Catholic News

The latest film from Goya Productions, "Searching for the Messiah" explores the experiences of people of Jewish origin who have embraced Jesus as the Anointed One (the Christ), in whom God's promises to his people are fulfilled.

The documentary, directed by Andrés Garrigó, is set to premiere in Spain on April 10. It is headed to Mexico and Central America later this month, followed by distribution in the United States later in the year.

The film traces the journeys of figures from both the present day and recent history who, from their Jewish origins, traveled the path toward recognizing Jesus as the Messiah awaited by the people of the Old Covenant.

The film takes an approach that is in keeping with the Second Vatican Council's declaration Nostra Aetate. That document emphasizes that "the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shares with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel's spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone."

Following that declaration, St. Paul VI became the first pope to travel to the Holy Land in the modern era. Subsequently, St. John Paul II visited Rome's synagogue and established diplomatic relations with Israel. Both St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI visited the Auschwitz death camp. Pope Francis and Leo XIV further developed the path charted by Nostra Aetate.

In a statement to ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, Goya Productions indicated that in the version of the film to be distributed in the United States, "only the testimonies originally in French, Spanish, and Portuguese will require dubbing" and that "more than half of the film will remain in its original English."

The U.S. version will also feature an additional testimony from Dr. Robin Pierucci, a Jewish convert and neonatologist living in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Other testimonies to be highlighted inlude those of French philosopher Fabrice Hadjadj, Harvard Business School professor Roy Schoeman, Brazilian philosopher Edgar Leite Ferreira, British literary critic Robert Asch, American author Dawn Eden Goldstein, and Argentine professor of biblical pastoral studies Luciana Rogowicz.

Garrigó told ACI Prensa that the subject of the film is one "that hasn't been explored in cinema; people are a bit wary of it."

He said the idea for the film originally came from a person in Mexico. "We didn't think it would be possible, but after reflecting on it and later conducting research, we discovered that there were amazing people who had things to say about the Messiah and about discovering [him] from the point of view of Judaism," he said.

'Our greatest loves are Jewish'

Garrigó said the central narrative theme of the film is particularly captured in a recording of St. Josemaría Escrivá. In it, the Spanish saint, during one of his well-known informal gatherings, responds to a question from a young Jewish girl whose parents will not allow her to be baptized.

"As St. Josemaría himself states right there, our greatest loves are Jewish, aren't they? They are Jesus and the Virgin," Garrigó said.

From that standpoint, "everything else is an attitude of openness; and they — the moment they discover Jesus — become deeply committed, the ones who feel called to fulfill an eternal design: that of a chosen people who in the end complete their journey," the director said.

"They still feel Jewish after their conversion, yet Jewish in a way that fulfills what Jesus had envisioned for them," he added.

"Searching for the Messiah" also explores other figures of Jewish origin who embraced the Catholic faith, particularly during the last century: Rome's chief rabbi, Eugenio Zolli; St. Edith Stein, a German philosopher who became a Carmelite nun and was canonized by St. John Paul II, who named her a patroness of Europe and a doctor of the Church; Dr. Bernard Nathanson, who before his conversion was known as one of the most staunch abortion advocates in U.S. history; and the French poet Max Jacob, whose baptismal godfather was his friend Pablo Picasso.

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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EBEBIYÍN, Equatorial Guinea — Preparations for the planned apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Equatorial Guinea have gained momentum, with Church authorities unveiling details of the high-level delegation expected to accompany the Holy Father during his visit scheduled for April 21–23.

The announcement was made by Father Cristino Ela Engonga, secretary-general of the Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea (CEGE) and general coordinator of the Church commission for the papal visit, during a strategic meeting that was held on March 28 at the bishop's house in Bata Diocese.

The meeting brought together members of various subcommissions from the dioceses of Bata, Ebibeyín, Evinayong, and Mongomo to assess ongoing preparations and receive updates from the Holy See regarding the historic visit, which will mark Pope Leo XIV's first trip to Africa.

According to Engonga, nearly 50 Vatican officials are expected to accompany the pontiff, including five cardinals. Among them is Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The pope is expected to visit key cities, including Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata, accompanied by senior Vatican officials such as Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Other prominent members of the papal entourage include Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

They will be joined by 42 additional Vatican officials, including Monsignor José Nahúm Jairo Salas, who is responsible for coordinating papal international travels, as well as leading Vatican communicators such as Paolo Ruffini and Matteo Bruni.

