Catholic News
News from the Orient – October 25, 2024
In this week's news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L'Œuvre d'Orient, the 11 Martyrs of Damascus are canonized, violence breaks out over an Orthodox cathedral in Ukraine, and an Iraqi church will soon gets its bell back.
Pope: Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez was ‘a great man of the Church’
Pope Francis recalls the life and work of Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez, the late founder of liberation theology, saying he brought forth great apostolic impetus and rich theology.
Cardinal Fernández: Let us work to give women more space and power
During the afternoon Synod meeting on 24 October with members of the 'Group 5' working group, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, explains why he did not consider the decision on the female diaconate to be ‘mature,’ saying it does not mean closing off the possibility.
India: Catholic religious pledge to promote integral ecology
At the 18th Convention of the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace, members decide to adopt simpler lifestyles, live closer to the poor, and avoid unnecessary consumption and extravagance.
Indian Catholic bishops set to discuss synodal pathways for mission at 2025 assembly
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has announced that its upcoming Plenary Assembly will adopt a participatory and synodal approach, emphasizing inclusivity within the Church.
Philippine bishop appeals for ‘hope and prayers’ for typhoon-hit communities
In the wake of the destruction wrought by Typhoon Trami, which killed at least 46 people in the Philippines, the Archbishop of Caceres has launched an appeal for prayers and material aid for victims.
Holy See ‘shares the suffering’ of Lebanese people
At an international conference on the crisis in Lebanon, the Holy See says it is "imperative" for the international community to support the country.
Vatican and Czech Republic Accord to ensure religious freedom
Signed by the Vatican Secretary of State and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, a new agreement recognizes the Catholic Church's right to self-govern and reaffirms freedom of conscience, thought, and religion for all people.
Vatican Deepavali message: Let's join hands as children of God
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue sends well wishes to those celebrating the Hindu feast of Deepavali and invites Christians and Hindus to join hands with the people of other religious traditions and with people of good will, “to do all that we can to promote harmony amidst diversity and despite differences.”
8 dead, 20 missing in Myanmar boat tragedy
On October 20, at least 8 citizens fleeing conflict near the Burmese island of Kyauk Kar died when the boat bringing them ashore capsized.
Pope to Vatican confessors: 'Always forgive'
Addressing the community of the Vatican College of Penitentiaries, Pope Francis reminds them that a good confessor must always be close, merciful and compassionate towards the penitent.
‘He Loved Us’: Pope Francis' new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“Dilexit nos,” Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, retraces the tradition and relevance of thought on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ,” calling for a renewal of authentic devotion to avoid forgetting the tenderness of faith, the joy of serving, and the fervour of mission.
‘Dilexit nos’: The experience of a loving heart
In the first footnote of the encyclical ‘Dilexit nos,’ Pope Francis reveals he drew inspiration for the first chapter from his fellow Argentine Jesuit Fr. Diego Fares, who before his death in 2022 always emphasized the centrality of the ‘heart’ in the thought and work of the Pope.
A Heart that changes the world
Our Editorial Director reflects on Pope Francis’ new encyclical, 'Dilexit nos,' saying it helps us understand the way Christ loves us.
The Popes since WWII: Almost a century of fighting for disarmament
As the world marks Disarmament Week, we look back at some of the many appeals for peace that the Popes have made since World War II.
Disarmament Week: Need for arms control has never been more urgent
As the world marks Disarmament Week, James Denselow of The HALO Trust discusses the urgent need for global disarmament amidst rising conflicts, the successes and challenges of landmine clearance, and the vital role of civil society and faith leaders in advancing these efforts.
Meet Cardinal-elect George Jacob Koovakad
In a wide-ranging interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal-elect George Jacob Koovakad, Organizer of Papal Journeys, speaks about his faith as 'a family treasure', upbringing, and priorities, while noting he likes 'to view the Papal Visits as pilgrimages of the Successor of Peter.'
Synod elects new members to Ordinary Council
Synod delegates have elected new members of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops.
Pope: Latin is a treasure of knowledge and thought
Pope Francis praises Latin scholars for protecting a great heritage in a message sent to mark the conferral of the "Pontifical Academies Award 2023."
Pope: G7 forum on missionaries an opportunity to ‘strengthen solidarity'
Pope Francis sends a message to a G7 event on the role of missionaries in Africa, and encourages participants to “persevere in promoting a culture of encounter.”