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Welcome to the news page of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Below you will find all the latest local, national, and world news.
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Gulf Coast Catholic
The online magazine of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, serving Tampa Bay, the Suncoast, and the Nature Coast. Sharing positive and relevant articles that help you live your best Catholic life.
- A Statement on the Passing of Bishop Frank J. Dewaneby Bishop Gregory Parkes on October 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Today I received the sad news of the passing of my fellow bishop, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice.
- Witness at Work: Behind the Mission with Monsignor Mike Muhrby Allison Munden on October 7, 2026
Known affectionately as “Father Mike,” Monsignor Muhr serves the Diocese of Saint Petersburg as the Director of Ministry to Priests. Today, he describes his important ministry as being “a priest for priests.”
- Sharing Christ through Media: Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen Part 1by Brittany DeHaan on October 7, 2026
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was beatified on September 24, 2026. In part one of this two-part series, Brittany DeHaan shares about her experience attending.
- Priest Awarded for Distinguished Priestly Serviceby Staff Report on October 7, 2026
Since 1998, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has honored one priest annually to receive the Father Luis de Cancer Award for exemplifying selfless and dedicated service to the people of God.
News from the Vatican
All the latest news about the Holy Father, the Vatican, and the Church.
- Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgeryon October 13, 2026 at 8:10 pm
Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery at Gemelli Hospital, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the […]
- OLA Sisters turning ecological commitment into action in Africaon October 13, 2026 at 2:02 pm
For the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), care for creation is not simply an environmental concern. It is part of their missionary […]
Pastoral Bulletin
All the latest news for parishes, schools, and ministries in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
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Rev. Msgr. John Vargas
Monsignor John Vargas, 83, former Parochial Vicar of Incarnation Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Troy, Michigan. He…
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Mrs. Annie Sebastian
Mrs. Annie Sebastian, 78, mother of Reverend Henry K. Sebastian, I.C., Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, passed away suddenly on May 3, 2020,…
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Bishop Parkes Hopes to Resume Public Masses During the Month of May
A Message from Bishop Parkes (PDF available in English and Spanish) In light of the governor’s recent announcement to begin the process of reopening Florida,…
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Ministry of Mercy Online Retreat Series
Pope Francis’ Vision: Brothers and Sisters All What does Fratelli Tutti, the Encyclical of Pope Francis on fraternity and social friendship, have to say that…
USCCB News
National and world news from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- Vatican: Pope surgery successful; pope resting
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on October 13, 2026 at 8:30 amVATICAN CITY (CNS) — An operation to remove a small nodule from Pope Leo XIV’s lung was successful, and he was recovering in his room, according to the Vatican press […]
- Catholic and Evangelical Leaders Unite in Call for Compassionate Immigration Reform
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on October 13, 2026 at 8:30 amWASHINGTON – “There is much that can be done to avoid the rupturing of our families and communities brought about by indiscriminate and aggressive enforcement actions,” […]
- Cancerous tumor removed from Pope Leo’s lung, Vatican says
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on October 13, 2026 at 8:30 amVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Doctors removed a cancerous tumor from Pope Leo XIV’s lower lobe of his right lung, after pre-operative medical tests raised suspicions, according to a […]
- Pope Leo XIV Has Nominated Reverend Milad Yaghi as Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of the Martyrs of Lebanon in Mexicoby PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on October 12, 2026 at 8:30 am
WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has nominated Reverend Milad Yaghi, MLM, as the Bishop of the Nuestra Señora de los Mártires del Líbano en México Eparchy of the Maronites […]