Religious Worker Visas Fixed, Planned Parenthood's Title X Funds Quietly Restored, Pope Leo Discusses Christian Unity, and More

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Maggie Murray of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for Jan. 14, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.

Stories in this episode:

• The Department of Homeland Security announced a policy change easing visa delays for foreign-born religious workers, a move welcomed by Catholic leaders while they continue to urge Congress to pass permanent protections.
• The Trump administration quietly released previously frozen Title X family planning funds to Planned Parenthood, prompting the ACLU to drop its lawsuit even as the administration continues to defend a separate effort to block abortion providers from federal funding.
• A Minneapolis Catholic school community gathered for FletcherFest to honor the life of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, remembering his joy and hope after he was killed during an all-school Mass shooting.
• Vatican officials highlighted Christian unity as a divine mandate ahead of the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s call for communion rooted in shared gifts rather than domination.
• Pope Leo XIV urged Christians to dedicate daily time to prayer and listening to God, saying friendship with the Lord is essential before believers can authentically speak about faith to others.