Catholic Nutshell News: Wednesday 10/29/25
Topics include: Abortion Pills under-reported; Church and anti-semitism; Tehran metro station honors Virgin Mary; & A new crime of ‘spiritual abuse’
“Here was an almond tree in bloom before me”
Today's sources are the CRUX, Catholic Culture, National Catholic Register, Vatican News, The Pillar, Aleteia, and CNA. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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Daily Compass
Abortion pills: The adverse effects are underestimated
By Ermes Dovico, September 10, 2025
There is a discrepancy between the numbers provided by the abortion industry regarding complications related to the use of Mifepristone (RU486) and misoprostol. In a report by Randall K. O’Bannon, published in September 2025 by the US pro-life group National Right to Life, data on examined insurance claims associated with 865,727 Mifepristone abortions in the United States between 2017 and 2023 revealed that 11% (10.93%) of women experienced severe complications within 45 days of undergoing a chemical abortion. This is approximately 22 times higher than the figure quoted by the promoters of the pill. This figure is also closer to the results of other studies on the use of the abortion pill in Canada, the UK, and Finland. After the Dobbs ruling in 2022, “no state prosecutes women for seeking or attempting abortions. Women can reveal the one responsible for their injury without fear of exposure or prosecution.” However, with abortion by pill, women unknowingly protect the industry, which tends to minimize or attribute the adverse effects of taking mifepristone to other causes.
Catholic News Agency
Pope Leo: ‘The Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism’
By Courtney Mares / Victoria Cardiel, October 29, 2025
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday strongly condemned anti-Semitism during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square, marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra aetate, the Second Vatican Council document on the Church’s relations with other religions. The pope underlined that since the publication of Nostra aetate, “all of my predecessors have condemned anti-Semitism with clear words. And so I too confirm that the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself.” The pope expressed thanks for what has been achieved in the past 60 years of Jewish-Catholic dialogue while acknowledging the challenges that have arisen along the way. Pope Leo was joined by Jewish rabbis, Muslim imams, Buddhist monks and other religious leaders for the general audience. He called on them to act together to alleviate human suffering, care for the planet, and restore hope.
Catholic Culture
Holy See concerned about nuclear facilities in war zones
By Catholic World News, October 21, 2025
The effects of atomic radiation remain a matter of profound concern. The 2024 UNSCEAR report confirms that medical exposure accounts for almost 80% of global exposure to artificial sources of ionizing radiation. “The ongoing hostilities around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant [in Enerhodar, Ukraine] serve as a stark reminder of the grave dangers that arise when civilian nuclear infrastructure becomes entangled in war,” said Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. “Urgent preventive measures must be taken to guarantee the safety of civilians and protect creation.” He said several nuclear treaties “embody the conviction that peace and security can never be built on the threat of mass destruction. Instead, they are based on disarmament, transparency, international cooperation, and respect for the inalienable dignity of every person.”
Aleteia
New metro station in Tehran honors Virgin Mary
By Crousselle, October 29, 2025
A newly opened metro station in Tehran, Iran, called “Maryam-e Moghaddas,” or “St. Mary,” opened on October 18 and is located near the city’s Armenian cathedral. It is named after the Virgin Mary, in what Iran’s only Catholic cardinal calls an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s example and Jesus’ message of peace and understanding. The Maryam-e Moghaddas station contains several works of art honoring Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Spirit. The works were included to convey a sense of respect for “other religions, Christianity in particular,” said artist Tina Tarigh Mehr to AFP ahead of the station’s opening. “This bird (the white dove) is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The olive tree is a symbol of peace and friendship,” she said. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Twelver Ja’afari Shia Islam is the official state religion. Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians are listed in Iran’s constitution as “recognized religious minorities” and are allowed to worship “within the limits of the law.”
The Pillar
Vatican open to identifying a new crime of ‘spiritual abuse’
By Ed. Condon, October 28, 2025
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez told Pope Leo that a working group on the criminalization of spiritual abuse was proceeding “fruitfully,” and petitioned the pontiff to confirm Archbishop Filippo Iannone as its chair, especially after Iannone moved positions in the Vatican last month. The continuation of the group’s work, and the continuity of leadership, suggests Leo — himself a canonist — is at least open to an eventual new crime of spiritual abuse. But what might it look like, and how might it work? The issue of spiritual abuse has been present in the Church for millennia, in one form or another. So long as there has been authority in any human society, there exists the possibility for abuse, and spiritual authority is no different. To a degree, canon law already recognizes the reality of spiritual abuse, albeit as an aggravating factor to other specific crimes, often sexual.
