Catholic Nutshell News: Friday 5/22/26
What Catholics should know: Colorado SC favors gender ‘transition’; Anthropic joining Pope Leo on encyclical; Religious expression in public life; & How many fruits of the Holy Spirit?
Fridays, "Living that coconut kinda life."
Your 5-minute Catholic briefing for busy faithful. Today's sources: National Catholic Register, EWTN News, OSV News, Zeale, Bishop Barron, & Aleteia. (Catholic Nutshell is a FREE subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise their Catholic News Muscle)
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Zeale News
Colorado SC rules discrimination by suspending gender ‘transition’
By Hannah Hiester, May 21, 2026
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled May 18 that a children’s hospital discriminated against “transgender” minors when it suspended access to drugs such as puberty blockers or hormone therapies amid concerns over potential federal sanctions. In a 5-2 decision, the court remanded the case to a lower court and recommended requiring Children’s Hospital Colorado to reinstate the gender “transition” mechanisms, The Colorado Sun reported. Writing for the majority, Justice William Hood argued the hospital discriminated against “transgender” children — including the four who brought the suit against the hospital — by continuing to provide puberty blockers and hormone therapy to non-”transgender” children when deemed medically necessary, constituting discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
OSV News
Anthropic is joining Pope Leo for AI encyclical release
By Gina Christian, May 21, 2026
When he releases his highly anticipated first encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” May 25, Pope Leo XIV will be present at the press conference — something atypical for such announcements, which are usually handled by senior Vatican officials. And in another first, Pope Leo will be joined by, among others, an AI tech executive: Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, the artificial intelligence research and development firm behind the Claude AI assistant. In a May 19 media release, Anthropic said it had “over the past several months” been “organizing dialogues with groups whose work and traditions bear on the questions raised by AI.” The company said its “first round of discussions has been with wisdom traditions — including scholars, clergy, philosophers, and ethicists from more than 15 religious and cross-cultural groups — and we look forward to engaging with a broader range of people going forward.”
Aleteia
Are there 9 or 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit?
By Philip Kosloski, May 20, 2026
St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians lists specific "fruits" of the Holy Spirit, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23 RSV-CE). Most translations of the above passage list only 9 fruits, whereas the Latin Vulgate lists 12, adding modesty, generosity, and chastity. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "there is no doubt that this list of twelve — three of the twelve are omitted in several Greek and Latin manuscripts — is not to be taken in a strictly limited sense, but, according to the rules of Scriptural language, as capable of being extended to include all acts of a similar character." St. Thomas Aquinas defends this expanded list in his Summa Theologiae: The number of the twelve fruits enumerated by the Apostle is suitable, and that there may be a reference to them in the twelve fruits of which it is written (Apocalypse 22:2)
National Catholic Register
Religious expression in public life on the rise
By Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, May 21, 2026
Something is happening in the country that is being misread as politics. on the National Mall on May 17. Thousands of Americans of many faiths gathered for Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving — a day of Scripture, testimony, and prayer asking for God's guidance for the next 250 years. People of faith are reasserting their place in American public life, the law is increasingly vindicating them, and the secular establishment has not figured out what to do about it. While the number of Americans who identify as religious may be shrinking numerically, those who do are more intentional, more orthodox, and more willing to defend the place faith holds in public life. Efforts to sideline traditional views on life, sexuality, and education have clarified rather than diminished conviction. Recent court decisions underscore that people of faith are not second-class citizens whose faith must be confined to private life. This reengagement of religious Americans deserves more serious attention than it often receives.
EWTN News
Alabama denied execution of convicted murderer with low IQ
By Daniel Payne, May 21, 2026
The Supreme Court on May 21 rejected an attempt by the state of Alabama to execute a convicted murderer whose low IQ may render him intellectually disabled and thus protected from capital punishment by the U.S. Constitution. The court in an unsigned order dismissed an appeal from Alabama after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Joseph Clifton Smith, with the appeals court holding that Smithʼs low-70s IQ put him close enough to the threshold of an intellectual disability to render his death sentence unconstitutional. The court heard oral arguments in the case in December 2025. The case had followed a twisting path through the federal court system; the 11th Circuit first ruled in Smith's favor in 2023, after which the Supreme Court, in 2024, vacated that decision and ordered the appeals court to reconsider it. The justices in 2002 did not define “intellectual disability,” though it cited expert opinion that “an IQ between 70 and 75 or lower” is “typically considered the cutoff” in some definitions.
