"Pope Leo XIV continues to proclaim the Gospel of Christ by upholding human dignity and serving as a tireless advocate for peace. His message transcends partisan political divisions in this or any country and I’m deeply grateful for Pope Leo’s inspiring example. I ask members of the Notre Dame community to pray for peace and work together with all people of goodwill to build a more just and humane world."

A statement from University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., in support of Pope Leo XIV:

A small, scattered pile of gray powder with small fragments on a plain white background.

As Artemis II slingshots around the Moon, we're mining its secrets here on Earth.

Clive Neal’s lab studies Apollo 17 Moon rocks from 1972 to uncover resources that could sustain life there and fuel exploration further into space: https://go.nd.edu/7da882

Pope Leo XIV in white smiles, shaking hands with Father Dan Groody, a priest with grey hair and glasses wearing in black. A large crucifix is nearby.

Father Dan Groody has long worked at the intersection of migration, human dignity and Catholic social teaching.

Now he’ll help advance that work at the Vatican as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development: https://go.nd.edu/988cc8

In the midst of ongoing violence and war in many parts of the world, all are invited to celebrate a special Mass and to gather in prayer for peace tonight at 5:15 p.m. at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Two megaphones face each other, one blue and one red, separated by a zigzag line. The blue side has stars on the top and bottom, while the red side mirrors this pattern. The design suggests a theme of political discourse or confrontation.

Everyone knows political insults grab attention, but how much do politicians actually gain from them?

New Notre Dame research takes a closer look at the incentives behind divisive rhetoric: https://go.nd.edu/bcf70c

Panoramic view of a vast marshland with canoes in the foreground, surrounded by dense green vegetation. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the distant background under a cloudy sky.

What happens when warming temperatures hit Alaska’s coastal wetlands?

New Notre Dame research shows these vital ecosystems may be pushed to their limits with rising temperatures: https://go.nd.edu/3236e8

“When you think of Lou Holtz, find the person closest to you and ask them, "What can I do for you?"

If we can all do that, we will continue his legacy by making this a little warmer, better place than we found it.” - Skip Holtz

https://go.nd.edu/3004e5

A quote on an image reads: "By expanding the Pathways to Notre Dame program, we are making a historic statement: cost will not be a barrier to excellence." Attributed to Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., University President. The background shows the Golden Dome of a building with a statue on Mary top, and the Pathways to Notre Dame logo is displayed.

We’re expanding Pathways to Notre Dame with new affordability measures aimed at reducing or eliminating tuition and other costs for undergraduate families making less than $200,000 annually.

Learn more: https://go.nd.edu/54c52a

A person dressed in religious attire, wearing a black headpiece and glasses, stands in front of a bookshelf. The bookshelf contains various books and a small icon. The person is smiling and facing forward.

Sister Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., president of the Pontifical Commission and Governorate of Vatican City State, will deliver 2026 Commencement Address: https://go.nd.edu/c7b089

A dignity movement | What would you fight for? | University of Notre Dame 2026 Laetare Medalist Timothy Shriver

Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, will receive the 2026 Laetare Medal — the oldest and most prestigious honor given exclusively to American Catholics.

Shriver has dedicated his life to championing the inherent dignity of every person: https://go.nd.edu/2026LaetareTimShriver

Image of Lou Holtz in black and white wearing a Notre Dame cap with his birth and deaeth years 1937-2026

Honoring a legend ☘️

Public visitation and private funeral arrangements for Coach Lou Holtz have been announced, with opportunities for the Notre Dame community to pay their respects: https://go.nd.edu/b8df29

Illustration of forest trees with stages of heart rot and gas emissions. From left to right: 1) Healthy tree with no heart rot, 2) Tree with heart rot showing methanogenic archaea presence, 3) Tree with heart rot and fracture. Arrows indicate methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) movement through different tree sections, highlighting gas sinks and sources.

Trees are supposed to help fight climate change. But what happens when they get sick?

New research from Notre Dame shows trees with heart rot disease emit far more methane potentially turning some forests from climate helpers into climate sources: https://go.nd.edu/a2980a

Black and white image of Lou Holtz commemorating his death with the years 1937-2026.

Remembering the life and legacy of Lou Holtz: go.nd.edu/06005d

Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America's most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by Iamily. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics. Over a remarkable five decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. Holtz was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service. Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, will be announced as details are finalized.

From the family of Lou Holtz:

Cells that are not our own may unlock secrets about our health Microchimeric cells are cells of different genetic origin that circulate within the body and can occur either naturally through pregnancy or artificiall...

By building a roadmap for future research, the Notre Dame–led effort aims to unlock the medical potential of these tiny populations of cells.

Read the full release: go.nd.edu/3d2fe2

Answering those questions could reshape how scientists understand pregnancy, immune systems and long-term health.

Microchimeric cells may help repair tissue. They may influence disease. They may reveal biological connections we’re only beginning to understand.

Now a project led by Kristine Joy Chua at Notre Dame is working to tackle the biggest unanswered questions about microchimerism:

What do these cells actually do?
Why do they persist for decades?
And how should scientists study them?

