Catholic Nutshell News: Tuesday 2/24/26
Topics include: Nigeria bleeds ‘endlessly’; Melania Trump’s mysterious Catholic faith; Swiss Guard barracks redo postponed; & Math behind the name ‘Satan’ debunked
“I’ll pray for thee from my pistachio tree”
Today's sources are the National Catholic Register, EWTN, The Imaginative Conservative, CRUX, The Pillar, Big Pulpit, and CatholicVote. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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EWTN News
Melania Trump’s mysterious Catholic faith
By Madalaine Elhabbal, February 15, 2026
“Melania,” the new documentary about America’s first lady, follows Mrs. Trump as she prepares for her husband’s second inauguration in 2025. Amazon MGM reportedly produced the documentary for $40 million, with Melania Trump serving as one of its executive producers. It has grossed roughly $15 million since its Jan. 30 release. One aspect she did choose to reveal: her faith. Specifically, the scene takes place on Jan. 9, 2025. Still reeling from her husband’s comeback victory, Mrs. Trump is also bracing for a somber anniversary: the passing of her mother, Amalija Knavs. Melania told Father Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, that her mother would often visit St. Patrick’s, where Mrs. Trump also feels a deep sense of comfort. Melania Trump’s spiritual life has remained as mysterious as the first lady herself, but she has sent subtle cues of her Catholicism through her years in the public eye.
Related: Border czar Homan says ‘Catholic Church is wrong’ on immigration, EWTN News, By Tessa Gervasini, November 14, 2025
ACI Africa
Nigeria bleeds ‘endlessly’ amid ‘senseless massacres, mass burials’
By Jude Atemanke, February 23, 2026
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, raised concerns about rising insecurity in the West African country, decrying in particular what he describes as “senseless massacres” and ‘mass burials” in the country experiencing terrorism and banditry. “Our country has continued to experience rising security challenges.” He described the worsening wave of kidnappings and killings across Nigeria, noting that gun-wielding men in the country “operate boldly, freely and unchallenged,” often exploiting weaknesses in the national security system to attack vulnerable communities. Archbishop Ugorji also cautioned that delays in prosecuting terrorists or reintegrating former insurgents could undermine public trust, stating that such actions “give the impression of complicity on the side of government.” He condemned illegal mining as “national economic sabotage” that fuels terrorism and organized crime.
The Pillar
Renovation of 19th-century Swiss Guard barracks postponed
By Edgar Beltrán, February 16, 2026
A major project to redevelop new barracks for the Pontifical Swiss Guards, the pope’s bodyguard and Vatican City military, has been postponed due to a lack of funds and escalating project costs. Although the Vatican granted building permits for new barracks for the Swiss Guards in January of this year, with construction originally slated to begin immediately, the foundation responsible for the project announced Feb. 18 that construction has been delayed until 2027 due to a fundraising shortfall. The Swiss Guards, the smallest standing army in the world, are based in barracks near Porta Sant’Anna in Vatican City, which have barely been renovated since they were built in the late 19th century. The Barracks Foundation was established in Switzerland in 2016 to raise funds for the construction of new barracks and to lead the project. The foundation began fundraising in 2019, and while it had secured 50 million euros, costs grew by 27 million euros.
Zenit
Record number of UK adults joining Catholic Church in Southwark
By ZENIT Staff, February 23, 2026
At the Rite of Election ceremony at St George’s Cathedral yesterday, Archbishop John Wilson welcomed over 590 adults, including catechumens (those not yet baptised) and candidates (those from other Christian traditions). This is the highest number of converts in a year since 2011. “The power of your name is so important today, as you are called by name. You’re not a number. You’re not lost in the crowd. You’re not unknown. Today, you are called by name. In the Scriptures, names really matter. A name in the Scriptures will often signify characteristics of the person or their mission, or their prophetic gifts. Your name means something special to Jesus. And today he calls you by name.” The adults being received into the Church come from parishes across South London and Kent and are completing the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA. The data reveals a notably young demographic, with half aged 35 and under, 37% under 30, and 20% between the ages of 18-2.
CatholicVote
Massachusetts pro-life center appeals decision dissing their claims
By Hannah Hiester, February 23, 2026
A Massachusetts pregnancy resource center is appealing its suit against the state after a federal district court dismissed the center’s argument that Massachusetts officials are targeting and suppressing pro-life viewpoints and speech they disagree with. Your Options Medical (YOM) sued Massachusetts officials in 2024 after the state launched a campaign that painted pregnancy resource centers as “dangerous” organizations that mislead and misinform pregnant women about their options. According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), one of the legal organizations representing YOM, government officials partnered with a pro-abortion activist group to work on the campaign messaging and file complaints against pro-life centers. “When viewed as a coordinated whole, the allegations we put forward plausibly describe more than neutral public health messaging – they describe a government-driven effort to stigmatize and silence disfavored speech,” the ACLJ stated.
