Catholic Extension Society

06/03/2026

Pope Leo XIV’s first papal encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” reminds the world that no technology can replace the dignity and unique value of human life. He calls for AI to be guided by conscience, compassion, and a commitment to the common good—not simply efficiency or progress. Read our takeaways on this informative document.

On May 25, 2026, only one week after Catholic Extension Society’s private audience with Pope Leo XIV, the Holy Father released his first papal encyclical,

06/01/2026

Congratulations to Fathers John Gardener, John Paul Stepnowski & Andrew Vickery from the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama on their ordination to the priesthood this past Saturday! Catholic Extension Society supported their seminarian education, preparing these shepherds to serve growing Catholic communities in rural regions of northern Alabama! 🙏

05/31/2026

Sister Marie-Paule Willem has spent her life serving communities that depend on her.
Today, you can stand with her as she ministers to families in rural New Mexico.

This is the final day to have your gift tripled—supporting the Church in places where it is a lifeline. Don’t miss this moment. Donate now: https://bit.ly/4w8sxa6

05/30/2026

At the core of our humanity, which is created in God’s own image and likeness, is the ability to love and to be in relationship with others—something a machine cannot replicate. This was a central theme of Pope Leo's first papal encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.”

Like the Holy Father, we too, believe that the key to our future rests in unlocking and unleashing the magnificent beauty and creativity of humans. Read more: https://bit.ly/4fJk9rA

05/29/2026

Your support helps form future priests.

And right now, it goes even further.

For just two more days, through May 31, every gift will be tripled—helping bring future pastors to communities in the poorest regions of America. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4w8sxa6

05/26/2026

Only one week after our private audience with him, Pope Leo XIV released his first papal encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence." At the heart of the pope's encyclical was the affirmation of the uniqueness of humans—no matter how great or knowledgeable our technologies become. As artificial intelligence grows in analytic power and scale, humans remain irreplaceable.

More takeaways from a landmark papal teaching: https://bit.ly/4fJk9rA

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, join us in prayer for the repose of the souls of all the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. This Extension magazine cover from February 1945 commemorates the chaplains and the fallen and wounded servicemen of World War II. May God bless them and all who have served.

05/24/2026

Today we observe the Solemnity of the Pentecost, and are grateful to have this direct message from Pope Leo XIV remarking how this “pivotal moment in the life of the Church has particular relevance for us today.” He reflected on the similarities in the missionary “zeal” of the early Church to that of our own origins in 1905 in America—and our work today! Read more: https://bit.ly/4wIBV4y

05/23/2026

Pope Leo got a firsthand look at our commemorative issue of Extension magazine that celebrated his election to the papacy when our president, Father Jack Wall, presented it to him this week. Pope Leo isn’t the first “Prevost” to receive it – we gifted his brother a framed copy just a few months ago!
This issue recently won a Lisagor Award, which recognizes Chicago’s best journalism. Read more about our meeting with the pope https://bit.ly/4wIBV4y.
1st image credit: © Vatican Media

05/22/2026

During our private audience with Pope Leo XIV, the Holy Father had an opportunity to greet one of our special guests: Sara Spellman. A young leader in the Church in eastern Kentucky for the Diocese of Lexington, she received a scholarship from Catholic Extension Society to earn her master's degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. Traveling with us this week to meet Pope Leo, she represented the thousands of young people we are investing in through our advanced degree scholarships as well as Catholic campus ministries. Read about Spellman and more young Catholics we support across the country at the link: https://bit.ly/4uqZr4c

Image credit: © Vatican Media