Beyond the papal entourage, the meeting also highlighted the participation of special guests, including Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), as well as Archbishop Luis Javier Argüello García, president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE).

Engonga further said that more than 40 Catholic bishops from six central African countries have expressed their intention to attend the event.

During the meeting, participants also received a report from the masters of ceremonies of CEGE, Fathers Julio Enrique Meheme and Diosdado Márquez Sabadell, who recently traveled to Rome to prepare the liturgical celebrations the pope will preside over.

The Holy Father is expected to arrive in Malabo on Tuesday, April 21, the final leg of his four-nation African trip. Following the official welcome ceremony, he will meet the president of Equatorial Guinea and address political leaders, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps.

In the afternoon, the pope will engage with academics and artists during a meeting with representatives of the world of culture at the León XIV Campus of the National University. A pastoral visit to patients and staff at the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital is also scheduled for this day.

On Wednesday, April 22, the pope will travel to Mongomo to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception before visiting the Pope Francis Technology School.

Later in the day, the Holy Father will continue to Bata, where he is scheduled to visit a prison; pray at a memorial dedicated to victims of the March 7, 2021, explosion; and meet young people and families at Bata Stadium.

The apostolic journey to Africa is to conclude on Thursday, April 23, with a final Mass celebrated by the pope at Malabo Stadium.

Following the farewell ceremony at Malabo International Airport, the Holy Father will depart for Rome, arriving later that evening at Rome's Fiumicino International Airport.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

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The quintessential Easter treat in Italy is a dove-shaped sweet bread known as the "Colomba di Pasqua" — or "Easter dove" in English. The fluffy dough can include nuts, chocolates, or candied fruit and is often topped with sugar or a flavored icing glaze.

The dessert, like the traditional Christmas treats of panettone and pandoro, is said to come from northern Italy. But a popular legend also recounts the sweet bread's possibly miraculous origins.

The incredible story dates to the sixth or seventh century and includes a queen, a feast, and a group of Irish monks.

According to the legend, Queen Teodolinda, who was living where the town of Pavia, Italy, now lies, had heard the great reputation for holiness of an Irish missionary and abbot who had arrived in her kingdom.

In Italy, the saint is called Colombano, but he is also variously known as Columba, Columbkille, Columcille, or Colmcille.

The name Colmcille means "dove of the Church," providing a hint to how this legend may have originated.

According to an account on the Italian website saintcolumban.eu, Queen Teodolinda really wanted to meet the Irish abbot she had heard so much about. So when she knew he was in her lands, she invited him and his fellow missionaries to visit her castle for lunch.

Given the importance of her guests, Queen Teodolinda ordered the best food to be served at her table that day, including roasted meats with gravies, sausages, and platters of fresh game.

St. Colmcille's monks were shocked at the sight of all the rich food, especially given their practice of poverty and fasting.

There was also another problem: It was Lent.

As Queen Teodolinda, her husband, King Agilulfo, and their courtiers began to dig into the feast, the monks sat still, waiting for a sign from their abbot about what to do. They were hungry after their long travels but saw there was only meat at the table.

Colmcille bowed his head to the monarchs in thanks for the meal but did not reach for any food.

The queen was offended by her guests' refusal of her meal. She said, in a sardonic tone, "You aren't eating, brothers?"

A young monk piped up in response: "We are monks: We can't eat this."

St. Colmcille interrupted his rude confrere. He told the queen they could not eat food that had not been blessed and humbly asked for permission to bless the meal.

Given the queen and king's permission, Colmcille pulled toward him the nearest plate of food and bowed his head in prayer.

He then held his hand over the platter — which held a large roasted dove — to bless it.

As he concluded, everyone present was shocked to see that the roasted bird and its fragrant dressings had been transformed into a simple loaf of bread.

The only trace of what had been there before was the bread's shape, which was the form of a dove.

This, St. Colmcille said, is food appropriate for the season of Lent, and he and his followers began to eat the loaf.

Although most biographies do not record the great Irish missionary St. Colmcille's visit to Italy, the Colomba bread is associated with Easter and is usually sweetened in order to be fitting for the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

This story was first published on April 8, 2023, and has been updated.

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Pope Leo XIV on Easter Sunday called for peace throughout the world, urging Christians to carry the hope of the Resurrection into a world wounded by war, violence, and injustice.

"May Christ, our Passover, bless us and give his peace to the whole world!" the pope said at the end of his homily during Easter morning Mass in St. Peter's Square on April 5.

