Following the election of former military dictator General Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria’s presidency, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations in Geneva has called on the international community to assist Nigeria and its neighbours in dealing with the Boko Haram insurgency. Expressing concern about the group’s alignment with the Islamic State (ISIS) organisation…

An expelled Indian nun's fight for compensation has inspired former priests and nuns in India for the introduction of mandatory severance payments similar to those offered to employees of private firms. A former Kerala nun of the Syro-Malabar Church, known only as ‘Anitha’, was expelled in February from the Italy-based Sisters of St. Agatha after…

Many modern-day slaves don’t realise they are being exploited, according to the new coordinator of Talitha Kum, a Rome-based international network of over 1000 religious sisters working to end human trafficking. Comboni Missionary Sr Gabriella Bottani told Global Sisters Report of trafficked girls: “They don't see what happens to them as servitude. They say, ‘Well,…

Christian students were deliberately targeted in the Islamist attack on the Garissa University campus, according to Kenyan police. 148 people were killed and many more wounded during the 15-hour siege, which ended only after four militants were killed. The Somali-based al-Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attack.  Nairobi’s Cardinal John Njue condemned the attack, calling…

The moon is seen over Rome’s Colosseum as Pope Francis leads the Good Friday Way of the Cross. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)

With immediate effect, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has eliminated all fees for those seeking an annulment in the diocese. In a letter to the diocese’s Catholics, Bishop David A. Zubik said “I know that the fee has stood in the way for many who are in need of an annulment” and that the long-imagined move…