Poor people are not a problem, Pope Francis says. Instead he challenges us to see them as a resource. He has scheduled the first ever World Day of the Poor for 19 November this year. This is “so that throughout the world Christian communities can become an ever greater sign of Christ’s charity for the Read more
World
Why did James Comey say “who will rid me of this meddlesome priest”?
Monday, June 12th, 2017
When Former FBI chief James Comey appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee last week, he told them US President Donald Trump suggested he drop the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. In his FBI capacity, he had been looking into Flynn’s connection with Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Comey told them Read more
Diabolical criticism of Emeritus Pope vulgar, baseless
Monday, June 12th, 2017
Cardinal Robert Sarah has strong words to say about the diabolical criticism the vulgar heap without any foundation onto Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. “The arrogance, the violence of language, the disrespect and the inhuman contempt for Benedict XVI are diabolical and cover the Church with a mantle of sadness and shame,” Sarah said. “These people Read more
Mormon temple cheek-by-jowl with Vatican
Monday, June 12th, 2017
Although a minority religion in 90-percent Catholic Italy, Morman worshippers are comfortable about practising their faith and report no hostility or prejudice to their form of worship. The Mormans are presently planning to build a new visitor centre within a stone’s throw of the Vatican. They aim to attract converts to their faith. The visitor Read more
Combat elitism with inclusion Pope says at Global hangout
Monday, June 12th, 2017
Young people can combat elitism with inclusion, Pope Francis told a global audience on Friday. He was taking part in a Google Hangout with youth from around the world. He said “everyone has meaning,” even though the world will try to exclude certain people. Society “is accustomed to exclude, to select, to attack, to shut Read more
Women’s key interfaith dialogue role
Monday, June 12th, 2017
Women’s work and dignity is often threatened by violence and hatred which tears families and societies apart, Pope Francis said on Friday. He was addressing members of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue at their annual plenary assembly. Understanding women’s essential role is fundamental to understanding how to find and keep to “the path of Read more
Shanghai’s Bishop Ma still under house arrest
Monday, June 12th, 2017Five years later after being first incarcerated, Shanghai’s Bishop Ma is still under house arrest. Ordinations are happening without him. Four priests were ordained in Shanghai Diocese last week. This is the first ordination since Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian died in 2013 — but most priests in the diocese avoided attending the ceremony. Read more
Canada’s faith leaders seek help for famines
Monday, June 12th, 2017Faith leaders in Canada, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, other Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Baha’i faith leaders are asking for help to tackle the famines causing death, suffering and displacement in the world today. They have named four countries that need urgent help. Read more
Accept bishop in Nigeria or face suspension Pope says
Monday, June 12th, 2017Pope Francis has given priests in the Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria, 30 days to write him a letter. They must promise obedience to him and accept the bishop appointed for their diocese or be suspended. Read more
Pope Francis to help Venezuela
Thursday, June 8th, 2017
Pope Francis met with the Presidential Council of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela in a private audience yesterday. The Episcopal Conference asked to speak to the Pope about the ongoing national crisis in Venezuela. Many Venezuelans struggle to find something to eat, and 11.4 percent of children under 5 in Venezuela suffer from acute malnutrition, Read more