A Christian convert who received a 10-year prison sentence for abandoning Islam has been released less than a year into his sentence. Mostafa Bordbar was arrested last December 27 during a Christmas celebration with other Christians and in June sentenced for undermining national security in founding Christian house churches. In handing down the 10-year penalty,…
Paul Keenan
Lampedusa ‘trafficker’ arrested
One of the survivors of the October 3 migrant boat sinking off the island of Lampedusa has been arrested after other migrants identified him as a member of an African trafficking gang. Identified in reports as a Somali, the unnamed man is alleged to have been one of a number of men who tortured and…
Muslim demand for Islam in Catholic schools
Indonesia -The Indonesian Ulema Council has again demanded that Catholic schools in the country teach Islam. A regional leader of the council, in Klanten, has issued the call for all schools, regardless of faith, to include Islam on its curriculum, as Muslim children are present in all schools. This is true also of Catholic schools…
Indian legislators consider black magic Bill
Concern at continued occult practices
Death of Chinese prelate
Bishop Liu a key figure in underground Church
Pope becomes an internet hit
Most searched-for figure on the web
Pope selects World Youth Day themes
Pope Francis has announced the themes for the next three World Youth Day (WYD) events, including that in 2016 in Krakow, Poland. For the 29th World Youth Day, 2014, the theme is ìBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heavenî (Mt 5:3), for the 30th World Youth Day, 2015, it…
New confraternity formed to support Catholic priests
A newly established confraternity for Irish clergy hopes to support clerics in their lives and ministry, the group’s chairman has said. Established during a meeting of priests in Knock, Co. Mayo in late October, the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy is based on successful bodies already working for the wellbeing of priests in Australia, the United…
First JPII awards for Cloyne
Pope John Paul II Awards in Mallow.
The ‘Francis effect’ bringing people back to the Church – study
It’s long been called the ‘Francis effect’ and now, thanks to a new survey, its positive results are being measured for the first time. Since his election in March, Pope Francis has been the focus of much attention for his warm and engaging style of leadership, leading to debates as to whether this would translate…