Paul KeenanViolations of religious freedom are increasing worldwide, a new report from the US State Department has revealed. Produced annually, the Report on International Freedom for 2015 reveals that in addition to the expected violations committed by non-state actors such as so-called Islamic State and Boko Haram, “amongst the most egregious abusers of religious freedom in…
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World News in Brief
Filipino Bishops criticize use of Bible to justify death penalty Catholic bishops in The Philippines have taken to task boxing champion and politician Manny Pacquiao for his claim that the Bible sanctions reviving the death penalty in the country. The famed athlete, known for his Christian devotion, was delivering a speech to the Filipino Senate when he began to quote passages of the…
Nigerian group vows retaliation for any Boko Haram attacks
A group in Nigeria calling itself the Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC) has threatened to carry out reprisal attacks on Muslims and their mosques if Boko Haram follows through with threats to increase its attacks on Christians. In a statement issued by the group following the threats, made by Abu Musab al Barnawi, the new…
Christians ‘praying for peace’ amid bitter battle for Aleppo
The Vicar Apostolic of Aleppo of the Latins has described the situation for his people in the Syrian city of Aleppo as “critical” as fierce fighting for its control goes on. Stuck in the Lebanese capital Beirut as the latest stage in the Syrian conflict forces road closures, Msgr Georges Abou Khazen said that through…
DRC Bishops prompt talks towards peaceful elections
Leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have heeded the urgings of the country’s Catholic bishops and have begun to lay the groundwork for a national dialogue to avoid violence in the run-up to national elections. Amid tensions caused by the strong suspicion that current President Joseph Kabila will attempt to maintain his grip…
Vatican Roundup
Call for Islamic leaders to speak up for peace The president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences has urged Muslim leaders who insist their faith is one of peace to make their voices heard over those of hatred and violence who claim to be inspired by the Koran. Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo said that while the vast majority of the world’s Muslims…
Msgr William Lynn’s conviction overturned
Courtney McGrailThe most high profile cleric imprisoned in the United States arising from investigations of sexual abuse of children has been freed after his conviction was ruled unsafe. Msgr William Lynn of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was not implicated in the actual abuse of children. However, as a supervisory priest for the archdiocese in his role…
The pastor and his flock
Msgr Donald Sakano greets sheep in the cemetery at the Basilica of St Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City. The parish is using the three grazing sheep to cut the graveyard’s grass this summer. Photo: CNS
In good days and bad days, God is in Katie’s corner
Despite having her Olympic hopes dashed, Irish boxer Katie Taylor proved this week that her faith in God is unshakable. The 30-year-old Wicklow woman – one of Ireland’s most-prominent medal hopefuls – was a surprise casualty this week after her defeat to Finland’s Mira Potkonen. But, even obvious heartbreak in Rio di Janeiro couldn’t dampen…
Memo to Pope Francis: For God’s sake, take a break!
John L. Allen Jr.Pope Francis has a prodigious, and deeply admirable, work ethic, but there are three good reasons why this Energizer Bunny of a pope might want to consider following the Italian lead for ferragosto and taking a break in mid-August. Monday marks an Italian holiday called ferragosto, which now coincides with the feast of the Assumption of Mary,…