Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

By Kristina Millare Rome Newsroom, Mar 31, 2025 / 10:33 am Australian bishops on Sunday emphasized the vital role of the country’s Catholics in promoting the common good as they prepare to vote in the upcoming national election on May 3. The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Commission for Life, Family, and Public Engagement, chaired by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, recently released the “Election Statement 2025: Called to Bring Hope in the Year of the Jubilee” following the announcement of the election date by the Australian government. According to the statement released on March 30, the bishops highlighted the importance of engaging…

By Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Mar 31, 2025 / 11:03 am The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France made an announcement on Monday regarding the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which features art by the controversial artist Father Marko Rupnik. The entrances to the basilica are now being covered. Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes described this decision as a “second step” following his initial choice in July 2024 to stop illuminating the mosaics at night and during processions. “You know my opinion about the presence of these mosaics on the doors of the basilica.…

Welcome to the SACRU Roundtable Discussion on ‘Vulnerability and Healthcare’ Are you interested in exploring the intersection of vulnerability and healthcare? Look no further! The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU) is hosting a roundtable discussion on this very topic in Rome on April 7. SACRU, a global network of Catholic universities, has brought together doctoral students and faculty from seven institutions to collaborate on this interdisciplinary project. From vaccine trials in developing countries to ethical considerations in physician-assisted suicide, these researchers are delving deep into the complexities of vulnerability and healthcare. Join us on Monday, April 7, from…

Rome’s Transformation: A Concerning Disneyfication? French newspaper Le Monde has raised alarm bells regarding Rome’s rapid transition into a tourist-centric hub, likening it to a real-life Disneyland that is pushing out its local residents. Titled Rome, the empire of tourism: the “Disneylandisation” of the Italian capital worries its residents, the article by Rome correspondent Allan Kaval paints a vivid picture of the overcrowded streets of the historic center, particularly focusing on the Trevi Fountain where visitors now queue up for a snapshot of the iconic Baroque monument. The introduction of a queueing system, soon to be accompanied by an entry…

In Italia, il 38% delle donne affette da tumore al seno si trova ad affrontare la tossicità finanziaria, ovvero le conseguenze economiche legate alla malattia e ai relativi trattamenti. Questo implica che il 32,1% ha dovuto tagliare le spese per attività ricreative come vacanze, ristoranti o spettacoli, mentre il 10,3% ha ridotto le spese per beni essenziali come il cibo. Il 20,7% ha dovuto attingere ai risparmi (Tfr, investimenti, fondi) per far fronte ai costi sanitari derivanti dalla malattia. Inoltre, c’è una preoccupazione diffusa per il futuro, con quasi il 30% che teme di perdere il lavoro a causa della…

Exciting News: Blessed Mother Carmen Rendiles to be Canonized! The Archdiocese of Caracas, led by Archbishop Monsignor Raúl Biord, is thrilled to share the wonderful news of Blessed Mother Carmen Rendiles’ upcoming canonization. Pope Francis has authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree regarding her miracle, paving the way for her official canonization. This momentous announcement marks the approval of the canonization of the beloved Venezuelan nun, known for her exemplary life and founding of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Venezuela. The verification of a second miracle through her intercession solidifies her…

Elon Musk made headlines recently when he publicly handed out two $1 million checks to individuals who had signed an online petition against “activist judges” in the campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, supported by X’s founder and Donald Trump, Brad Schimel. This news was reported by Fox News 11. “We want to restore individual freedoms. The freedom of speech, in general. Get the government off your back – Musk said – Vote for the judge, the super judge Schimel, I call him super judge Schimel.” Musk showed up wearing a cheese head before discussing the restoration of freedom…

The Transformation of the Shrine: An Update on the Mosaics at the Marian Shrine of Lourdes Exciting changes are underway at the Marian Shrine of Lourdes, as Bishop Jean-Marc Micas announces a significant alteration to the entrance doors of the Basilica. The mosaics, created by Marko Rupnik, are being covered with aluminum panels, marking a new symbolic step in the Shrine’s history. The decision to cover the mosaics comes in light of allegations against Rupnik of psychological and sexual abuse by several religious women. Bishop Micas aims to create a more inclusive environment by making the Basilica accessible to all,…

Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar: Death Toll Rises Amidst Continued Military Bombings As rescue teams struggle to cope with the tens of thousands of people left injured, homeless, and buried under rubble by the massive earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, the death toll has risen to over 1,700. Despite calls for a ceasefire, the military government continues bombing parts of the country, exacerbating an already dire situation. By Lisa Zengarini Rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar, but the official death toll from the devastating earthquakes of March 28 continues to climb. Over 1,700 People Confirmed Dead on Sunday As…

By Jonathan Liedl South Bend, Ind., Mar 31, 2025 / 07:00 am Should Catholics embrace the term “feminist”? This question was explored by a panel of prominent female Catholic thinkers at a recent conference at the University of Notre Dame dedicated to the Church’s teachings on women. The panel presented varying viewpoints, with some speakers advocating for the strategic use of the term, while others expressed reservations. Supporters of using the feminist label argued that it can be a valuable tool for establishing common ground with non-Catholic women who may support practices such as abortion and contraception but are open…