Celebrating his first Easter as pontiff before a packed St. Peter's Square decorated with traditional Dutch flowers, Leo centered his homily on the Resurrection as God's answer to sin, death, and despair.

"Today all of creation is resplendent with new light, a song of praise rises from the earth, and our hearts rejoice: Christ is risen from the dead, and with him, we too rise to new life!" he said.

The pope said the Easter proclamation "embraces the mystery of our lives and the destiny of history," reaching humanity even "in the depths of death, where we feel threatened and sometimes overwhelmed."

"It opens us up to a hope that never fails, to a light that never fades, to a fullness of joy that nothing can take away: death has been conquered forever; death no longer has power over us!" he said.

Leo acknowledged that this Christian message is not always easy to accept because "the power of death constantly threatens us, both from within and without."

"From within, this power threatens us when the weight of our sins prevents us from 'spreading our wings' and taking flight, or when the disappointments or loneliness we experience drain our hope," he said. "It likewise looms over us when our worries or our resentments suffocate the joy of living, when we are sad or tired, or when we feel betrayed or rejected."

He added that death also appears in the world around us.

"From without, death is always lurking. We see it present in injustices, in partisan selfishness, in the oppression of the poor, in the lack of attention given to the most vulnerable," he said. "We see it in violence, in the wounds of the world, in the cry of pain that rises from every corner because of the abuses that crush the weakest among us, because of the idolatry of profit that plunders the earth's resources, because of the violence of war that kills and destroys."

Against that backdrop, the pope said Easter calls Christians to rediscover hope in the risen Christ.

"In this reality, the Passover of the Lord invites us to lift our gaze and open our hearts," he said. "It sets us in motion, like Mary Magdalene and the Apostles, so that we may discover that Jesus' tomb is empty, and therefore in every death we experience there is also room for new life to arise."

"The Lord is alive and remains with us," Leo continued. "Through the cracks of resurrection that open up in the darkness, he entrusts our hearts to the hope that sustains us: the power of death is not the final destiny of our lives."

The pope also cited Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, recalling that the Resurrection is not simply a past event but a living power at work in the world even amid injustice and cruelty.

Looking to the Gospel of John's account of Easter morning, Leo said Christ's Resurrection took place on "the first day of the week," linking Easter to the first day of creation and the dawn of a new humanity.

"Brothers and sisters, Easter gives us this hope, as we remember that in the risen Christ a new creation is possible every day," he said.

"Easter is the new creation brought about by the Risen Lord; it is a new beginning; it is life finally made eternal by God's victory over the ancient enemy."

He concluded by exhorting Christians to become witnesses of that hope in the world.

"We need this song of hope today," the pope said. "It is ourselves, risen with Christ, who must bring him into the streets of the world."

"Let us then run like Mary Magdalene, announcing him to everyone, living out the joy of the resurrection, so that wherever the specter of death still lingers, the light of life may shine."

This story was originally published by ACI Stampa, EWTN News' Italian-language partner agency. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will lead a prayer vigil for peace on April 11 at St. Peter's Basilica, using his first Easter Urbi et Orbi message to make a forceful appeal for an end to war and a renewed embrace of dialogue.

In a departure from the traditional Easter survey of major international flashpoints, Leo focused his message on the spiritual roots of peace, presenting Christ's Resurrection as the answer to a world wounded by violence, hatred, and indifference.

"Easter is the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, of love over hatred," the pope said. Yet it is also "a victory that came at a very high price": Christ "had to die — and die on a cross — after suffering an unjust condemnation, being mocked and tortured, and shedding all his blood."

Leo said the strength behind Christ's triumph over death was not worldly power but divine love. "This strength, this power, is God himself for he is Love who creates and generates, Love who is faithful to the end and Love who forgives and redeems," he said.

"Christ, our 'victorious King,' fought and won his battle through trusting abandonment to the Father's will, to his plan of salvation," the pope said.

He added that Jesus "walked the path of dialogue to the very end, not in words but in deeds: to find us who were lost, he became flesh; to free us who were slaves, he became a slave; to give life to us mortals, he allowed himself to be killed on the cross."

Leo stressed that "the power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent," comparing it to "a human heart which, wounded by an offense, rejects the instinct for revenge and, filled with compassion, prays for the one who has committed the offense."

"That is the true strength that brings peace to humanity," he said, because it "fosters respectful relationships at every level: among individuals, families, social groups, and nations."

