Catholic Nutshell News: Wednesday 4/1/26
Topics include: Judges views on birthright citizenship; Pray for priests in crisis; Leo forging a liturgical turning point; & 84-year-old offered euthanasia for back pain
“Here was an almond tree in bloom before me”
Today's sources are the CRUX, National Catholic Register, Vatican News, The Pillar, Aleteia, and EWTN News. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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CRUX
What judges have said about birthright citizenship
By Associated Press, April 1, 2026
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on Wednesday in the Trump administration’s appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in New Hampshire who concluded that the executive order the Republican president signed on the first day of his second term “likely violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution” and federal law. At issue is the meaning of the first sentence of the 14th Amendment, the Citizenship Clause, which makes citizens of “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” The U.S. Catholic bishops filed a brief in support of birthright citizenship, arguing that its absence would “increase the susceptibility of children to statelessness.” Among the judges who have weighed in are the three liberal members of the Supreme Court, who have made clear they believe Trump’s order should be struck down. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who wrote the majority opinion reining in nationwide jurisdictions, pointed out, “The principal dissent’s analysis of the Executive Order is premature because the birthright citizenship issue is not before us.”
OSV News
Pope urges Catholics to pray for priests in crisis
By Junno Arocho Esteves, April 1, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to pray for priests in crisis and to “support those who so often support us.” In his prayer intention for the month of April, the pope prayed for “those going through moments of crisis, when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.” A video of Pope Leo praying for priests was released March 31 by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network’s “Pray with the Pope.” “You who know their struggles and wounds, renew in them the certainty of your unconditional love. Let them feel they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons, humble and cherished disciples, and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people,” he prayed.
National Catholic Register
Pope Leo XIV: Toward a liturgical turning point?
By Andrea Gagliarducci, March 31, 2026
With a shrewd and thoughtful statement, Pope Leo XIV simultaneously refocused and relativized the issue of the use of the ancient rite of the Mass. In a message to the French bishops gathered in Lourdes for their periodic plenary assembly, the Pope expressed his hope that the Holy Spirit would move the bishops to find “concrete solutions that will allow the generous inclusion of those who sincerely adhere to the Vetus Ordo” — that is, the older rites — “according to the guidelines established by the Second Vatican Council regarding the liturgy.” This is a clever statement for several reasons. Notably, it cites the guidelines for reform established by the Second Vatican Council, which created space for the bishops to operate without breaking with Pope Francis’ stated goals for restricting the Traditional Latin Mass in 2021, while conspicuously omitting mention of Francis’ ‘motu proprio’ Traditiones Custodes, by which he restricted the old Mass and generated heavy criticism.
CatholicVote/Zeale
Singapore sees largest influx of catechumens in a decade
By Elizabeth Weiss, March 30, 2026
The Catholic Church in Singapore is receiving its largest cohort of catechumens in a decade this Easter, according to Vatican News. Nearly 1,000 catechumens attended the Rite of Election Mass in February. Although no formal study of local conversion trends has been conducted, Vatican News reported that active evangelization by young people may have contributed to the surge, along with a 2024 visit from Pope Francis, which reportedly reflected a positive impression of Catholicism among Singaporeans, according to a March 4 article from the Catholic News of Singapore. Susanna Bay, a convert from Protestantism, is among the catechumens entering the Church this Easter. she felt drawn to the Catholic faith, particularly after attending a Catholic marriage preparation program about 20 years ago with her now-husband. She was experiencing a firm “disconnect” between her Protestant faith and interest in Catholicism, so she joined the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program last year.
EWTN News
84-year-old offered euthanasia for back pain at Canadian ER
By Tessa Gervasini, April 1, 2026
Miriam Lancaster’s story sparked “outrage” after she shared that she was offered medical assistance in dying (MAID) after arriving at a Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, hospital with back pain. In 2025, 84-year-old Lancaster was taken to Vancouver General Hospital via ambulance after waking up with intense back pain. She was taken out of the ambulance and placed in the emergency room. “The first person that I remember coming to speak to me was a young lady doctor. And this is where the story begins,” Lancaster recalled in an interview with “EWTN News Nightly.” “The very first thing she said to me was, ‘I would like to offer you MAID.’” MAID is the euthanasia and assisted suicide law in Canada that allows a physician or nurse practitioner to administer or provide a drug that causes death to the patient. “My husband, three years previously, had also been offered MAID. He turned it down,” Lancaster said. As “practicing Catholics, there is no way that we are going to take measures to end our life.”