The CRUX
A mastermind in killing of Catholic activist arrested in Honduras
By Eduardo Campos Lima, May 22, 2026
After a year and a half, one of the masterminds behind the tragic killing of Catholic environmental activist Juan López – which occurred in Sept. 2024 in Honduras – was finally charged and detained by authorities, giving the local Church hope that justice will be served. Adán Fúnez, formerly the mayor of the municipality of Tocoa, was arrested on May 12 for allegedly being involved in López’s murder. He was arrested alongside Juan Ramos and Héctor Méndez, who were also accused of planning López’s killing. López, a leader of the Municipal Committee in Defense of the Common and Public Goods of Tocoa – an organization that works to protect the local environment – had denounced Fúnez to prosecutors for allegedly issuing fraudulent operating licenses to a mining group. The project involved not only iron oxide mining, but also a pellet production plant, a power plant, and other facilities.
The Pillar
Ahead of Leo's Spain visit, fascist monument remains controversial
By Edgar Beltrán, May 15, 2026
The monument of the Valley of the Fallen – or Valley of Cuelgamuros, as it was officially renamed a few years ago – was meant to be a symbol of reconciliation after a bloody civil war that tore Spain apart in the 1930s. Instead, it has become a frequent source of controversy between the political left and right in Spain, and more recently, the subject of tense negotiations between the government, which intends to “resignify” the site, and Church authorities. The monument uses Catholic symbols and imagery, and includes a 152-meter (500-foot) vertical cross, a cross-shaped basilica, and a Benedictine monastery. The principal architects of the monument were Francoist supporters, while the sculptor in charge of the monument's statues was a socialist. Critics do not see the basilica as a gesture of reconciliation but rather as a celebration of the regime and the victory of Catholic nationalism over anti-clerical republicanism.
Zenit News
Another attack on Christian symbols in Jerusalem
By ZENIT Staff, May 20, 2026
Jerusalem has long been a city where faith, memory, and politics intersect with unusual intensity. But recent events across Jerusalem and the West Bank suggest that what once appeared to be isolated incidents are increasingly being perceived by religious leaders, human-rights organizations, and local communities as part of a broader and more troubling pattern: a climate in which polarization is hardening and vulnerable communities feel increasingly exposed. During Jerusalem’s annual Flags March on May 15 — a celebration marking Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem after the 1967 Six-Day War — fresh controversy erupted after footage circulated showing radical Jewish youths spitting toward a statue of the Virgin Mary near New Gate in the Old City. The video was shared by Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Christians of the Holy Land Forum, who described the episode as yet another insult against Christian symbols and called for responsibility and urgent educational efforts.
Keep informed - see what matters to Catholics:
Snippets from Big Pulpit, EWTN, & the Loop for 5/22/26
Big Pulpit
Tito Edwards Catholic site: May 22, 2026
The Big Pulpit website is a news aggregator that gathers quality insights and analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide.
Fordham President Publicly Rejects Catholic Teaching – Complicit Clergy
Should You Pray the Rosary During Mass? What Pius XII & Aquinas Taught – David L. Gray, Th.M.
Obedience In Catholic Terms – A Treasure To Be Shared
Time to Abandon Fragile Feminist Monoculture Making Men, Women Miserable – C. Gress, Ph.D.
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — May 22, 2026
EWTN News provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, with updates on the Holy Father's words and the Holy See.
Catholic Charities USA brings traveling exhibit to U.S. Capitol on annual lobbying day - By Madalaine Elhabbal - Catholic Charities USA brought its traveling “People of Hope Museum” to Capitol Hill for its annual advocacy day, inviting members of Congress to see firsthand how its ministries impact both those who serve and those they serve.
EWTN expands reach in northern Europe with new office in Sweden - By Kate Quiñones - The move comes amid the growth of the Catholic Church in Sweden. The nation, which historically restricted religious freedom, has 130,000 registered Catholics.
Loyola University Maryland gets $500K private grant for community projects, ‘social trust’ efforts - By Tyler Arnold - According to a news release by Loyola, the grant will establish a program called “Rooted in Trust,” which will build on its York Road Community Day program. Its stated goal is to build trust across racial, generational, and socioeconomic divides.
Zeale / Loop / CatholicVote
Zeale is CatholicVote, hosting the LOOP
Over half a million people receive the LOOP news rundown six days a week. Zeale is the new home of the LOOP. Zeale is a project of CatholicVote, America’s top Catholic advocacy organization leading the fight for faith, family, and freedom.
