Israel’s finance minister wants to evict the Bedouins from Khan al-Ahmar. Human rights activists fear this will have repercussions across the entire occupied West Bank. And they warn that it could spell the end of the two-state solution. Israeli activists are sounding the alarm following the announcement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that…
Eager anticipation for the Pope’s ‘government programme’ – Historian Ernesti explains the significance of a first encyclical
A Pope’s first encyclical is traditionally awaited with great anticipation – and this is now the case for Leo XIV as well. Church historian Jörg Ernesti explains what makes these particular doctrinal writings so special. Monday is the day: Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical will be published. And he will even present his encyclical, entitled…
Settler attack – 16-year-old Palestinian killed, four injured
Settlers have once again attacked Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Once again, a young Palestinian has been killed. At least four villages are reported to have been targeted by Israeli extremists. According to Palestinian sources, a 16-year-old Palestinian from the Kaabne Bedouin tribe was killed during an attack by Israeli settlers on several…
Hungary’s new government takes shape – High hopes for Team Magyar
In Hungary, the era of right-wing populist Viktor Orbán is coming to an end after 16 years. Expectations of his successor are high. Can Magyar achieve a fresh start with a dancing surgeon and a blind martial artist? Vilmos Katai-Nemeth is a lawyer, a black belt in the martial art of Aikido, and has raised…
One year after his death: A slightly different view of Pope Francis – An outstanding pontificate with its ups and downs
There was great sadness a year ago when the first Pope from South America died. For many, Francis represented the new, more human face of the Church: open, humble, flexible. Today, some of that narrative has changed. When Pope Francis, who died a year ago, is commemorated at the memorial service on Tuesday evening, the…
Memorial Mass for Pope Francis in Rome
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025. On the anniversary of his death, a memorial service will be held in Rome at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he is buried. A documentary will also pay tribute to the pope from Argentina. A major memorial service for the first Pope from Latin…
Church in Israel appalled by desecration of the cross
An Israeli soldier has struck a statue of Jesus in Lebanon. The army has confirmed the incident – and the Catholic Church is calling for action to be taken. The Catholic Church in Israel has strongly condemned the desecration of a cross by an Israeli soldier in Lebanon. “This act constitutes a grave insult to…
Cardinal Kasper pays tribute to Francis: A new direction for the papacy
German Cardinal Kasper was a key adviser to Pope Francis (2013–2025). One year after the Pope’s death, he takes stock and looks back on the legacy of his turbulent pontificate. One year after the death of Pope Francis (2013–2025), the German Curia Cardinal Walter Kasper has paid tribute to his work. In an article for…
Africa, religion and tradition – Ten facts – The continent has many unique features to offer
An African St Peter’s Basilica, a country with no Christians but with voodoo… In Africa, religion and faith play a central role in everyday life. It is a continent of superlatives. At last: Africa has had to wait a long time for a papal visit. Three years ago, at the start of 2023, Pope Francis…
Controversial euthanasia in Spain – lethal injection for a 25-year-old?
The case of a young Spanish woman who wishes to end her life with state assistance has sparked international sympathy and horror. The Catholic Church has also spoken out. The euthanasia case involving a 25-year-old woman is shocking Spain. Noelia Castillo, who has been paraplegic since a suicide attempt, is due to receive a lethal…










