On March 23, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court permanently closed the investigation into the involvement of Father José Eduardo de Oliveira e Silva in the attempted coup d’état aimed at preventing the inauguration of then-President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes signed the decision on March 20 — 12 days after the priest’s defense attorney, Miguel Vidigal, requested the permanent closure of the investigation.

The priest, from Osasco in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, was named as a suspect by the Federal Police in November 2024, under suspicion of being part of a “legal core” responsible for advising on and drafting decrees intended to serve alleged coup-related interests.

Others under investigation for the attempted coup d’état include the country’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, along with advisers, allies, military personnel, and former ministers of his administration. However, on Feb. 18, the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic did not file charges against the priest before the Supreme Federal Court.

“It is to be hoped that the investigation against Father José Eduardo was an isolated incident on the part of the Brazilian state and that the religious freedoms enshrined in the Federal Constitution and in the Brazil-Holy See Agreement (Federal Decree No. 7.107/2010) will be guaranteed by the Judiciary. Had these norms been observed, unfounded and slanderous messages — as well as aggressive outbursts — could have been avoided, whether coming from the media or from private individuals who were quick to unjustly accuse the clergyman of illicit acts,” Vidigal told ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News.

“Father José Eduardo’s defense team consistently alerted the Judiciary and the Federal Police — the agency in charge of the investigation — that the visits the clergyman made in Brasilia were never of a conspiratorial nature but rather strictly fulfilled what is expected of a Catholic priest: spiritual care and guidance — nothing more than that,” Vidigal said. “The Father had his private life exposed, yet he was never charged with any of the irregularities initially imputed to him; even so, the Judiciary had not requested the formal dismissal of the investigation.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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LAHORE, Pakistan — Catholic bishops in Pakistan have voiced support for the military amid an Eid al-Fitr ceasefire following weeks of deadly cross-border violence with neighboring Afghanistan.

In a March 23 message, Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi praised the army “for their sacrifices in defending the country’s borders, saying the nation will always remember the bravery and dedication of its soldiers.”

“The country remains secure due to their unmatched sacrifices, allowing citizens to live in freedom,” he added.

The statement coincided with Pakistan National Day and came a week after Kabul accused Islamabad of striking a drug rehabilitation hospital in the Afghan capital, killing and injuring patients undergoing treatment.

Pakistan declared “open war” with Afghanistan at the end of February after months of escalating border clashes. Airstrikes by Pakistan targeted suspected militants, while Afghanistan’s Taliban reportedly responded with drone attacks.

Both sides have traded blame for the violence, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering “anti-Pakistan terrorists,” particularly Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which it holds responsible for attacks including a recent suicide bombing at a mosque in the capital.

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said a temporary ceasefire — from March 19–24 — was arranged at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey to ease tensions.

Catholic bishops call for dialogue

Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, supported the ceasefire.

“We call for peace and an end to war. Together with Pope Leo XIV, we urge both sides to sit and dialogue. At the same time, we stand in unity with the nation and all government departments, including the army,” he told EWTN News.

“Our loyalties lie with the progress of the country and the safety of our borders. We call for unity. Except on political issues, the Church must comment on military matters to guide the community along the right path. The state is also keen to hear the perspectives of religious leaders.”

Activist urges balanced approach

Luke Victor, a Christian advocate and human rights activist, endorsed the bishops’ call for unity but emphasized the need for a balanced approach.

“We appreciate defensive actions of our military but denounce overreach into politics. Likewise, we condemn enforced disappearances and election manipulation. Truth, justice, and human rights must remain our first priority,” he said.

Pakistan’s military has long been accused of intruding into civilian affairs, having directly ruled the country for nearly half of its 78-year history while continuing to wield significant influence behind the scenes.

Relations soured since 2021

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have soured since Pakistan initially welcomed the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 as the “logical conclusion” of the U.S. withdrawal. The Pakistani government now accuses Taliban authorities of sheltering militants, a charge Kabul denies.

Pakistan was ranked the most terrorism-affected country in the Global Terrorism Index 2026, recording 1,139 deaths, 1,595 injuries, and 1,045 attacks in 2025 — a nearly 6% rise in fatalities and a sharp increase in hostage-taking cases.

Afghan Christians face risk

In November 2023, Victor joined politicians in filing a Supreme Court petition challenging a caretaker government directive to deport all “illegal immigrants,” a policy seen as targeting Pakistan’s estimated 4.4 million Afghan residents. The court disposed of the petition in January 2025.

“Many Afghan converts to Christianity had served with U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan. They could not openly declare their faith because of potential stigma or reprisals from their Muslim families,” Victor said.

“Afghan Christians should have been placed under the care of Church authorities as refugees. Their forced deportation to the Taliban was a death sentence. While praising the military, Church leaders must also demand protection for such minority groups.”

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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) took part in an ecumenical meeting with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) to engage in dialogue and collaborate on pastoral solutions to heightened immigration enforcement.

The meeting was held on March 24 to launch the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration (ECDI) — a joint initiative focused on the subject.