CUBAN AMERICANS CELEBRATE US INDICTMENT OF CASTRO - Cuban ex-pats in Florida are praising the Trump administration for indicting 94-year-old former leader of Cuba, Raúl Castro, in connection with the 1996 killing of four men working to rescue people off the U.S. coast as they fled the communist regime. "Thank you for actually doing a good job and standing up for Cubans, for liberty, and anti-communism," one South Florida woman said. READ
CATHOLIC LAWMAKER URGES RUBIO TO CONFRONT INDIA - Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to confront Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his nation's increasingly ugly record of anti-Christian persecution. Rubio will soon travel to India on an official visit, giving him an opportunity to address the grave concerns Smith raises. READ
OKLAHOMA MAKES ABORTION PILL TRAFFICKING A FELONY - Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law this week that makes abortion pill trafficking a felony offense in the state. The legislation’s sponsors say the measure will protect women from coercion and from taking the deadly drugs without medical oversight. READ
Have time for today’s USCCB Daily Mass Readings?
You can listen HERE - May 22, 2026 - or READ:
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Mass in the Morning
Choices for today’s Catholic commentary:
Catholic365
Start being brave
By Daniel Mark, May 21, 2026
“Start being brave about everything, driving out darkness and spreading light as well” (St. Catherine of Siena). Recently, I read about Augustin Tolton, the ‘first’ black American priest. He escaped slavery in Missouri and eventually settled in Illinois with his family. He tried several times to attend a Catholic school. Finally, an Irish priest acceded to his request, although it was not without controversy. It must not have been easy at the time. In any case, the road to the priesthood was opened. No seminary would accept him, and he eventually went to Rome to study. Once ordained, he thought that he might be sent to Africa, but he was sent home to the USA. His original Church is being renovated. I was thinking about this and how often we need to blaze a trail. Saints are different people. They stepped out of their comfort zone and went against the grain. Sometimes I wonder how they did things, believed with such fervor, and kept their faith in Christ.
Catholic Weekly
Catholic organizations are positive about the new budget
By Tara Kennedy, May 21, 2026
The Australian Federal Government handed down the budget for 2026 on 12 May, which Treasurer Jim Chalmers said was the “most significant tax reform package in more than a quarter of a century.” The most notable reforms came to the housing sector, with changes made to negative gearing, capital gains tax discounts, and tax treatments on trusts aimed at “delivering a fairer tax system for workers, first home buyers, and future generations,” the treasurer said. For some, the over $63 billion saved by the budget may not be at the top of the list of priorities, with Catholic organizations in some cases critiquing and or praising the allocation of the nation’s funds. National council president Mark Gaetani said the new rules on the tax on investment properties reduce the structural pressures Australians are feeling. Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) CEO Jerry Nockles said because inflation is “not evenly spread,” extra care must be taken to ensure those experiencing hardship do not struggle even more.
Aleteia
Wildly popular Sacred Heart film is a revival of hope
By Caitlin Bootsma, May 21, 2026
Directors and producers Steven and Sabrina Gunnell were as shocked as everyone else when their docudrama Sacred Heart: His Reign has no End (KREA Film-Makers, Saje Distribution, and Fathom Entertainment) became a runaway hit, first in France, and then around the world. Now, this cinematic exploration of the 17th-century revelations of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque — already credited with ‘reversions’ and conversions to the faith — is set to come to theaters in the United States (dubbed in English) starting June 9. Sacred Heart is the Gunnells' 10th movie, a film they hoped would sell about 20,000 tickets in France during a limited October 2025 run. They compare what happened next to the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes. In France alone, half a million tickets were sold. To date, nearly one million people have seen the film in Europe and abroad.
Bishop Barron
The ultimate test of discipleship
By Bishop Robert Barron, May 22, 2026
Friends, today’s Gospel recounts the great encounter between the risen Jesus and Peter. Peter knows his sin—he betrayed Jesus three times. But Jesus brings him through the process of repentance and gives him the key to transformation. Three times Peter denied the Lord, and so three times Jesus asks him to reaffirm his faith: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Notice that Christianity is not a set of ideas, convictions, or principles. It is a relationship with a person. Do you love Jesus? Has he become your friend? Then we hear that wonderful closing section: “When you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” The ultimate test of discipleship is our willingness to abandon our egos and be carried by a power greater than ourselves.
Image of Coconut by Celio Nicoli from Pixabay
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