The pope described the Resurrection as the foundation of a renewed human family. "Yes, Christ's resurrection is the beginning of a new humanity; it is the entrance into the true promised land, where justice, freedom, and peace reign, where all recognize one another as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father who is Love, Life, and Light."

At the same time, Leo warned against becoming desensitized to violence.

"We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent," he said. "Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel."

Recalling what he called an expression dear to Pope Francis, Leo lamented an ever-increasing "globalization of indifference" and urged Christians not to accept evil as inevitable.

"We cannot continue to be indifferent! And we cannot resign ourselves to evil!" he said.

Quoting St. Augustine — "If you fear death, love the resurrection!" — Leo said Christians must cling to the hope of the risen Christ, who has conquered evil and offers true peace.

"The peace that Jesus gives us is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us!" the pope said. "Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts!"

He then made his appeal in direct terms: "Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!"

Leo concluded by inviting the faithful to join him on April 11 for the peace vigil at St. Peter's Basilica.

"On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil," he said.

The pope ended the message with Easter greetings in several languages before concluding in Latin.

This story was originally published by ACI Stampa, EWTN News' Italian-language partner agency. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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In response to the growing Hispanic Catholic community in the United States and Canada, seminarians from both countries are being sent to study in Mexico at the Hispanic Seminary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a multicultural formation center for future priests.

The seminary was founded on Aug. 31, 1999, by the then-primate archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, after the Catholic Church recognized the need to form priests capable of understanding the cultural richness of Hispanics in North America.

Rivera was inspired by the call issued by St. John Paul II in the January 1999 apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, which called the American Church to a new evangelization.

The seminary opened in August 2000 with the arrival of five seminarians from the archdioceses of Los Angeles and Milwaukee. Since then, more than 200 graduates from at least 55 dioceses across the U.S. have passed through the formation center.

'A Church without borders'

In an interview with ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, Father Juan Antonio Vértiz Gutiérrez, the seminary's rector, explained that the learning experience goes beyond language. The seminarians gain firsthand insight into what the Church in Mexico is like as well as its ecclesial and cultural traditions, particularly through apostolates.

According to the priest, this enables them to "better serve our fellow countrymen and our brothers and sisters of Hispanic origin" in their home dioceses in the U.S. He emphasized that this formation helps these young men understand two distinct cultural realities that, while united in faith, have different cultural expressions.

For Vértiz, one of the greatest beauties of Catholicism is that it "doesn't have any borders." In a time marked by tensions stemming from immigration policies, he noted that the experience of the Hispanic seminary demonstrates that for the Catholic Church, regardless of one's background, every person "already belongs to the family of the children of God."

The program

Life at the seminary follows the rhythm of any house of priestly formation but with a particular emphasis on cultural encounter. Mornings are dedicated to philosophical and theological studies at Lumen Gentium Catholic University, while in the afternoons, seminarians delve deeper into language learning and spiritual formation.

During Holy Week, seminarians are often sent to communities outside Mexico City.

The admissions process is typically conducted through diocesan vocations offices in the U.S. "We do not accept young men who do not belong to a diocese," the rector explained.

Currently, the seminary hosts 16 young men hailing from California, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Alabama, and Georgia.

Diverse testimonies of faith

Ramsés Yates, originally from the Diocese of Yakima, Washington, arrived at the seminary a year and a half ago to complete his theological formation and learn Spanish.

In an interview with ACI Prensa, he said his experience in Mexican communities has filled him with "much hope and much joy." In them, he said, it's possible to witness what it means to "be a community that lives out Catholicism to the fullest."

He noted that he is eagerly preparing to return to Yakima, knowing that he will now be able to speak "with many more people in my diocese, people with whom I previously could not communicate effectively. That fills me with great enthusiasm."

Ramón Pérez, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, migrated to Fresno, California, at the age of 17. There, his life was defined by work until he felt "the call to the priesthood, to a more complete dedication to the service of the Church."

He told ACI Prensa that following a lengthy process of discernment, he requested admission to the seminary. His diocese decided to send him to Mexico "to continue nurturing my culture and to support the various people entering the United States" from Spanish-speaking countries.

The seminarian said the experience has enabled him "to know and become conscious of my origins, my roots, and my culture, of where I was born and where I come from." Growing up in two different cultures, he acknowledged, can be challenging, but it has also "profoundly shaped this aspect of my vocation."

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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A few prominent Catholics are scheduled to speak at a May 17 event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump will rededicate the United States to "one nation, under God."

Speakers will include Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire and member of the president's Religious Liberty Commission.