Vatican News
Israel to lift emergency status in south
By Nathan Morley, October 27, 2025
Israel will lift its “special situation” designation in the country’s south on Tuesday morning, ending a state of emergency that has been in place since Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday he accepted the military’s recommendation to lift the “special situation” designation, which grants authorities expanded powers during security emergencies, for the southern part of the country. A “special situation” on the home front is declared when there is a high likelihood of attacks on civilians. Katz said the decision reflects a new security reality achieved through “determined and powerful operations” against Hamas over the past two years. He added that Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and demilitarizing Gaza.
UCA News
Former Anglican predicts surge of conversions to Catholic Church
By Jonathan Luxmoore/OSV, October 25, 2025
Msgr. Michael Nazir-Ali, a former Anglican bishop, urged church leaders to prepare for a surge of Catholic conversions, as a historic Vatican visit by King Charles III coincided with a deepening division in the worldwide Anglican Communion. “The Church of England has clearly decided to go the way of liberal Protestant denominations, abandoning any claims to be upholding the Catholic apostolic succession,” said Msgr. Michael Nazir-Ali, who was one of several Anglican bishops received into the Catholic Church in 2021. “We’re already seeing a significant new wave of conversions, and the church needs to consider how best to respond,” he said. The Pakistan-born former bishop was ordained a Catholic priest for the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, a diocese with Anglican traditions established under Pope Benedict XVI to help bring Anglicans in the United Kingdom into full communion with the Catholic Church.
National Catholic Register
Secret euthanasia house raises alarm in Canada
By Terry O’Neill/BC Catholic/CNA, October 29, 2025
The furtive establishment of a stand-alone, private euthanasia house in Victoria, the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia, has sparked criticism from pro-lifers and exposed yet another way in which medical assistance in dying (MAID) is spreading throughout America’s neighbor to the North. A Toronto-based nonprofit called MAiDHouse opened the euthanasia facility at an undisclosed location in the provincial capital in February. It launched a Toronto MAID house in 2021. Euthanasia opponents are troubled by the under-the-radar expansion of MAID facilities, especially since the unidentified houses may be in residential neighborhoods. The MAID houses appear to have the full backing of the federal government. Not only has the Canada Revenue Agency granted MAiDHouse, also known as Assisted-Dying Resource Centres Canada, full charity status, but Health Canada lists it as one of 10 national “resources.”
From Loop & Agency to Pillar Post for 10/29/25
CatholicVote: Daily LOOP
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TRUMP SENDING AID TO PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS IN SYRIA - The Trump administration announced new humanitarian aid this week for Southern Syria, directing relief to Christian, Druze, and Bedouin communities that have faced years of violence and displacement amid the country’s ongoing instability.
NETANYAHU ORDERS NEW STRIKES ON GAZA, IMPERILING DEAL - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday ordered his military to immediately launch “powerful” strikes on Gaza, threatening to unravel the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Initial strikes reportedly killed at least two and wounded four in a residential neighborhood.
THE HISTORY OF KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AND TOOTSIE ROLLS - Many people are used to seeing Knights of Columbus with Tootsie Rolls by the bucket, offering the candy to those who make donations to help people with intellectual disabilities. But how did this tradition start?
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — October 29, 2025
The Catholic News Agency provides reliable, free, and up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and the happenings of the Holy See to anyone with internet access.
Pope Leo XIV commemorates Nostra Aetate anniversary with interfaith celebrations - Oct 29, 2025 - By Kristina Millare - Pope Leo XIV joined 300 faith leaders on Tuesday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Church’s declaration on building relationships with non-Christian religions.
Runners carry torch from Mexico to New York praying for immigrants, honoring Our Lady - Oct 28, 2025 - By Amira Abuzeid - Pilgrim runners began their journey on Aug. 30 in Mexico City and so far have carried it through nine Mexican states and 30 cities. They will pass through 14 U.S. states as they journey 3,000 miles before arriving in New York on Dec. 12
Protestant congregation in Michigan fights township over fines, limits on religious activity - Oct 28, 2025 - By Tyler Arnold - A Protestant congregation in Michigan is facing $4,500 in fines imposed by Windsor Township, according to First Liberty Institute. The Sanctum of One God Church asserts the township has delayed permit processing and has imposed restrictions on the congregation that curtail its religious activity.
