Hello, I'm Maggie Murray of OSV News, and this is your OSV newscast for Monday, March 23,
Let's catch you up on the Catholic News of the day.
In Crackout, Poland, newly opened church archives are challenging claims that Saint John
Paul II covered up clerical sexual abuse while serving as the Archbishop of Crackout.
The controversy began in March 2023 when a television documentary alleged that then
Cardinal Carol Voitywa failed to properly address abuse cases.
The film sparked intense debate across Poland about the legacy of the St. Pope.
But this year, newly installed Crackout Archbishop Cardinal Gregorish Rish authorized
the opening of previously sealed Archdiocesan Archives, allowing journalists to examine
the files for the first time.
Two investigative reporters reviewed the records and reported that they found no evidence
Instead, they concluded that Cardinal Voitywa often acted decisively when allegations surfaced,
suspending accused priests, removing them from ministry, and in some cases isolating
The findings contrast sharply with earlier interpretations that relied heavily on communist
Church officials say the newly available records provide fuller context to the historical
The controversy has also prompted Poland's bishops to establish a commission to further study
This morning, Pope Leo XIV has advanced the cause of a priest known for transforming
the lives of vulnerable children.
On March 23, the Pope declared Father Edward Flanagan venerable, recognizing his heroic
virtue and moving him one step closer to St. Hood.
Father Flanagan was born in County Ross Common, Ireland in 1886 and emigrated to the United
States as a young man.
In 1917, he founded Boys Town near Omaha, Nebraska, beginning with just five boys in a rented
Driven by a deep conviction that every child deserved love, education, and stability,
Father Flanagan devoted his life to helping orphaned and at-risk youth.
His famous motto captured that mission.
There are no bad boys.
There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, and bad thinking.
His work became widely known to American audiences after actor Spencer Tracy portrayed
him in the 1938 film Boys Town.
Father Flanagan died in 1948 while serving children in post-war Europe.
The Vatican decree also recognized the heroic virtue of four others connected to family
life and spiritual leadership.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV used his Sunday Angeles address to issue a renewed plea for
peace, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its fourth
Speaking March 22, the Pope warned that the humanitarian crisis is worsening and urged
believers around the world to persevere in prayer.
The suffering of civilians, he said, cannot be ignored, describing the violence as a scandal
for the entire human family and a cry that rises to God.
Speaking ahead to Holy Week, Pope Leo invited Catholics to reflect on the meaning of
Christ's passion and to reject what he called the tombs of materialism and selfishness.
True fulfillment, he said, cannot be found in fleeting pleasures but only in God.
Drawing on the gospel story of Lazarus, the Pope encouraged believers to come out of
spiritual emptiness and live renewed lives marked by hope, generosity, and love.
After the Angeles Prayer, he also greeted athletes participating in the Rome marathon,
highlighting sport as a pathway toward peace, inclusion, and spiritual growth.
In Washington, several leaders of the U.S. Catholic bishops are urging lawmakers to support
legislation aimed at examining the legacy of Indian boarding schools in the United States.
In a March 16th letter to members of the House of Representatives, bishops from multiple
committees of the U.S. CCB expressed support for the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian
boarding school policies act.
The proposal would create a formal effort to investigate and document the history of
boarding schools and their long-term effects on Native American communities.
Among the bishops signing the letter were Archbishop Shelton Faber of Louisville, Kentucky, chair
of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Bishop John Folda of Fargo
North Dakota, chair of the subcommittee on Native American Affairs, Bishop Robert Brennan
of Brooklyn, New York, chair of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, and
Bishop Barry Nestout of Richmond, Virginia, chairman of the Committee on the Protection
of Children and Young People.
The bishops pointed to the pastoral framework, keeping Christ's sacred promise, which outlines
the church's approach to indigenous ministry, as well as Pope Francis's acknowledgement
of the harm caused by these institutions.
They said the legislation could help build the historical memory needed for learning and
The bill would also create an advisory committee which includes seats for faith communities,
allowing Catholic and other religious organizations to assist with access to historical records.
A new television series aiming to bring biblical stories to life will focus on the faith
and struggles of several women from the Old Testament.
The writer and producer, Renee Echevariya, known for his work on Star Trek, spoke with
OSV News about the upcoming drama, The Faithful, Women of the Bible, which premiered March
22 on Fox Broadcasting Company.
The series tells the stories of several interconnected matriarchs of Scripture, including Sarah and
her servant Hagar, Sarah's great niece Rebecca, and Rebecca's nieces, Leah and Rachel.
The show portrays these women as courageous, yet imperfect figures navigating love, marriage,
motherhood, temptation and faith.
For Echevariya, the project was also personal.
He said his prayer during the production was simple.
If it pleases you, he said, use me to tell your story.
And that's your OSV Newscast for today.
I'm Maggie Murray of OSV News.
Check out the show notes for direct links to the stories in this episode.
Make sure to subscribe to this podcast, follow us on social media, and bookmark OSVNews.com.
Thanks so much for listening, and God bless.
