Christian
By Moira Gleason, January 9, 2026
“You’re going to hear for the first time today that it is my plan to convert,” the cartoonist and author said on his daily livestream, Real Coffee with Scott Adams, on Jan 4. “So I still have time, but my understanding is you’re never too late. And on top of that, any skepticism I have about reality would certainly be instantly answered if I wake up in heaven.” The 68-year-old creator of the Dilbert comic strip previously described himself as agnostic, saying many of his Christian followers and friends have tried to convert him since he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in May 2025. “I have not been a believer. But I also have respect for any Christian who goes out of their way to try to convert me. Because how would I believe you believe your own religion if you’re not trying to convert me?” An outspoken proponent of so-called medical assistance in dying, Adams said he took steps toward assisted suicide last year but did not go through with it after finding a new treatment option. He now says he will follow Christ in what he sees as his final days.
Related: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, has recently shared the uplifting news that former NBA star Gordon Hayward has become a member of the Catholic Church, by Cerith Gardiner, 10/19/24
The Times of Israel
Pope denounces ‘zeal for war,’ laments West Bank violence
By Nicole Winfield, January 9, 2026
In his most substantial critique of US, Russian, and other military incursions in sovereign countries, Pope Leo XIV on Friday denounced how nations were using force to assert their dominion worldwide, “completely undermining” peace and the post-World War II international legal order. “War is back in vogue, and a zeal for war is spreading,” Leo told ambassadors from around the world who represent their countries’ interests at the Holy See. He also lamented rising violence in the West Bank and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Leo didn’t name individual countries that have resorted to force in his lengthy speech, the bulk of which he delivered in English in a break from the Vatican’s traditional diplomatic protocol of Italian and French. But his speech came amid the backdrop of the recent US military operation in Venezuela to remove Nicolás Maduro from power, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and other conflicts.
Related: US pick for Gaza board, has won Israelis’ and Palestinians’ trust, The Times of Israel, by Veselin Toshkov, January 9, 2026
The Pillar
Nicaraguan cardinal absent from Rome consistory
By Edgar Beltrán, January 8, 2026
Nicaraguan Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes said he did not attend the Rome consistory because he “was not invited” — but local observers believe the cardinal was likely prevented from leaving the country by the Ortega regime and has chosen not to state that publicly. Brenes instead stayed in Managua, where he celebrated Mass in the cathedral as cardinals from around the world began their meeting in Rome. “It’s more likely that he was invited but was not allowed to leave the country by the regime, but he won’t say so in government-controlled national media, knowing that other bishops would also see the news,” one Nicaraguan priest said. Another source close to the bishops’ conference said Brenes was constrained by fear of the regime, particularly after four other Nicaraguan bishops — including his auxiliary, Bishop Silvio Báez — were forced into exile. Another source disagreed, saying “Brenes’ great fear is that he will not be allowed to return if he leaves the country, which is why he skipped meetings of the Central American and Latin American bishops’ conference.”
Related: Pope Leo to hold annual consistories- The yearly meetings will allow for prayer and dialogue among the world’s cardinals, The Pillar, by Edgar Beltrán, Jan 08, 2026
CRUX
Pope indicates new governing style for Catholic Church
By Nicole Winfield, AP, January 9, 2026
Pope Leo XIV said Thursday he intended to bring the world’s Catholic cardinals together annually, indicating a new governing style for the church that involves regularly consulting its top leaders. At the end of his first consistory, as such meetings are called, Leo asked cardinals to return to Rome for a second session at the end of June and from then onward on an annual basis for three to four days each year, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Pope Francis had largely eschewed consistories and the College of Cardinals as a whole to help him govern. Instead, he had a hand-picked group of nine cardinals who met every few months at the Vatican to advise him. Before the May conclave that elected Leo, cardinals had complained about Francis’ go-it-alone governing style and called for the new pope to convene regular consistories. Leo made clear he had heard their complaints and was responding to them.
OSV News
Pope delivers fierce defense of the unborn, their moms & dads
By Paulina Guzik, January 9, 2026
Pope Leo XIV strongly defended the family, marriage, and unborn life during his first-ever New Year’s address to the diplomatic corps Jan. 9, telling the diplomats accredited to the Holy See that abortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life. The vocation to love and to life manifests itself in an important way in the exclusive and indissoluble union between a woman and a man.” Delivering the address in English, he told the diplomats that the Holy See “considers it deplorable that public resources are allocated to suppress life, rather than being invested to support mothers and families. The primary objective must remain the protection of every unborn child and the effective and concrete support of every woman so that she is able to welcome life.” Calling it “increasingly a priority, especially in those countries that are experiencing a dramatic decline in birth rates,” he said life “is a priceless gift that develops within a committed relationship based on mutual self-giving and service.”
Big Pulpit, CNA & Zenit for 1/9/26
Big Pulpit
Tito Edwards Catholic site: January 9, 2026
The Big Pulpit website is a news aggregator that gathers quality insights and analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide.
About the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals – Joe Tevington at Catholic Stand Magazine
If Synodality is a Main Topic of the Consistory, That Means Synodality is an Issue – Fr. McDonald
The Charlotte Dubia Test the Limits of a Bishop’s Authority – Philip F. Lawler, Ph.D., at Cath Cult
Covering Herself Up in Shame, the German Church Goes Completely Bonkers – Catholic Conclave
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — January 9, 2026
Catholic News Agency provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, with updates on the words of the Holy Father and the Holy See.
