An Italian news agency is reporting that Pope Francis wants to dedicate the next synod of bishops to the issue of global peace. ANSA stated the Pope mentioned this at a recent meeting of the organising council of the synod of bishops. “But how to develop a strong initiative in favour of global peace is Read more
Jesuit peace activist Daniel Berrigan, who was imprisoned after burning draft files in an anti-war protest in the 1960s, has died aged 94. Fr Berrigan died peacefully on April 30 at Murray-Weigel Hall in New York City, after a long illness. Fr Berrigan and his younger brother, Fr Philip Berrigan, emerged as leaders of the Read more
Participants in a Vatican conference are hoping to see just war theory dislodged as a leading framework for Catholic response to violence. Eighty experts engaged in global non-violent struggles have gathered this week to develop a new moral framework that rejects ethical justifications for war. They also hope Pope Francis’s next excyclical will be on Read more
As Christians around the world prepare during Advent to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, much of the world is at war and preparing for more war – more bombs, more drones, more boots on the ground. From the drug cartel war in Mexico, to the civil war in South Sudan, to the Read more
Pope Francis has become the first Pontiff in recent history to visit a conflict zone when he arrived in the Central African Republic on Sunday. The nation has been embroiled in a civil war between a Muslim minority and a Christian majority since March, 2013. Arriving in the capital, Bangui, Francis declared himself a “pilgrim Read more
The Vatican’s top diplomat at the United Nations has called for a co-ordinated international force to stop ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Italian Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said there is a type of genocide happening to Christians and other minorities in these countries, which must be stopped. Archbishop Tomasi told Crux’s John Allen that any anti-ISIS Read more
Catholic Workers groups in the Hokianga and Otaki are organising peace vigils to oppose military deployment to Iraq. The vigils are among those to be held around New Zealand at 5pm on March 5 under the auspices of Peace Movement Aotearoa. They will call for increased humanitarian assistance and diplomatic support for Middle East peace Read more
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott refuses to link hostage taker Man Haron Monis with Islam. “We don’t blame the Pope for the IRA, and we don’t blame the Catholics living next door for the folly of some people, the folly and madness of some people who may claim a Christian motivation. And I think we Read more
The plight of Christians in the Middle East and Muslims in the West dominated Pope Francis’ first day in Turkey. Both the Pope and Turkish leaders spoke frankly about their respective concerns. “It is essential that all citizens – Muslim, Jewish and Christian – both in the provision and practice of the law, enjoy the Read more
Pope Francis said while dialogue with the Islamic State may seem a long way off, he would never close the door. Admitting dialogue with the likes of the Islamic State may seem impossible, the Holy Father replied, “I never count anything as lost. Never. Never close the door. It’s difficult, you could say almost impossible, but the Read more