By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Dec 31, 2024 / 09:00 am
Reflecting on the impactful moments of 2024 for Catholics worldwide, it was a year filled with memorable events.
One of the highlights was the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, where over 50,000 Catholics gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium from July 17-21. This event marked the culmination of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ initiative to strengthen faith in the Eucharistic Lord.
2024 also brought exciting news with the announcement of the canonization dates for Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two beloved figures soon to be recognized as saints. Additionally, Pope Francis embarked on his longest papal trip, visiting Southeast Asia and Oceania, emphasizing the universality of the Church.
Here are some of the top Catholic news stories that made headlines in 2024:
National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis
The 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis was a significant event, attracting Catholics of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate the Eucharist. This five-day gathering at Lucas Oil Stadium was the 10th of its kind in the U.S. and marked a pivotal moment in the renewal of faith in the Eucharistic Lord.
2024 has been a year marked by significant events in the Catholic community, including the National Catholic Congress in Kansas City, the Paris Summer Olympics, and Pope Francis’ longest papal trip since World War II.
The National Catholic Congress held in Kansas City brought together a multitude of Catholic figures, such as Father Mike Schmitz, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, and Sister Josephine Garrett, who shared powerful testimonies. The event was witnessed by attendees and viewers from around the world, showcasing the unity and strength of the Catholic community.
Paris Summer Olympics
The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics captured global attention with their opening ceremonies, which featured a controversial drag-queen-led parody of the Last Supper. This act sparked reactions from Catholic leaders worldwide, with the Vatican denouncing it as an offense to Christians. Despite this, Christian athletes openly expressed their faith, with gestures like Novak Djokovic’s sign of the cross and a Brazilian skateboarder quoting Scripture in sign language before winning a bronze medal.
Pope Francis’ longest papal trip
From Sept. 2–11, Pope Francis embarked on his longest papal trip yet, visiting Catholics in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. This journey allowed the Pope to connect with Catholic communities in diverse regions, emphasizing the importance of global unity and understanding among believers.