The Pillar
Icelandic priest ‘conversion therapy’ allegations a misunderstanding
By Michelle La Rosa and Filipe d’Avillez, March 31, 2026
A priest in Iceland says allegations that he violated a law banning conversion therapy are the result of a misunderstanding during a recent interview he gave. Amid a national controversy in Iceland, Fr. Jakob Rolland, chancellor of the Diocese of Reykjavík, a French priest who has lived in Iceland for more than 40 years, told The Pillar that he did not advocate trying to change a person’s sexual attraction, but instead was explaining Church teaching on sexual activity. He also said that national blowback over the issue has prompted significant interest in the Catholic Church and an increase in people asking about converting. The questions initially centered around the Eucharist, Rolland said. A reporter asked about the conditions to receive the Eucharist, and he explained the requirements of being in a state of grace and observing a short fast before communion. “But then she asked about people who do not live according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, can they receive Holy Communion or not? I replied that first she would have to reconsider her way of life.”
Aleteia
Pope hopes Trump is looking for an off-ramp to end the war
By Kathleen N. Hattrup, March 31, 2026
In a rare mention of a leader by name, Leo said he'd been told that US President Trump wants to end the war and hoped the president was looking for a way to reduce the violence. “I'm told that President Trump recently stated that he would like to end the war. Hopefully, he's looking for an 'off-ramp.' Hopefully he's looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that's being created and that's increasing constantly -- in the Middle East and elsewhere.” He urged everyone, “especially Christians,” to “live these days recognizing that Christ is still crucified today, that Christ still suffers today in the innocent, especially those who are suffering from violence, hatred, and war.” “Let us pray for them, for the victims of war, let us pray that there may truly be a new, renewed peace, which can give new life to all.” He also expressed his hope for an Easter truce.
Zenit
Pope Leo XIV Reverses Another Decision of Pope Francis
By ZENIT Staff, March 31, 2026
Following the chirograph of the Holy Father Leo XIV on World Children’s Day (February 12, 2026), the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, after careful consideration and in agreement with the Holy Father, has deemed it appropriate to cancel the celebration of the Second World Children’s Day, originally scheduled to take place in Rome from September 25 to 27, 2026. All initiatives aimed at children’s ministry may be celebrated, at the discretion of the Bishops, at the diocesan or parish level and with the participation of families, the natural environment for the human and spiritual growth of every child. For its part, the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life affirms its commitment to promoting family pastoral care in all its aspects.
From Loop & EWTN to Pillar Post for 4/1/26
CatholicVote: Zeale’s LOOP
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IRAN WAR DAY 32: POPE CALLS ON TRUMP TO END WAR - President Donald Trump said yesterday that the war is “coming to an end” and will be over in two or three weeks, explaining that the U.S. will "leave Iran whether we have a deal or not” and arguing that the Strait of Hormuz will open up “automatically” once American forces pull back. Pope Leo XIV, meanwhile, called on Trump by name to end the war during off-the-cuff comments to journalists near Rome. READ
TRUMP SIGNS ORDER FOR NATIONAL VERIFIED VOTER LIST - Trump signed an executive order yesterday directing the federal government to build a verified citizen voter list and restrict the U.S. Postal Service to sending mail-in ballots only to the voters on the list. READ
ISRAELI LAWMAKERS PASS CONTROVERSIAL DEATH PENALTY LAW - Israel's parliament passed a law March 30 that will make the death penalty the standard punishment for Palestinians in the West Bank who are convicted of deadly terrorist acts. The penalty does not apply to Israeli citizens convicted of the same crimes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the chamber to cast his vote in favor. READ
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — April 1, 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.
Syria’s churches scale back Easter celebrations after attack on Christian town - By Souhail Lawand - After an assault on Syria’s town of Al-Suqaylabiyah, questions linger over security and accountability, causing Syria’s Christian communities to change Holy Week and Easter services.
Trump to continue supplying Title X grants to Planned Parenthood for another year - By Kate Quiñones - A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said the agency will issue Title X grant notices for 2027 “matched with agency priorities” — a move pro-life leaders see as a “betrayal.”
Religious freedom panel warns of attacks against Christians in central Africa - By Madalaine Elhabbal - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) sounded the alarm over Islamic State groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo after escalating violence against Christians.