It builds on previous collaborations, particularly a report on how President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans could affect Christian families. According to a USCCB news release, Catholic and evangelical leaders continue to grapple with pastoral challenges related to the policy, such as an increase in fear and anxiety among members.

“I view the ECDI as a means of growing in Christian unity with our evangelical brothers and sisters, while also furthering our shared goal of bringing the message of the Gospel to bear on one of the most pressing issues of our time,” Bishop Brendan Cahill, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, said in a statement.

Cahill co-chairs the ECDI with the Rev. Walter Kim, president of the NAE. It also includes five other Catholic and five other evangelical members and organizational observers.

“Whatever theological differences exist between us, Catholics and evangelicals across our country are navigating many of the same complex realities — political and social — and the issue of immigration is an important example,” Cahill said. “Together, we place our hope in Jesus Christ, and we seek to live out his teaching in relation to this challenging topic.”

Cahill cited Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on dialogue being necessary for “peace, understanding, and fraternity, especially between different faith traditions.” He expressed gratitude for Kim’s leadership and “willingness to collaborate in this way and for the commitment of all those participating.”

In November, the USCCB voted 216-5 to oppose “the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” The bishops have expressed concerns that the Department of Homeland Security rescinded guidelines that had previously limited immigration enforcement at “sensitive locations,” including churches.

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The Day of the Unborn Child is celebrated internationally on March 25 to commemorate, promote, and defend human life from the moment of conception in the mother’s womb until natural death.

The date was established in Argentina in December 1998 by President Carlos Saúl Menem. A few days before the observance of this day in 1999, the president encouraged leaders throughout Latin America to join the initiative.

At the time, St. John Paul II sent a letter to the Argentine president, encouraging that “the celebration of the ‘Day of the Unborn Child’ foster a positive choice in favor of life and the development of a culture oriented in this direction — one that ensures the promotion of human dignity in all situations.”

In 1999, the observance was also adopted by law in Guatemala and Costa Rica, while Nicaragua embraced it the following year. Bolivia joined in 2000; the Dominican Republic followed in early 2001; in Peru, it was established by law in 2002; and Paraguay joined in 2003.

The observance is also celebrated on March 25 in El Salvador, Uruguay, Spain, Mexico, Austria, Slovakia, Cuba, and the Philippines. Ecuador joined in 2006, Chile in 2014, and it was enacted by law in Puerto Rico in 2018.

This date typically coincides with the solemnity of the Annunciation, usually celebrated on March 25. On this day, the Catholic Church commemorates the announcement made by Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary as well as her momentous yes to God — an assent that led her to conceive, at that very instant, the Child who saved humanity, becoming his most holy mother.

Catholic bishops in various countries are joining the celebration by organizing events in defense of the lives of unborn children. In addition, in recent years, memorials have been erected in memory of the millions of unborn child victims of abortion.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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More than 100 Chicago-area Catholic parents are appealing to the Vatican to keep open what one school mom describes as “the only Catholic option in the largest elementary school district in Illinois,” the pope’s home state.

St. Hubert Catholic School in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates is one of seven Chicago archdiocesan Catholic schools closing at the end of this year after the archdiocese announced in January that the schools were “no longer sustainable.” Parents across the archdiocese made efforts to fundraise for their schools, but with the short notice, were unable to raise enough money to keep the schools open in the archdiocese’s eyes. But at one Catholic school, families aren’t giving up.

Jillian Bernas Garcia and a coalition of parents made an appeal to the Vatican to keep the school open. Under canon law, the Catholic Church’s legal structure, a “remonstratio” is an option of recourse for Catholics who disagree with a decision made by local Church hierarchy.

‘We intend to be here for many more years to come’

According to Garcia, families have been directed to enroll in public school while enrolling their children in catechesis at the parish. For Garcia, this isn’t good enough.

“When the decision was made to close the school, the pastor and finance committee wrote that families can attend local public schools and utilize faith formation classes at the parish,” Garcia told EWTN News.

“For us and our fellow school families, Catholic schools play an important role in youth faith formation,” she said, “and an emphasis should be placed on the school instead of shutting it down, especially considering the important growth the Catholic Church is seeing among young people who will turn to Catholic schools to educate their children.”

Garcia’s oldest son and daughter attend early childhood education classes at St. Hubert.

What inspired her to appeal the decision, she said, is “the families whose children’s spiritual needs are met through their education at our school.”

“Integrating faith into their daily lives is something we value and practice at home,” Garcia said.

The parent coalition is working with a Pennsylvania-based canon lawyer, Laura Morrison, who has helped other schools appeal in the past.

The archdiocese on Feb. 24 denied the initial appeal made by parents, but now, with the help of an experienced canon lawyer, the parents are appealing to the Vatican itself.

“We selected St. Hubert after considering various schools,” Garcia said. “And we intend to be here for many more years to come and eventually send our youngest as well.”