Aleteia
The math behind the name ‘Satan’
By Daniel Esparza, February 24, 2026
A claim circulates widely, even online: In Hebrew, the letters of “Satan” add up to 364. Gematria is a traditional Jewish interpretive method in which Hebrew letters carry numerical value. The number for Satan is linked to a rabbinic teaching that the Accuser has influence 364 days a year — but not on Yom Kippur. It’s a compelling idea. But the arithmetic does not support it. The number appears in the Babylonian Talmud (Yoma 20a), where a rabbinic teaching suggests that Satan has permission to accuse Israel 364 days a year — except on Yom Kippur. The image is theological, not mathematical: even the Accuser operates within limits set by God. Divine mercy interrupts the accusation. Importantly, this teaching does not depend on the gematria of the word “Satan.” It is a homiletic insight about the Day of Atonement and God’s sovereignty. Understanding this requires clarity about gematria itself. There is “a day” when mercy silences accusation. That insight stands on its own, independent of numerological claims about the word “Satan.”
CRUX
Church gains prominence in humanitarian work in Cuba
By Eduardo Campos Lima, February 24, 2026
As Cuba faces its worst social crisis in decades, the Catholic Church has become a central provider of humanitarian assistance on the island, channeling international donations and distributing relief to the neediest members of society. More and more Catholics have become outspoken critics of the regime, directly calling for change as the Cuban economy seems to collapse. The current humanitarian emergency began in October 2025, when Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on nations that sell oil to Cuba. The lack of oil led to temporary shutdowns of public services in Havana and other cities — trucks have been unable to operate without fuel — and the closure of numerous businesses. Food prices have since soared. “The role of the Catholic Church is fundamental at this moment in channeling humanitarian aid to Cuba. Caritas, a well-organized structure at every level, has extensive experience working in humanitarian emergencies,” said Father Rogelio Deán, rector of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre.
OSV News
Cardinals Müller, Sarah urge SSPX to submit to papal authority
By Gina Christian, February 24, 2026
Two prominent Catholic cardinals have expressed their profound concern and sorrow over a recently announced decision by the Society of St. Pius X — which rejects the authority of the Second Vatican Council — to ordain bishops this summer without papal approval. “The only solution possible in conscience before God is for the Society of St. Pius X … to recognize our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV as the legitimate Pope not only in theory but also in practice, and to submit to his teaching authority and his primacy of jurisdiction without preconditions,” wrote Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former prefect of what is now the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. “Can one who abandons the Chair of Peter still claim to be within the Church of Christ?” asked Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The cardinals’ statements followed a Feb. 18 letter from SSPX superior Father Davide Pagliarani declining further dialogue with the Vatican on terms proposed by the latter.
Pulpit, EWTN, & Fides News for 2/24/26
BIG PULPIT
Tito Edwards Catholic blogger site: February 24, 2026
The Big Pulpit website is an intelligent news aggregator offering quality insight & analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide. Here are Chief Editor Tito Edward’s top recommendations for today.
Why You Should Keep a Godly Dating Journal – Diana Ragsdale at Catholic Stand Magazine
Quantifying the Catholic Revolution: What Vatican II Caused – James R. Green at Grain Of Wheat
Helping Almsgivers Discern: Launch of the Catholic Charity Finder Directory – Edward Pentin
Let Me Confirm What Leo Told Bp Schneider, the Young are Drawn to the TLM – Fr. A. McDonald
Leo’s Lenten Retreat Provides Further Insight Into His Pontificate – Fr. R.J. de Souza, M.Phil.
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — February 24, 2026
EWTN News 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.
Pope sends more humanitarian aid to Ukraine - By Victoria Cardiel - Pope Leo XIV has sent a humanitarian shipment to Ukraine containing urgently needed medicines and more than 1,000 electric radiators to assist people affected by the war. According to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the shipment responds to a “desperate request” made by several bishops amid the grave situation caused by the latest Russian airstrikes
Vatican, Microsoft launch digital font inspired by Michelangelo’s handwriting - By Victoria Cardiel - Writing with the distinctive hand of one of the Renaissance’s greatest geniuses is now possible. Marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and Microsoft have introduced “Michelangelus,” a new digital typeface faithfully modeled on the handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti.