Jonathan Roumie, the Catholic actor who plays Jesus Christ on the television series "The Chosen," will also speak at the event. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will provide a video address for the event.

The programming for the event will include talks about Christianity in American history and the Christian faith of American historical figures along with prayers and Christian music.

Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson are scheduled to speak as well.

"Our mission is to gather the nation in prayer and worship, to have a moment reflecting on God's providence in the birth and preservation of the United States, and this is really our opportunity to unite the country and rededicate our nation to God," Justin Caporale, executive producer for major events and public appearances for the White House, said in a media call.

Some Protestant speakers expected include Pastor Jack Graham, Samuel Rodriguez, and Eric Metaxas. There will also be a video address by Franklin Graham. There will be musical performances by Chris Tomlin, Blessing Offor, and the U.S. Navy Band.

Trump announced the "Rededicate 250" event in February during the National Prayer Breakfast, which coincides with broader celebrations to honor the 250th anniversary of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Rededicate 250 event organizer, Freedom 250, is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Park Foundation.

"When our founders proclaimed the immortal truths that echoed around the world and down all the way through time, they declared that all of us are made free and equal by the hand of our Creator," Trump said at the Feb. 4 breakfast.

Last September, Trump also launched the "America Prays" initiative, which asks Americans to create groups to dedicate one hour of prayer every week for the United States and its people leading up to the Fourth of July anniversary.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched separate events to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

In February, the USCCB asked parishes to contribute to 250 collective hours of adoration and 250 collective works of mercy in the lead up to the Fourth of July. The bishops asked parishes to report participation in the initiative and inform them of the fruits of the prayers and actions.

On July 12, the bishops will also reconsecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of the solemnity. This will occur during Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

This story originally reported that the White House announced Father Mike Schmitz would be attending the May 17 event. Father Schmitz's team has clarified that he informed the White House he would be unable to attend the event. The story was updated at 4:15 p.m. ET on April 4, 2026 to reflect this.

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Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican's Easter Vigil on April 4 described the ancient ceremony as "filled with light" and as the "mother of all vigils" where the faithful "relive the memorial of the victory of the Lord of life over death."

"We do so after having traversed, over the past few days — as if in a single, grand celebration — the mysteries of the Passion of the God who, for our sake, became a man of sorrows: despised and rejected by men, tortured and crucified," the pope reflected.

At the vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, the pope described the Risen Christ as "the very Creator of the universe who — just as he granted us existence out of nothing at the dawn of history — so too, upon the Cross, in order to demonstrate his boundless love for us, bestowed upon us the gift of life."

Reflecting on the account of the Resurrection, Leo said: "On Easter morning, the women — overcoming their sorrow and fear — set out on their way. They wanted to go to Jesus' tomb. They expected to find it sealed, with a large stone at the entrance and soldiers standing guard."

He described that stone as representative of sin, "a massive barrier that shuts us in and separates us from God, seeking to stifle his words of hope within us."

"Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, however, did not let themselves be intimidated," he said. "They went to the tomb and, thanks to their faith and their love, became the first witnesses of the Resurrection."

The pope said Jesus' message to the women — "Peace be with you" — is "also our message to the world."

"Like the women who ran to bring the news to the brethren, we too wish to set out tonight from this Basilica, to carry to everyone the Good News that Jesus has risen, and that — through his power, having risen with him — we too can give birth to a new world of peace and unity."

Addressing the catechumens receiving baptism during the vigil, the pope described them as "reborn in Christ to become new creatures."

"Even in our own day, there is no shortage of tombs that need opening; indeed, the stones sealing them are often so heavy and so heavily guarded that they seem immovable," he said.

"Some of these stones weigh upon the human heart — such as mistrust, fear, selfishness, and resentment. Others — the consequences of those inner burdens — sever the bonds between us, such as war, injustice, and the closing off of peoples and nations from one another."

"Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!" the pope said.

Pointing to the heroic work of the Christians of the past, the pope urged the faithful to "be moved by their example."

"And on this Holy Night, let us make their commitment our own, so that everywhere and always — throughout the world — the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish," he said.

This story was originally published by ACI Stampa, EWTN News' Italian-language partner agency. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The Cuban government announced the release of 2,010 prisoners for Easter on April 2 — the highest number in recent years — amid pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

This measure was granted after a "pardon approved by the Government of Cuba" and after the analysis of a series of circumstances of the prisoners, such as "good behavior maintained in prison, having extinguished an important part of their sanction and state of health," according to a note from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Among the released prisoners are young people, women, and people over 60 years old. Excluded from the release were those who have committed crimes such as sexual assault, pedophilia with violence, murder, robbery with violence or force with weapons, and "crimes against authority."