After Maduro’s capture, there’s hope for Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, leader says - Jan 8, 2026 - By Walter Sánchez Silva - Arturo McFields, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), stated that, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, “winds of hope are blowing” for Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
‘Making room for God’: MEHR conference draws over 11,000 in Germany - Jan 8, 2026 - By Andreas Thonhauser - The four-day MEHR conference drew participants from across the European continent to hear from international speakers, including American presenters.
Indian Church takes up mental health ministry as ‘major concern’ - Jan 8, 2026 - By Anto Akkara - The Catholic Church in India has launched a systematic campaign to address growing mental illness in groups, including families.
Zenit
Zenit - The world seen from Rome - January 9, 2026
Zenit is an international, non-profit news agency staffed by professionals and volunteers to transmit information with fidelity and service to the truth.
“It is not the Church that attracts, but Christ”: Pope Leo XIV’s first speech (translated into English) to a consistory of cardinals. “While centuries apart, we can say that the Holy Spirit inspired the same vision in the prophet and in the Council Fathers” - January 8, 2026
Is kneeling before the Eucharist prohibited? - One in four priests respond to their bishop (of Charlotte) with a letter to the Vatican. The Vatican’s response will be closely watched, not only in Charlotte but across dioceses in the United States, by Tim Daniels, January 7, 2026
“Peter (The Pope) must not be unaccompanied,” said Cardinal Radcliffe - “Jesus commanded the disciples to get into the boat and go before him. Peter must not go into the storm alone. This is our first obedience, to be in the barque of Peter, with his successor, as he faces the storms of our times.”
Nutshell reflections for 1/9/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection: AUDIO - January 9, 2026
Friday after Epiphany
Catholic365
Is the world getting you down?
By Janet Cassidy, January 8, 2026
Do you ever feel yourself getting more and more frustrated or angry these days with everything going on? Between the news reports about what is happening with Venezuela, Iceland, ICE, the Epstein files, and everything else, it can impact us more than we might realize. If you feel heaviness is encroaching on you daily, I’d like to share a link that you might find helpful. You can read the reflection or listen to it. It’s by Father John Riccardo. In “Knocking Down Walls of Division (Part II),” he helps us face down our fears by recalling how Peter preached the Gospel to the Roman soldiers and how he drew on the courage he had in Jesus to do so. Often we need to move more toward Jesus if we find ourselves getting sucked into the ugliness going on in our country today. We need to prevent ourselves from being "filled up" with hopelessness and sin by drawing ourselves closer to the love and mercy we are afforded in faith.
Catholic Weekly
Confessions of a primary school sinner
By Paul Dorin, January 8, 2026
I still remember the day I made my first confession, my shiny new soul paired with my even shinier first holy communion shoes. But the funny memories, the ones that still make me laugh, came during those primary school years when confession was a compulsory field trip. Without warning, our teacher would clap her hands and announce, “Right, everyone. Line up, we’re going to confession.” In hushed voices, we swapped intel the way other kids traded football cards, “What are you saying?” “I kicked my brother,” “I said rude words with my friends,” “Not doing chores for my mum.” By the time we reached the church steps, we were a tangle of nerves and guilt. And yet, looking back, the whole ritual feels almost tender, this shared childhood drama of trying so earnestly to be good when our biggest crime was pinching someone’s colouring pencil. It was our childhood Catholicism at its finest, equal parts guilt, creativity, and pure survival instinct. We weren’t saints, just kids trying to make sense of right and wrong, one Hail Mary at a time.
Aleteia
The laywoman who founded Society of the Propagation of the Faith
By Philip Kosloski, January 8, 2026
One night, in December 1819 ... As her friends were playing cards, Bl. Pauline-Marie Jaricot was sitting apart, with her main preoccupation in mind: finding an efficient way to collect money for the missions. She took a vow of perpetual virginity at the age of 17, but felt called to remain in the world and dedicate her life's mission to God. Together with a group of priests and laity, the Society of the Propagation of the Faith was established on May 3, 1822. Its goal was to raise money for the missions, while encouraging members to pray every day for its success. According to the office in New York, “The first collection in 1822 was sent to the missions in China, Kentucky and the diocese of Louisiana, which included all of the territory from the Florida Keys to Canada.” The organization received support from various popes in the decades after its inception, and 100 years later, on May 3, 1922, Pope Pius XI established it as a “Pontifical Work,” bringing it under the arm of the Vatican.
Word on Fire
Amy Coney Barrett on the court, constitution, and originalism
By Henry T. Edmondson III, January 9, 2026
When Amy Coney Barrett was nominated as a federal judge for the Seventh Court of Appeals, she was grilled by the Senate Judiciary Committee, as nominees are required. During those meetings, one member of the committee, the late Dianne Feinstein of California, committed a serious constitutional faux pas. At one point she expressed her concern about Barrett’s Catholicism, saying, “The dogma lives loudly within you, and that is of concern . . .” This was a clumsy, euphemistic way of saying, “I am afraid you are too religious for this job.” Justice Barrett introduces her book Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution (2025), explaining that, unlike her academic writing, she endeavors to offer something more accessible to the general public. She writes, “this book is written “in the first person... at a more accessible level.” She said “In the 2023 Term, the Court was unanimous in about 45% of argued cases,” which is “in line with the average rate of unanimity over the last decade.”
Image of Coconut by Celio Nicoli from Pixabay
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Really appreciate the breadth here, especially the piece on forcing priests to violate confessional seal. The framing that preventing abuse and protecting the sacrament aren't mutually exclusive is the kind of nuance that gets lost in policy debates. I remember when similar legislation came up in my state and the discourse was so black-and-white, nobody wanted to admit you could respect both the vulnerabilty of minors and the sacred trust of confession simulteneously.