Catholic Nutshell News: Thursday 1/29/26
Topics include: Louisiana’s abortion pill challenge; Renewed attention for Armenian Christian detainees; Spain to grant legal status to immigrants; & Holy Hours for Peace across nation
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Today's sources include Aleteia, EWTN News, National Catholic Register, The Pillar, CatholicVote, John Eldredge, and ChurchPOP. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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OSV News
Court asked by DOJ to pause Louisiana’s abortion pill challenge
By Kate Scanlon, January 28, 2026
A key national pro-life group has accused the U.S. Department of Justice of undermining Louisiana’s efforts to roll back the Biden administration‘s eased restrictions on Mifepristone when it asked a court to pause the Pelican State’s challenge to that policy. In a Jan. 27 court filing, DOJ lawyers said a safety review of Mifepristone is underway and that such studies often take about one year. The plaintiff’s request to end mail-order distribution of the drug, the filing said, “may prove as unnecessary as it is disruptive, if FDA ultimately decides that the in-person dispensing requirement must be restored.” The agency’s orderly review and study of the safety risks of mifepristone,” it said. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, one of the pro-life organizations that has pushed the Trump administration to roll back the Biden administration’s regulations on the drug, said in a Jan. 27 statement that the “denial of justice by the DOJ is completely unacceptable.”
Related: Texas AG sues Delaware nurse over abortion pill trafficking, by Hannah Hiester of CatholicVote on January 28, 2026
CatholicVote
Vance draws renewed attention for Armenian Christian detainees
By Elise Winland, January 28, 2026
Vice President JD Vance’s upcoming February visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia is drawing renewed attention to a recent appeal urging Pope Leo XIV to press for the release of Artsakh-Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijani custody. President Donald Trump announced the visit Jan. 24 on Truth Social, as an effort to advance the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” a proposed transportation corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through southern Armenia. The proposal also calls for broader economic and security cooperation between the U.S. and Azerbaijan. Reuters reported that under the agreement, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to recognize each other’s territorial integrity, refrain from the use of force, and abide by international law. The upcoming diplomatic engagement has renewed focus on a December letter in which Catholic and Armenian Apostolic leaders urged Pope Leo to intervene on behalf of at least 23 prisoners detained after Azerbaijan’s 2023 military seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Crux
Spain to grant legal status to immigrants lacking permission
By Renata Brito, AP, January 28, 2026
Spain’s government announced Tuesday it will grant legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants living and working in the country without authorization, the latest way the country has bucked a trend toward increasingly harsh immigration policies imposed in the US and much of Europe. In contrast to other nations that have moved to restrict immigration and asylum, Spain has moved in the opposite direction, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his ministers often extolling the benefits of legal migration to the country’s economy and aging workforce. Other organizations have estimated that up to 800,000 people live in the shadows of Spanish society. Many are immigrants from Latin American or African countries working in the agricultural, tourism or service sectors, backbones of Spain’s booming economy.
UCA News
Pakistan’s curriculum fails religious minorities
By Anee Muskan, January 29, 2026
Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal citizenship, religious freedom, and free and compulsory education for all children aged five to 16. Yet for many students belonging to religious minorities, these guarantees remain unrealised — particularly within the education system. A recent study by the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) documents how religious content — primarily Islamic teachings — has become deeply embedded in public-school textbooks across all four provinces, even in subjects meant to be religiously neutral, such as English, Urdu, Social Studies, General Knowledge, and Pakistan Studies. “For me, studying Urdu was just like studying Islamiat,” said Kashan, a Christian student from Sialkot. “It was full of Islamic content and had no academic relevance as a language subject.” Nabila Feroze Bhatti, a member of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) working group, said, “When religious content is inserted into compulsory subjects, education loses its neutrality.”
Aleteia
US Bishops’ president calls for Holy Hours for Peace across nation
By Christine Rousselle, January 28, 2025
Priests and bishops around the United States should offer a "Holy Hour for Peace" in the near future as a way to promote the healing of society, Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said on Wednesday, January 28. “Many people today feel powerless in the face of violence, injustice, and social unrest. To those who feel this way, I wish to say clearly: Your faithfulness matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter,” said Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Catholics and others of goodwill serve one another and work for peace and justice, something Archbishop Coakley said he was “deeply grateful” for. As a way to promote healing, Archbishop Coakley "invite(s) my brother bishops and priests across the United States to offer a Holy Hour for Peace in the days ahead."