The Pillar
Pillar Post for Tuesday, 10/17/25
The Pillar offers a news summary and a capsule take on Catholic News. Here’s Ed. Condon’s analysis of the news from a few weeks ago in the Pillar Post:
A confidential audit report in APSA, issued in 2021, concluded that the Holy See’s asset manager had effectively no risk assessment or compliance capacity - The report said APSA’s governing structure was dangerously inexpert and clerically centralized. The audit was carried out on papal orders by the Vatican’s internal financial watchdog ASIF
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its second annual global child protection report Thursday - The Vatican used to clearly communicate the reasons for [a bishop’s] resignation or removal, and issuing a public statement as a matter of course, but it stopped suddenly 10 years ago.
Younger priests were also less likely to think that synodality should be prioritized and less concerned about the question of women’s influence in the Church than their older peers - According to The Catholic Project at The Catholic University of America, young priests think access to the Traditional Latin Mass should be a priority and don’t think that synodality should be prioritized.
Nutshell reflections for 10/29/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection Audio - October 29, 2025
Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
The Obscure, Forgotten, and Undiscovered
Monsignor Ellis: ‘The dean of American church historians’
By James K. Hanna, October 16, 2025
John Tracy Ellis died on this date in 1992. Born in 1905, the New York Times called Monsignor Ellis “the dean of American church historians.” The “unofficial title captured both his stature and his longevity.” The Seneca, Illinois native was ordained in 1939, was professor of church history and theology at the Catholic University of America 1938-64 and 1977-89. Ellis was prolific. Many of his books and articles are “must-haves” for the bookshelf of anyone interested in the history of the Church in America. One outstanding testament to Ellis and his teaching is the number of his former students at Catholic University who later made significant contributions to church history, including Fr. Joseph P. Chinnici, OFM, Cardinal Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Fr. James Hennesey, SJ, and Fr. Thomas J. Shelley. According to Dolan, Ellis would start each semester with the same quote: “If you lack wisdom, God can give it to you; if you lack knowledge, I can provide it; if you lack common sense, nobody can help you!”
CRUX
Catholic teachers need to focus more on spiritual lives
By Nicole Winfield, AP, October 28, 2025
Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic teachers on Tuesday to focus less on pre-professional outcomes and more on educating students to have rich spiritual lives and use technology in ways that keep human dignity front and center. Leo issued a set of marching orders to Catholic educators during a special Holy Year celebration that has brought thousands of teachers, students, and administrators to Rome. His text is an update to a 1965 Vatican document laying out the priorities for Catholic educators, adopted during the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church. The Catholic Church is one of the world’s leading players in education, operating more than 225,000 primary and secondary schools and enrolling some 2.5 million students at Catholic universities around the globe
National Catholic Register
St. Jude Thaddeus was martyred in Persia with St. Simon
By Theresa Doyle-Nelson, October 28, 2025
Jesus selected two apostles named Judas. The English version of the name, Jude, is often used for Judas, who is also known as Thaddeus. This Jude is mentioned only once in the Bible, in John 14:22, where he is quoted during the Last Supper, a Passover meal Jesus shared with his apostles shortly before his Passion. Evidently, Jude was curious as to why Jesus would not manifest himself to the entire world. Jesus’ reply highlighted the importance of love for him and God the Father — that the practice of this love and reverence would create a special dwelling. Jude Thaddeus has become a very popular saint, probably due to his patronage of hopeless cases. This patronage may stem from an experience Jude allegedly had in the city of Edessa (now Sanliurfa, Turkey), according to the ancient Church historian Eusebius. The Letter of Jude may have been written by this in-the-background apostle.
Catholic Exchange
Inconsistency of wanting to be Catholic & an active LGBT
By Marcello Riccobaldi, October 29, 2025
The publication of the summary document of the Italian Bishop’s Conference (CEI) synodal journey, entitled Lievito di pace e di speranza (“Leaven of Peace and Hope”), is causing quite a stir. It seems to welcome and embrace the claims of groups such as Gionata project, which want to legitimize homosexual and gender ideology within the Catholic Church. This comes after a sacrilegious “LGBT jubilee” took place in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in early September as part of the events linked to the Holy Year 2025. The most serious aspect of this situation, apart from the inconsistency of wanting to be Catholic while continuing to live in a state of mortal sin and without the slightest intention of trying to change one’s life, is that it is now clear that among some Catholics, including those at the top of the Vatican hierarchy, the idea has taken hold that there is a homosexual identity (originating from the Creator), and not a disordered tendency (originating from Original Sin).
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