Vatican Warns of Christian Persecution, Pope Leo Urges Peace in Middle East War, Anglican Schism Deepens

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Maggie Murray of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for Mar. 9, 2026. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.

Read the stories in this episode:

1. The Vatican’s representative to the United Nations warned that Christians remain the most persecuted religious community in the world, with nearly 400 million believers facing violence, discrimination or pressure for their faith.
2. Catholic leaders are urging caution and continued dialogue after a growing split within the Anglican Communion prompted new doubts about prospects for restored unity between Anglicans and Catholics.
3. Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace and urged world leaders to halt the escalating Iran-linked conflict in the Middle East, warning the growing violence risks plunging the region into deeper instability.
4. Catholic ministry leaders from several U.S. dioceses brought migrants’ stories to Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to pursue comprehensive immigration reform while sharing the struggles faced by detained families.
5. A national shrine in Wisconsin is planning a nine-day “Catholic Saints of America” celebration this summer, highlighting U.S. saints and causes for canonization as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.