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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.
- Bishops to Consecrate the United States to the Sacred Hearton May 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm
At their Plenary Assembly this past November, the U.S. Bishops announced plans to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The consecration is planned for June 2026, coinciding with the nation’s 250th birthday.
- Faith and Hope Prison Ministry Brings Support to Families of Incarceratedby Brittany DeHaan on April 29, 2026
Following the incarceration of his son in December of 2025, Dave Arnold was inspired to start a ministry, based out of St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, centered on supporting the families of those who are incarcerated.
- Transitional Diaconate Ordination Marks Milestone on Path to Priesthoodby Brittany DeHaan on April 29, 2026
As incense filled the air and family, friends, and fellow seminarians gathered, joy was evident in the church as Mark DeSio, a seminarian for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, was ordained to the transitional diaconate.
- St. Peter the Apostle Parish Breaks Ground on New Churchby Allison Munden on April 29, 2026
On Sunday, April 26, 2026 St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Trinity celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its new church. This new addition is an exciting asset to the rapidly growing Catholic community in northern Tampa.
News from the Vatican
All the latest news about the Holy Father, the Vatican, and the Church.
- Suspect arrested over attack on French nun in Jerusalemon May 1, 2026 at 9:38 am
Israeli police announce they have arrested a 36-year-old suspect for allegedly attacking a French-born religious sister, who works as a […]
- Vatican Observatory has asteroid named after Pope Leo XIIIon May 1, 2026 at 9:00 am
The Vatican Observatory announces that four asteroids have been named after important figures in its history, including Pope Leo XIII, who […]
Pastoral Bulletin
All the latest news for parishes, schools, and ministries in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
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Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis
With profound sorrow, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Catholic community is united in grief…
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Local Catholics will Host an Event for the Church’s First Millennial Saint
In honor of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, local Catholics, especially fellow millennials, are preparing to celebrate a historic saint in the Catholic Church.…
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Sr. Marilyn Francoeur, OP
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Sister Marilyn Francoeur, formerly known as Sister Therese Noel Francoeur, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at…
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Announcements ~ April 14, 2025
DIOCESAN OFFICES We are approaching “sold out” for the Encounter – RSVP for the 2025 Eucharistic Encounter today! More than 10,000 seats have now been…
USCCB News
National and world news from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Mark Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston; Appoints Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as Successor
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 amWASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, 79, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and has […]
- Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop James Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo; Appoints Reverend John Gomez as Successorby PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 am
WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop James A. Tamayo, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Laredo, and has appointed Reverend John […]
- Pope Leo XIV Appoints Two New Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Washington; Accepts Resignation of Most Reverend Roy Campbell
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 amWASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Gary R. Studniewski and Reverend Robert P. Boxie, III, as auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Washington. Bishop-elect […]
- Papal trip put spotlight on local injustices, joy of Christian faith, pope says
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on April 29, 2026 at 8:30 amVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV wanted his journey to Africa to highlight the serious injustices continuing there and propose a message of peace to a world marred by […]