A financial audit found the school is ‘viable’

As part of the remonstratio, a third party audited the school and found, according to Garcia, that the school could be financially viable if some changes are made.

“A coalition of parents had a forensic auditor and certified fraud examiner prepare a financial report showing financial viability for the next five years,” she said. “With a decrease of 10% in costs or an increase in revenue-generating activities the school could be cash-flow-positive in two years.”

The financial analysis found that “the school could operate for more than five years at its current deficit and became cash-flow-positive within two years with a modest 10% reduction in salary costs,” according to the financial report provided by the parents.

The audit found the deficit is “driven primarily by staffing costs rather than enrollment decline, facilities, or debt service.”

“Immediate closure is not financially required,” according to the financial analysis.

Garcia said that part of the reason for the decline in enrollment was the removal of a large chunk of student tuition assistance the previous school year, leading to 48 students having to disenroll.

“Parents had been successful last school year in lowering the deficit and increasing enrollment despite administration,” Garcia said. “Parish administration and the Archdiocese of Chicago then took drastic actions to put the school in a poor financial position to make an argument for closure.”

St. Hubert operates in what Garcia described as “a diverse, strong working-class community.”

“It should be a thriving school, but it suffers from poor administration and archdiocesan leadership that is quick to close the school instead of working to invest in it as an important center of youth faith formation,” Garcia said.

The Archdiocese of Chicago and St. Hubert did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.

In the January announcement of the closures, Greg Richmond, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, said: “We made these decisions with heavy hearts after months of discussions with each school. We know the importance of these schools in each community. Unfortunately, the enrollment of each school is too low, and the ongoing deficits are too high. Many people have worked hard at each school to raise money and try to boost enrollment. We recognize and value those efforts but, in the end, the schools were not able to close the gaps and they are no longer sustainable.”

In the meantime, the parents’ coalition awaits a decision on whether the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education will hear the case. It could take approximately six months for the Vatican to make a decision.

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The city of Louisville, Kentucky, will pay $800,000 to a Christian photographer and blogger who won a religious freedom lawsuit over an antidiscrimination ordinance that would have required her to photograph same-sex weddings in spite of her religious objections.

In October 2025, a federal court ruled that the ordinance contained two provisions that violated the First Amendment rights of the photographer, Chelsey Nelson. The city agreed to pay the fee through a settlement negotiated by her legal counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).

“The government cannot force Americans to say things they don’t believe,” ADF Senior Counsel Bryan Neihart said in a statement on March 24.

“For almost six years, Louisville officials tried to do just that by threatening to force Chelsey to promote views about marriage that violated her religious beliefs,” he said. “Louisville’s threats contradicted bedrock First Amendment principles which leave decisions about what to say with the people, not the government.”

“This settlement should teach Louisville that violating the U.S. Constitution can be expensive,” Neihart added.

The ordinance prohibited “the denial of goods and services to members of protected classes,” which included people with same-sex attraction, according to the ruling last year.

It also violated Nelson’s First Amendment rights through the publication provision, which prevented her “from writing and publishing any indication or explanation that she wouldn’t photograph same-sex weddings or that otherwise causes someone to feel unwelcome or undesirable based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The court found that both provisions “limit Nelson’s freedom to express her beliefs about marriage” and that the ordinance forced her to suffer “a First Amendment injury.”

The ruling built on the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis ruling, which struck down a Colorado antidiscrimination law because it would have forced a web designer to create websites for same-sex weddings in spite of her religious beliefs.

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Three Spanish policemen who were visiting Rome as tourists prevented a robbery at one of the city’s most iconic churches — the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem — on March 21.

The policemen — one of whom is stationed at the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See — were off duty when they intervened in response to a priest’s call for help.

After hearing the priest’s shouts, they managed to intercept the suspect, who — according to the clergyman — had just stolen several items.

After questioning the suspect, the policemen recovered from the alleged thief two lockpicks (used to open locks), 480 euros (about $555), two watches, and five lottery tickets.

The officers then proceeded to notify the Italian State Police of the incident, who took over the case.

Home of Passion relics

The Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem is one of the most renowned churches in the Eternal City, owing to the spiritual treasures it holds within its walls.

Access to the basilica’s “Chapel of Relics” is gained through one of the church’s side aisles; there, several relics associated with Christ’s passion are preserved, protected behind a glass display case.

These objects were transported from Jerusalem to Rome thanks to St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

According to tradition, the chapel houses three fragments of the cross of Christ — displayed in a reliquary dating from 1800 — as well as one of the nails with which soldiers affixed Christ to the cross and two thorns from Christ’s crown.

Also venerated here is the sign known as the “Titulus Crucis,” which Pontius Pilate ordered to be placed at the top of Christ’s cross. It bears the inscription in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

There is also a fragment of the cross of the good thief, along with a relic of the finger of the apostle Thomas — the very finger with which he touched Christ’s wound to believe that he had risen.

Additionally, in another side chapel — located next to the Chapel of the Relics of the Passion — a modern reproduction of the Shroud of Turin is on display.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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