2 laicized nuns in Spain return to Catholic communion after leaving schismatic group - By Nicolás de Cárdenas - Archbishop Mario Iceta of Burgos, Spain, lifted the excommunication of two of the 10 former Poor Clare nuns of Belorado on Ash Wednesday, following a process of personal conversion that culminated in their return to the Catholic Church. The schism unfolded in May 2024.
Agenzia Fides
Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies - 2/24/26
Fides News Agency (Fides) was established in 1927, at the direction of the Council Superior General of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, as the first Missionary Agency of the Church and among the first agencies in the world.
ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Jesuit Fr. Alejo: "The spirit of EDSA calls us to a responsibility in the present" - Manila (Agenzia Fides) – "For 40 years, the Philippine education system has failed to convey the spirit of the EDSA revolution. Textbooks do not fully explain what happened during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
ASIA/MYANMAR - A new church opens amidst conflict to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - A church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a devotion that is gaining increasing importance in Myanmar during a time of war and suffering – was opened in the Archdiocese of Yangon.
AMERICA/MEXICO - Civil and religious authorities unite to protect the country from further violence and restore peace - Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – A few days after the killing of the leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', chaos reigns throughout the country.
Nutshell reflections for 2/24/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection AUDIO - February 24, 2026
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
National Catholic Register
The tide Is turning against transgender ideology
By The Editors, February 24, 2026
The claim that human persons can change their fundamental sexual identity has never been supported by any sound science. That hasn’t prevented many lawmakers in the U.S. and much of the U.S. medical establishment from buying into the agendas of “transgender” activists. But in recent months, the tide of public opinion has begun to turn decisively. Tragically, one of the reasons for this pushback against transgender ideology is the recent series of horrific mass shootings in student settings committed by individuals who identified as transgender. These horrors are collective tragedies, and it’s not demonization to point out that the perpetrators had undergone “gender transitioning.” Instead, troubled individuals who need help of a completely different nature were abused by the medical profession and by society as a whole. While this pushback is strongest in the arena of banning biological males from competing in women’s sports, it’s also taking place with respect to banning “gender transition” treatments for minors.
Imaginative Conservative
The world is in the throes of a unique, cosmic cultural crisis
By Jean Daniélou, February 22, 2026
The inclusion of Christianity in history is a real incarnation. As Christ himself belonged to one nation, one culture, one period of time, so the Church is embodied in successive cultural forms, which are themselves no less transitory than the very civilizations they represent. Over the last four centuries, there has been a perfectly normal materialization of Christianity within Western civilization. This Christianity of the bourgeois has borne fruit in miracles of charity and holiness. But our world is now in the throes of such a cultural crisis as previous history hardly records. Christianity ineluctably requires, always, both an incarnation and a detachment. Incarnation, solidarity, is a matter of simple duty. Any attempt to withdraw the Christian religion from its historical settings, into some timeless ideality, is a plain case of mistaken identity. Christianity is not finally identified with any of the types of culture in which it is successively embodied.
The Obscure, Forgotten, and Undiscovered
Andy Warhol was buried at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church
By James K. Hanna, February 22, 2026
Andy Warhol died on February 22, 1987. His mortal remains are interred at Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, in the Byzantine Catholic Cemetery. “I never understood why when you died, you didn’t just vanish, and everything could just keep going on the way it was, only you just wouldn’t be there. I always thought I’d like my own tombstone to be blank. No epitaph and no name. Well, actually, I’d like it to say ‘figment.’” —Andy Warhol, America, 1985. Warhol’s funeral took place on February 26, 1987, at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in Pittsburgh. Warhol is buried alongside his parents, Julia and Andrej Warhola, at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, a sister parish of St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church, Warhol’s childhood church.
Here’s the thing
I am thoroughly philo-semitic
By Austin Ruse, February 20, 2026
A fallen-away Methodist, back in those days, before I moved toward Catholicism, I briefly flirted with Judaism. In my New York days, I most especially loved the tough Jews, the Israelis who ran various businesses. They seemed not only wise but tough. An acquaintance of mine, when I worked at Rolling Stone, Rich Cohen, now a columnist at The Wall Street Journal, wrote a book I love called Tough Jews. He wrote another book about Jews in the music business, mostly Motown. When I lived in New York, I would ride my bike over to Williamsburg on Saturday afternoons to hang around and see the beautiful parade of Hasidic Jews on Shabbat, what with those amazing big hats, long beards, shiny pants, slippers, and their long curling payes. I even took my family there a few years ago so they could see this remarkable culture. America is so homogenized these days; it is a delight to see such vibrant subcultures. You could say I am thoroughly philo-semitic.
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