Pope Francis underlines ‘universal value’ of Jerusalem in speech to Palestinians
Jerusalem, which is situated on a plateau between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea in Israel, is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is a source of division…
Seal of Confession under attack? Delaware, Vermont bills draw Catholic criticism
“There is no question that protecting children is essential and criminals must be held accountable for their crimes. But disregarding fundamental religious rights is unnecessary,” he said. The exemption to…
‘The figure of a father’: Cardinal Ouellet on 10 years with Pope Francis
The Quebecois cardinal said his dicastery mostly has been choosing “pastoral bishops,” but depending on the needs of the local Church, they also look for men with “good canonical preparation,…
Polish bishops: New allegation that JPII covered up sex abuse based on reports from communist secret police
The two reporters countered the claim that Wojtyla covered up the sexual abuse by Surgent, noting that the priest was from the Diocese of Lubaczów rather than the Archdiocese of…
‘My parishioners shot dead in cold blood’: Priests, lay faithful describe attacks in Nigeria
“Kidnappings are a hallmark of terrorist organizations in Nigeria … and clergy are increasingly being targeted,” the new ACN report said. With over 30 million faithful, Catholics make up a…
Pope Francis: There is no option to be passive Catholics when it comes to evangelization
“By virtue of the baptism received and the consequent incorporation into the Church, every baptized person participates in the mission of the Church and, in it, in the mission of…
Whereabouts of imprisoned Nicaraguan bishop are unknown
“His relatives and authorities of the Catholic Church have asked to visit him or give him food and water; the request has been denied by the authorities of the Nicaraguan…
UK Parliament makes it illegal to pray near abortion facilities
Lawmakers voted against Conservative MP Andrew Lewer’s amendment to specifically exempt silent prayer and consensual conversation in the zones, dubbed “censorship zones” by critics. The amendment failed by a vote…
China's new ‘Smart Religion' app requires faithful to register to attend worship services
The Chinese government technically recognizes Catholicism as one of five religions in the country, but there exists an underground Catholic Church, which is persecuted and loyal to Rome. Government-approved Catholic…
UN calls on Nicaragua to free Bishop Álvarez and other political prisoners
For his refusal to comply with the Managua Court of Appeals’ deportation order, the prelate was found in contempt of authority, which added to his sentence. Álvarez is reportedly being…
Rupnik concelebrated Mass in a basilica in Rome despite restrictions
Rupnik founded the Aletti Center, a school dedicated to the promotion of religious art in Rome, after his years in the Loyola Community of Slovenia, where he has been accused…
Mexican bishops condemn police pursuit, violent arrest of migrants on cathedral grounds
The conference also strongly condemned these types of events where police act arbitrarily and without adherence to legal protocols, violating people’s human rights. Given what happened, the migrant ministry announced…