Catholic News
Religious and community groups unite for Kerala landslide recovery
A coalition of dioceses, religious congregations, and laity groups has united with Hindu and Muslim communities to spearhead rehabilitation efforts for landslide survivors in Kerala’s Wayanad district.
Chadian priest, Father Madou, released after arrest by security agents
“Father Madou is fine, although he says he was mistreated during his arrest,” said a Source in the Archdiocese of N’Djamena, Chad, quoted by Agenzia Fides. The Source, who requested anonymity, has met Father Simon-Pierre Madou Baïhana, the parish priest of Blessed Isidore Bakanja Parish in Walia Goré. Fr Madou was arrested on the evening of 5 August.
Church’s true influence is sharing God’s mercy, not chasing ‘likes’
In a world rife with misinformation and “fake news”, a Catholic bishop has emphasized that the Church’s true influence lies in sharing the truth of God’s mercy, compassion and kindness.
Pope to Afghan delegation: 'No one can invoke God’s name to foment hate'
Addressing a delegation of the Afghan Community Associationin Italy, Pope Francis reiterates that religion must never be used to incite hatred and violence, but instead to promote fraternity among peoples.
Papal almoner oversees new shipment of food and medicine to Ukraine
Trucks loaded with clothing, medicine, and food—especially tuna—begin departing for Ukraine from the Ukrainian Basilica of Holy Wisdom in Rome, with shipment and distribution overseen by Cardinal Krajewski, the Papal Almoner.
Afghanistan: Over 38 thousand people flee extreme weather conditions
As many regions in Afghanistan face severe displacement due to extreme weather, Save the Children calls for urgency in attempts to provide clean water and assistance to communities lacking basic resources.
Preparations underway for Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore
With less than 40 days to Pope Francis’ arrival in Singapore, the Archdiocese is engaging in extensive preparations for the visit, as volunteers from various committees are organizing one of the largest religious events the city has seen.
From Swiss Guard to priest: ‘Service with humility’
In an interview with Vatican News, 34-year-old Didier Grandjean recalls his journey from wearing the uniform of the Pontifical Swiss Guard to the Roman collar. His is a story of a man trained in combat who transitioned to serving the Pope and the Church in a more spiritual way.
Pope prays for peace to extinguish strife in Middle East
At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis appeals for a ceasefire in the Middle East, prays for peace in Ukraine, Myanmar, and Sudan, and calls for greater efforts and prayers to end ethnic discrimination in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pope at Audience: With God, nothing is impossible
Pope Francis resumes his General Audiences after the summer break, reflecting on the work of the Holy Spirit in the Redemption won by Christ.
South Africa: Bishop Sipuka opens SACBC Plenary and voices concern over shortage of priests
In his welcome address to members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) gathered in Mariannhill Diocese for the 5 August to 9 Plenary Session, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka also welcomed the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa.
Rector of Nicaragua's Matagalpa Seminary arrested
Nicaragua's authorities arrest the rector of Matagalpa Seminary, also parish priest of Santa María de Guadalupe church. Fr. Jarvin Tórrez has been in prison since 5 August according to human rights activists and organisations who have also reported the detention of a lay collaborator, Lesbia Rayo Balmaceda, from a parish in Sébaco.
Bishop Moronta: May will of Venezuelan people be heard
As uncertainty prevails over results from last week’s presidential election, the Vice President of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Moronta, says people are waiting for “conscience, intelligence, and a sense of service to the people to prevail.”
Churches decry far-right racist riots in the UK
UK Church leaders have decried ongoing anti-immigration riots triggered by a deadly stabbing attack in Southport last week, saying they threaten the values of British society.
Sisters in Timor-Leste preparing to welcome Successor of Peter
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who serve the Church in Timor-Leste, eagerly await Pope Francis and are carrying out catechism lessons and outreach in rural parishes ahead of his Apostolic Journey in September.
Fernández: India’s Vailankanni Shrine reveals welcoming Mother, not syncretism
The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith sends a letter ahead of the feast of Our Lady of Health in Vailankanni, India, expressing the Pope’s appreciation for the shrine and noting the spiritual fruits enjoyed by pilgrims, including non-Christians.
Dr. Ruffini: Church leadership needed to shape ‘Ethical AI’
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect for the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication, has called for the Church to take a leading role in shaping the ethical framework for artificial intelligence (AI), as he spoke at the Philippines' 7th National Catholic Social Communications Convention.
Pope Francis invokes Mary for the peace that comes from Christ
Pope Francis pays a special visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for the liturgical commemoration of the dedication of the papal basilica, and prays for peace for our war-torn world.
Five religions gather to celebrate fraternity at Paris Olympics
Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard, the Vatican’s representative for the 2024 Paris Olympics, speaks to Vatican News about the significance of the interfaith ceremony held on Sunday outside Notre-Dame Cathedral highlighting its message of universal fraternity.
Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina resigns amidst riots and rising death toll
After weeks of student protests, deaths and civil uproar against the government, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees Dhaka following riots and vandalism of her residence.