CatholicVote
Iowa governor’s bill to combat antisemitism in public education
By Hannah Hiester, January 28, 2026
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, introduced legislation in the state’s House and Senate Jan. 27 to monitor and combat antisemitism in public schools, colleges, and universities across the state. According to a press release from her office, Reynolds’ bill requires all community colleges, state universities, and public K-12 schools to provide annual reports of antisemitic actions and detail the findings and conclusions of any investigations into the behavior. In the release, Reynolds affirmed that “Antisemitism has no place in Iowa.” “This proposal sends a message that Iowans fully support our Jewish community, and we will not tolerate antisemitism of any kind,” she added. The bill follows her June 2025 executive order, which directed the Iowa Board of Regents to cooperate with the Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office to ensure that Jewish students were being protected.
National Catholic Register
Iran’s crackdown strains diplomatic relations with the Vatican
By Andrea Gagliarducci, January 28, 2026
On Jan. 9, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Holy See, took part in the traditional exchange of greetings of the diplomatic corps, briefly greeting Pope Leo XIV. At that time, the Holy See had not yet formally addressed the situation in Tehran, where protests and heavy repression were ongoing. The only Vatican comment — informal but meaningful — came from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. On Jan. 19, at a celebration for the exposition of a relic of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, he remarked: “I wonder how it is possible to attack one’s own people, to the point of causing so many deaths.” Cardinal Parolin’s words carry particular weight. The Holy See and Iran have, incredibly, several points of diplomatic contact. The Holy See has looked to Iran as an interlocutor since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza. In general, the Holy See has always favored the development of relations between Middle Eastern countries.
EWTN News
The majority of TV & film viewers like content with faith themes
By Tessa Gervasini, January 29, 2026
Consumers of all ages and backgrounds said faith in entertainment is broadly appealing, according to research released this week. The Jan. 28 report “2026 Faith & Entertainment Index: Faith, Storytelling, and Its Influence on Modern American Audiences” was conducted by HarrisX in partnership with the Faith and Media Initiative. Film viewers “want better, more accurate, more complex depictions of faith and storytelling,” said Allison Brady, market research and operations leader at HarrisX. “We wanted to understand from consumers themselves what are the ways that the film and television industry can do this better and why certain stories land better than others,” she said. Of adults surveyed, 78% identified as spiritual, religious, or a person of faith, with most identifying as Christian (5,579), Catholic (2,072), Protestant (2,266), Jewish (2,467), and Muslim (2,652).
Catholic Daily, EWTN & ChurchPOP for 1/29/26
Catholic Daily
Messages of faith and hope throughout the world - January 29, 2026
CatholicDaily.com is an online news website that features faith-based news and Catholic inspiration from around the world. Catholic Daily is operated by Queen of Peace Productions, with support from CatholicShop.com.
No, AI Doesn’t Have a Soul: The Catholic Understanding of Its Role in Human Society - January 29, 2026 World News - College professor-philosopher seeks the truth about the mind, soul and personhood in a new podcast series about artificial intelligence.
ASIA/CHINA – The Immaculate Conception of Shenjiadou – “Fishermen’s Church” – reopens - January 29, 2026 - Hangzhou – “I was baptized here and now I feel I have rediscovered the source of my faith,” said eighty-year-old Joseph Liu Bin, visibly moved and grateful at the end of the solemn liturgy for the reconsecration and reopening of the Church.
AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE – Situation out of control: schools closed, lack of drinking water, and cholera spreading after floods - January 29, 2026 - Nampula – In Mozambique, the resumption of school activities in the country has been postponed until 27 February 2026. The decision was taken by the country’s Council of Ministers.
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — January 29, 2026
Formerly known as Catholic News Agency, EWTN provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and the activities of the Holy See, and is available to anyone with internet access.
New campaign says children are ‘true victims’ of legalizing same-sex marriage - By Kate Quiñones - Advocacy groups and a pro-family organization are launching a campaign to highlight how legalizing same-sex marriage has threatened children’s rights. Launched on Jan. 28, the “Greater Than” campaign is a project of Them Before Us, a nonprofit “dedicated to defending every child’s natural right to their mother and father in law, culture, and policy.”
Influencer nun: Parents most opposed to a religious vocation are not the most atheistic ones - By Nicolás de Cárdenas - Sister Marta explained that “the parents who ‘attack’” the idea of a vocation the most “aren’t the most atheistic ones. Because sometimes the most atheistic or agnostic person says, ‘Well, if it makes you happy...’ They are more open-minded,” though she acknowledged there are many different cases.