Michrochimeric cells are incredibly rare—often less than 1% of the cells in the body—which has made them difficult for scientists to study.

But researchers believe they may play meaningful roles in immunity, tissue repair and disease.

Illustration of a human figure with a visible pregnant belly, showcasing fetal and maternal cells labeled inside. The design features an abstract, cosmic background with dots and circles.

We all carry little pieces of our family with us.

During pregnancy, cells can pass between mother and child and remain in the body for decades. Scientists call this microchimerism.

A research effort led by Notre Dame is bringing new attention to what these cells might reveal about human health. 🧵

A collage of black and white photos featuring individuals engaged in various activities. In the top left, a person is outdoors with curly hair. The top middle photo shows two people working at a desk with papers and equipment. The bottom middle photo is a portrait of an individual smiling. On the right, there is a larger portrait of someone looking to the side, wearing a clerical collar. The text reads, "The Press vs. The Power.

He called him a “thorn in the side.”

Yet when Robert Sam Anson was captured in Cambodia, Father Theodore M. Hesburgh worked behind the scenes, even contacting the Pope, to help save his life.

Read "The Press vs. The Power": https://go.nd.edu/c8480a

A group of smiling individuals stands together outside a building with large glass doors. They are casually dressed and appear pleased. The text reads, "Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic Client Reginald 'Reggie' Dillard Exonerated After 27 Years of Wrongful Imprisonment."

Reginald “Reggie” Dillard, a client of ND Law's Exoneration Justice Clinic, was exonerated on Feb. 23, after spending 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Dillard was convicted of murder in 2000 based on a 1998 shooting and was sentenced to 65 years in prison: https://go.nd.edu/9b76f7

A person is receiving a ashes on their forehead in a dimly lit space. Stained glass windows with colorful designs are visible in the background.

As the Lenten season begins, you can find a number of Ash Wednesday Masses and services across campus.

The campus community is welcome to come to any place or time listed to receive ashes: https://go.nd.edu/8178da

Two marionette puppets are controlled by large hands from above. The puppet on the left is in a blue light, while the one on the right is in a red light.

Are we shaping social media or is it shaping us?

Peacebuilder Lisa Schirch explores how today’s platforms influence trust, polarization, and democracy, and how better design could strengthen communities: https://go.nd.edu/7b18a8

A vibrant bouquet of roses, featuring red, pink, purple, and yellow flowers, is held in the foreground. In the background, the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame is visible, topped with its iconic golden dome. The ground and trees are lightly covered with snow under a clear blue sky.

Roses are red, the Dome sparkles too,
But nothing’s as golden as our love for you ❤️

Happy Valentine's Day

Cold plunges and unicorns | What would you fight for? | University of Notre Dame In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, anthropologist Cara Ocobock uses hands-on lessons, extreme cold research, and insights from our evolutionary past to e...

Have a listen to me talking about my research and wild teaching methods, which does include a unicorn! Thanks to @notredame.bsky.social, Jenna for being so fun to work with, and the whole media crew.

fightingfor.nd.edu/podcast/cold...

Building St. Olaf's Ice Chapel YouTube video by Coyle Hall

You've probably seen the ice chapel by now.

Now, hear from its creators, Martin Soros and Wesley Buonerba: www.youtube.com/watch

Winter Olympians often compete in freezing temperatures – physiology and advances in materials science help keep them warm While physical exertion helps athletes stay warm, sweating can lead to dehydration.

Before the #Olympics2026 Opening Ceremony airs tonight, biological anthropologist Cara Ocobock and materials scientist Gabriel Burks share how outdoor conditions affect winter athletes both athletically and physiologically: https://go.nd.edu/7f9f53

Faith in the Cold: Mass in a Snow Chapel at Notre Dame YouTube video by University of Notre Dame

The Coyle community built a church made entirely of ice and snow. Then they held a Mass.

Video intern Jocelyn Connors captured the scene at Notre Dame on Monday, February 2.

https://youtu.be/TDzjZ9igaRo

A large crowd gathers in front of snow-covered buildings at night. The golden dome of the University of Notre Dame is visible in the background, illuminated against the sky. In the center of the image, a snow chapel is lit with soft candlelight.

A large group of people gather outdoors in a snowy courtyard, illuminated by numerous candles. In the center, there is a detailed igloo-like chapel also lit by candles. Three priests stand to the right of the structure, dressed in Mass apparel. A building with snow-covered roofs and lit windows forms the backdrop.

A large crowd gathers around an illuminated, detailed snow sculpture resembling a cathedral, with several lit windows. The setting is a snowy college campus at night, with historic-looking buildings in the background. Trees without leaves frame the scene.

A large group of people gathered outdoors on a snowy evening, many holding lit candles. They surrounding an illuminated snow chapel. The atmosphere is calm and reflective.

Only at Notre Dame ☘️

Scenes from last night's Mass at the St. Olaf ice chapel

Love thee, Notre Dame 🎶

Last night, more than 1,600 Notre Dame students braved 19° temps for Mass at St. Olaf’s Chapel, built by Coyle Hall residents from the 38 inches of January snow.