Specifying that it was the "second release" of 2026, the ministry said that the pardons were announced "in the context of the religious celebrations of Holy Week."

The statement pointed out that this is the government's "fifth pardon" since 2011, by which a total of "more than 11,000 people have been released."

In March of this year, the Cuban government announced that it would release 51 prisoners "in the spirit of good will, of close and fluid relations between the Cuban State and the Vatican."

The release comes as the United States has been cutting off the oil supply in Cuba as a way to pressure the regime to make various political and economic reforms.

Much of the Cuban population has also been experiencing a serious humanitarian emergency due to a lack of food, medicine and health, among other shortcomings.

Palm Beach, Florida Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, himself a native of the Dominican Republican, recently wrote in a March 27 column that he found in Cuba "a deep and increasing humanitarian crisis: raw, visible and deeply human."

The prelate said that "prayer must lead to action." To that end, the Diocese of Palm Beach is collaborating with the Cuban bishops to find "all possible ways to provide concrete assistance, especially in urgent areas of food and medical care."

"This job is not optional. It is a moral imperative," he said.

This report was originally 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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LITOMERICE, Czech Republic — A microbrewery owned by the Catholic Diocese of Litomerice in the Czech Republic has won gold and diamond medals at an international beer competition, capping a triumphant run for the small operation in northern Bohemia.

The Bishop's Brewery at St. Stephen's took home top honors at the Czech Brew Star 2026 competition held in Brno on Feb. 6, the diocese announced March 16.

The brewery's amber lager, Jezule 15%, won gold, while its flagship Czech pale lager, Dekan 11%, was named the overall winner in the Czech light lager category and received a diamond medal — the competition's highest distinction.

Days later, the brewery's Easter special — a dark stout brewed from five types of malt — won a gold medal at an international beer festival in Litomerice, along with the main prize for best beer among all microbreweries in the Ústí nad Labem region of northern Bohemia.

Archbishop-designate Stanislav Pribyl of Prague blessed the Easter stout a few days before the fifth Sunday of Lent, March 22.

"God, you never cease to care for what you have created, you send the abundance of your blessing and give the earth its fruitfulness. We praise you for your infinite goodness and ask your blessing for this batch of beer," Pribyl prayed. "Beer is a precious drink; through it, people meet and friendships deepen. Grant that whoever drinks it may receive protection of body and soul."

Why a stout?

Head brewer Robert Kríž said the choice to brew a stout as the Easter special was deliberate.

"Everyone makes green beer before Easter, so we said we'd do something completely different — and the decision fell on a strong dark beer," Kríž explained.

The stout, a bottom-fermented dark beer made from five types of malt, draws its distinctive flavor primarily from chocolate malt. Kríž described the result as similar to Guinness but noted: "We definitely don't want to compare ourselves with them. We have our own taste, and that needs to be tried."

Not 1 but 3 awards

The Czech Brew Star is an international competition that evaluates exclusively unfiltered and unpasteurized beers. The 2026 edition in Brno attracted 113 breweries from six countries — the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy — with 52 tasters from nine countries judging 444 entries.

The Jezule 15% lager takes its unusual name from the affectionate Czech diminutive for the Infant Jesus. The name was inspired by the children's book "The Flight Into Egypt Through the Kingdom of Bohemia" by the German-Bohemian author Otfried Preußler, a favorite of Pribyl's. The beer was originally brewed as a Christmas special and was produced for only the second time in the brewery's 11-year history.

"The judges praised the perfect harmony of flavors, aroma, and overall quality of this beer," Kríž said.

Richard Kirbs, the brewery's director, called the Dekan lager's diamond medal "a fantastic success in unprecedented competition."

"This is also the best reward for our brewer and the whole team," Kirbs said. "The 11-degree Dekan can be tried in the brewery restaurant practically at any time."

The Bishop's Brewery at St. Stephen's was established in 2015 in the Diocesan House of the Diocese of Litomerice. It is one of a small but growing number of Church-owned breweries in Europe, continuing a monastic and ecclesial brewing tradition that dates back centuries in the Czech lands.

Pribyl, a Redemptorist, was named archbishop of Prague by Pope Leo XIV on Feb. 2 and remains administrator of the Diocese of Litomerice until his installation in Prague on April 25.

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