CNA’s top 10 Catholic stories of 2023

[Michie]

The year 2023 was filled with highs and lows for the Catholic community. We experienced heartbreak with the passing of Pope Benedict XVI. We felt great joy in seeing hundreds of thousands of young people come together in Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day. And we were reminded of the beauty of the Catholic faith through incredible stories of churches being spared from destruction, potential miracles taking place, and much more.

Here is a list of the top Catholic stories from 2023.

Pope Benedict XVI passes away​

The new year began on a somber note with Catholics around the world mourning the loss of Pope Benedict XVI on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2022. In the days that followed, we witnessed thousands visit him in St. Peter’s Basilica where he lay in state, his funeral, the closing of his coffin, and Pope Francis’ final farewell to the former pontiff.

Continued below.

CNA’s top 10 Catholic stories of 2023

2023 was filled with highs and lows for the Catholic community. Here is a list of our top Catholic stories from 2023.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[WarriorAngel]

Statue of Mary untouched in Turkey earthquake​

On Feb. 6, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria. A few hours later, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit central Turkey, causing immense damage and a death toll of more than 6,000 people. Despite this tragedy, a statue of the Virgin Mary was left untouched after Annunciation Cathedral in the city of Alexandretta in Turkey completely collapsed.