Catholic worshippers in Indonesia have had a lucky escape after an attacker inspired by so-called Islamic State (ISIS) failed to detonate the explosives he was wearing during Sunday Mass.  The incident happened at St Joseph’s Church in Medan, the capital of the North Sumatra province last Sunday when a teenager sitting with other worshippers attempted…

A man has been arrested in the US state of Mississippi in connection with the murders of two nuns. Police have announced that Rodney Sanders will face murders charges relating to Sr Margaret Held and Sr Paula Merrill who were found stabbed in their home on August 25 The bodies of the nuns, both trained…

Survivor group ‘plotted’ against priest – Judge A judge in the US state of Kansas has criticised the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) for refusing to comply with a court order to reveal emails and texts relevant to allegations of abuse made against a priest.  District Judge Carol Jackson ruled on August 22 that SNAP had plotted against…

Vatican confirms ongoing negotiations with China Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has confirmed that the Holy See is involved in diplomatic talks with authorities in China.  In the wake of concerns expressed in recent weeks by Church and lay figures in the East as to the status of Catholics in the so-called underground Church should Rome achieve an agreement…