Vatican endorses Journey to Redemption 2033, a global youth renewal movement - By Victoria Cardiel - The Vatican has endorsed the Journey to Redemption 2033 project being promoted by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference as well as other episcopal conferences around the world. The initiative began by encouraging young Christians from across Europe to open up a pathway to faith and hope for a new European generation in preparation for the Jubilee of Redemption, which will be celebrated in 2033.
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - January 29, 2026
“We publish inspiring daily stories, fun and shareable faith-centered infographics, prayers, Church history, and more.”
The Cutest Lenten Activity for Kids: Catholic Mom Shares a Powerful Way to ‘Make the Gospel Come Alive’ - In a video shared on Instagram, content creator Kristen Combo said she and other families decided to paint small wooden figures—often called peg dolls—representing the people who accompanied Jesus during His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The Magnificent First Minor Basilica in America Turns 100—and Catholics Can Receive a Plenary Indulgence - It’s the 100th anniversary of the Basilica of St. Mary, the first and beautifully magnificent minor basilica in the United States.
Raising Saints in a Battle for Souls: 4 Ways Catholic Parents Can Pass Down the Faith to Their Kids - First, teach through your witness. As Pope Saint Paul VI so famously said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”
Nutshell reflections for 1/29/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection - VIDEO - January 29, 2026
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Church Life Journal
Notre Dame introduces the Collegiate Gothic
By John Stamper, January 29, 2026
Educational and religious architecture in South Bend from 1900 to the 1930s reflected trends in commercial and residential architecture during the same period. Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and Georgian Revival are all evident in almost equal measure at the University of Notre Dame, with much of the institutional architecture and landscape influenced by the City Beautiful movement. The Neoclassical style had a strong presence after the turn of the century, both downtown and at Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s. After World War I and the construction of the Lemonnier Library, however, both schools turned to the increasingly popular Collegiate Gothic style for classroom and dormitory buildings alike. At Notre Dame, this included Alumni and Dillon Halls, Rockne Memorial Hall, the Engineering Building, and the famous South Dining Hall. At Saint Mary’s College, this is especially evident in its largest classroom, office, and dormitory building, Le Mans Hall.
The Pillar
Student said UK Jesuits falsely claimed he withdrew an allegation
By The Pillar, January 28, 2026
A student has accused the Jesuits in Britain of falsely stating he had withdrawn an allegation of misconduct against a former Jesuit provincial superior. But while the Jesuit province says it handled the allegation correctly, the Oxford University graduate student said he was shocked to see a communication between the Jesuits and a diocesan safeguarding team, which claimed he had retracted the complaint. The student told The Pillar that he never indicated he wished to withdraw his allegation, and could not explain or understand why the British Jesuit province would claim otherwise. The alleged victim, who asked not to be named, made an allegation in July 2025 of inappropriate conduct on the part of Fr. Damian Howard, S.J., the British Jesuits’ former provincial superior, who was then serving as senior chaplain at the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy.
Related: Jesuit chaplain at Oxford steps down amid sex abuse, cover-up allegations, by Antonino Cambria, LifeSiteNews — Jan 28, 2026
LifeSite
India struggles to move forward & develop a casteless society
By Ananthakrishnan G, January 29, 2026
In a significant order, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday stayed the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, saying they raise several important questions which, if not addressed, will have “very sweeping consequences…will divide the society.” Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, “The constitutional question is… Article 15(4) empowers the state to make special laws for the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes. The principle of no-regression has evolved essentially in environmental law. It also pervades in laws which are protective of social justice and equality.” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked, “In a country after 75 years, whatever we have gained in terms of developing a casteless society, are we going in a regressive policy?” He also flagged the point about the Regulations speaking of separate hostels.
Wild at Heart
Knowing about God substitutes for knowing God
By John Eldredge, January 29, 2026
When the religious (spirit) is operating, knowing about God substitutes for knowing God. And therefore, teaching is exalted. Church feels like a seminar — it could be intellectual or motivational. Good content is what matters. Doctrine is fiercely defended. Members can explain to you theories of the atonement, or seven steps to success, but can’t name one intimate encounter they’ve had with Jesus. Not once in their lives have they heard him speak to them. I’ve met heads of Christian education departments, chaplains, and seminary faculty who, by their own admission, don’t know Jesus personally. You can talk about sunshine and live your life underground; you can even go to the sea, but never dive in. A great deal of what is adamantly taught about Jesus is taught by people who frankly don’t know him very well.
Image of peanuts by Nicole Köhler, from Pixabay
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