The Pillar
Pillar Stories for Tuesday, 4/1/26
The Pillar offers a news summary and a capsule take on Catholic News. Here are news stories from the past week in the Pillar Post:
What was Pope Leo’s intention in making the Venezuelan Peña Parra apostolic nuncio to Italy? We’ve been wondering that, too. So Ed Condon broke down the appointment, the job of Italy’s nuncio, and what all this could mean.
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations, criticized on March 25 a U.N. resolution to condemn transatlantic trafficking of Africans by European powers as the “gravest crime against humanity.” Caccia — soon to be apostolic nuncio to the U.S. — said the the U.N’s approach to the issue contained a “partial narrative” that “does not serve the cause of truth.”
Scotland’s bishops announced last week that the Vatican has asked them to reflect on “whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.” The announcement is the beginning of a consultative process about whether to merge some configuration of the eight dioceses of Scotland, which together serve fewer than 700,000 Catholics.
Nutshell reflections for 4/1/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection Audio - April 1, 2026
Wednesday of Holy Week
Crisis Magazine
Where God weeps
By Regis Martin, April 1, 2026
Is it unseemly for grown men to weep? To tear up every time they hear “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a baseball game, or “Danny Boy” at an Irish wake? If life throws you a curve, which it tends now and again to do, is it alright to commence bawling? Does that qualify you for membership in what our late President George Herbert Walker Bush called “the Bawl Brigade”? One can always appeal to the Incarnate Word Himself, whom the record will reveal did not hesitate to weep. Indeed, so wide was the breach made in His heart by the suffering of others that the blood and the tears have not ceased since that first Friday we call Good. Indeed, He has unleashed a veritable torrent of mercy from His pierced and crucified side as He hung upon the Cross to die. “Blessed are those who mourn,” Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, “for they shall be comforted.” Blessedness belongs not only to those who are poor and meek but to the mourners as well, who with their tears are still able to feel the pain of being human.
CBCPNEWS
True strength found in surrender, not control
By Earl Jerald Alpay, March 29, 2026
Preaching to a congregation at the Manila Cathedral on Palm Sunday, Cardinal Jose Advincula said Jesus’ silence and suffering reveal the redemptive power of giving oneself completely to God. Advincula said surrender is often misunderstood as weakness in a world that prizes competition, control and perseverance above all else. Yet the cross, he said, offers a different wisdom: letting go and trusting God can transform even suffering into something redemptive and life-giving. “But on the cross, we discover something deeper. The greatest act of love in human history is not an action, but a surrender,” Advincula said. “On the cross, Jesus shows us that love is sometimes revealed not by what we do, but by what we are willing to endure for the sake of others,” he said. The cardinal said Jesus’ silence amid betrayal, mockery and crucifixion shows that patience and surrender can accomplish more than visible action or worldly power.
Aleteia
What if you missed Confirmation? MLB star has the answer
By Rose Bryan, March 31, 2026
When MLB superstar Bobby Witt Jr. was in the ninth grade, most of his classmates received the Sacrament of Confirmation. He did not. Already ranked as the top player in his age group nationally thanks to his travel-ball performances, the young shortstop’s demanding schedule kept him from the sacrament. Yet the desire never faded. A lifelong practicing Catholic from Colleyville, Texas, Witt attends Mass regularly with his family — the entire “Witt Crew” — together especially during baseball’s offseason. Confirmation, in particular, strengthens and completes the grace of Baptism. It seals the recipient with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering him or her for witness and service in the Church and in the world. Because of the baseball season, Witt would not have been able to receive Confirmation during the Easter celebrations. Witt was able to get Fr. Zachary Burns (a Franciscan friar and parochial vicar) to offer him private preparation during the off-season.
Catholic Exchange
Holy Week was political — and it still is
By John Melnikov, April 1, 2025
It is tempting to see Holy Week as purely spiritual and separate from the tensions and social variables of public life. However, the narrative of Our Lord’s Passion did not unfold in a vacuum. It transpired at the intersection of law, religious authority, public opinion, and imperial domination. That is why Holy Week was undeniably political then, as it remains so today. Jesus was seen as a clear and present danger to the socio-religious status quo by the Temple authorities. The Roman authorities subsequently saw Him as a potential revolutionary and regional destabilizer. These two powers came together in a calculated, efficient, and merciless way to not only snuff out the life of the rural preacher from Galilee, but also His radical message of selfless love and allegiance to truth overall. Then, as today, corrupted systems are threatened by the truth, and their natural reaction is oftentimes to lash out. Or, in the case of Pontius Pilate, to claim ignorance of the truth in an attempt to deny culpability.
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