The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has suspended the status of Sweden’s special envoy over a string of Quran burnings in Stockholm that sparked anger and mass protests in a number of Muslim countries. The organisation, comprised of 57 Muslim-majority nations, said on Sunday that the suspension was due to the “ granting by the Swedish Read more
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Organization of Islamic Cooperation suspends Sweden’s special envoy over desecration of Quran
Monday, July 31st, 2023‘The Lord is always by your side’: Pope Francis speaks with Melbourne pilgrims
Monday, July 31st, 2023Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Melbourne met the Holy Father in Rome on Wednesday, 26 July, in a special private audience as part of the lead-up to World Youth Day Lisbon. During the meeting, Pope Francis encouraged the pilgrims in their faith journey. He answered questions on topics ranging from education to evangelisation, the environment Read more
AMA calls for stronger AI regulations after doctors use ChatGPT to write medical notes
Monday, July 31st, 2023Australia’s peak medical association has called for strong rules and transparency around the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry after warning doctors in Perth-based hospitals not to write medical notes using ChatGPT. The Australian Medical Association said in its submission to the federal government’s discussion paper on safe and responsible AI, seen by Read more
Vatican and Vietnam agree to open Holy See office in Hanoi as relations improve
Monday, July 31st, 2023Vietnam formally agreed on Thursday to let a Vatican representative live in the country and open an office, a notching up of relations that could have implications down the line for the Holy See’s delicate ties with China. The Holy See announced the conclusion of the agreement during a visit to the Vatican by Vietnamese Read more
Young Australians on a transformative journey at World Youth Day
Thursday, July 27th, 2023
Young Catholics from Australia are eagerly preparing to participate in next week’s World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal, which is anticipated to be a life-changing experience for them. With approximately 3,000 or more young Australians set to make the pilgrimage, this delegation will be one of the largest representing the country at WYD. Joining Read more
Nothing to hide – Bishop Strickland denies wrongdoing
Thursday, July 27th, 2023
Bishop Joseph E Strickland of Tyler, Texas, has adamantly denied any misconduct connected to the Vatican’s investigation into his actions and those of his diocese, stating “I’ve got nothing to hide.” The apostolic visitation, which he described as “not fun,” was conducted by delegates from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, focusing on various aspects of Read more
“God loves us as we are,” Pope Francis tells transgender person
Thursday, July 27th, 2023
In a heartfelt gesture of outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, Pope Francis engaged in a moving conversation with a young transgender person, saying “God loves us as we are.” The Pope’s compassionate remarks were unveiled through Vatican media on Tuesday, following a podcast where Francis engaged with young people through audio messages in preparation for Read more
Visa problems hit some World Youth Day pilgrims
Thursday, July 27th, 2023
Some pilgrims are facing visa difficulties which could shatter their dreams of being part of World Youth Day 2023. Often dubbed the “Olympics of the Catholic Church,” World Youth Day (WYD) is a massive gathering of young people from around the globe. This year’s event will be held next week in Lisbon, Portugal. For some Read more
New Lectionary to launch in England and Wales
Thursday, July 27th, 2023
Catholic liturgies and Masses will be using a new Lectionary in England and Wales from Advent next year. The Lectionary includes the scripture readings for Mass and the sacraments. The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has confirmed approval for the updated Lectionary. Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery, has Read more
Russia strikes Odesa cathedral, Putin dismisses counteroffensive
Thursday, July 27th, 2023Russia’s latest strike on Odesa on Sunday killed two people and severely damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral, drawing a vow of retaliation from Ukraine’s leader. The attack came as President Vladimir Putin met his Belarusian counterpart for talks in Russia and claimed Kyiv’s counteroffensive had “failed”. Russia has pounded the Ukrainian port city of Odesa Read more