In the basement of a church in western Ukraine, far from the most ferocious Russian attacks, residents and displaced people contribute to the war effort by weaving camouflage nets, baking vareniki dumplings and making rosaries. “We’re not just weaving good luck charms for the guys; we are weaving the country together,” said Lyudmila, who fled…
Pope praises Papal Foundation’s generosity Pope Francis praised members of the US-based Papal Foundation for helping the Catholic Church build “a culture of solidarity and peace,” including by providing assistance to victims of the war in Ukraine. “As we are witnessing in these days the devastating effects of war and conflict, you increasingly see the…
The Vatican will never stop its diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the war against Ukraine, Pope Francis said. However, the meeting between the Pope and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow planned for June has been cancelled out of concern it could cause “confusion,” and there will be no papal visit to Kyiv…
A Catholic priest in Congo said Pope Francis will be visiting the country not only to reconcile it, but also to tell the world “about the conflicts that are tearing this country apart”. The announcement of the Pope’s July 2-5 visit “sounded like the voice of the angel of the Lord to the poor shepherds…
Following complaints by survivors of sexual abuse, a German diocese has announced it will no longer cooperate with a Planned Parenthood-affiliated organisation, given accusations of “spreading paedophile-friendly views” in previous decades. As CNA Deutsch reported, the Diocese of Würzburg announced it would cease its cooperation with the abortion-supporting organisation that calls itself Pro Familia as “soon…
Pope’s agenda cancelled for medical check-ups Pope Francis’ agenda was cleared on Friday for needed medical checkups, a Vatican spokesperson said. Francis, who is 85 years old, has been suffering from pain in his right knee, causing him to take smaller roles in some Vatican liturgies and to remain seated more often. “The Pope has…
A Catholic priest was expelled from Russia without explanation, amid fears for the well-being of other clergy ministering in the country. Fr Fernando Vera, a Mexican member of Opus Dei, left Russia in mid-April after being told his residence permit was revoked. Fr Kirill Gorbunov, spokesman for the Russian bishops’ conference, told Catholic News Service…
Peru’s Catholic bishops published a two-page plea to the country’s leaders, urging them to address the current political crisis with “greater responsibility” and take “radical measures” to fight corruption. “Our weak democracy cannot stand the instability any longer,” the bishops wrote. “It is crucial that both the executive branch and the legislative branch bring together people who…
Vatican clears Polish cardinal of abuse cover-up allegations The Vatican has wrapped up its own investigation and dismissed allegations that Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz had covered up cases of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy in his archdiocese. In a written statement released April 22, the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland said the Vatican found…
Antonio Banderas took to social media to share his participation in his native Spain’s Holy Week festivities. Spain is known for its huge processions at important times throughout the Catholic calendar, and it was to take part in these that Mr Banderas returned to Malaga. Writing on Twitter, he said, “After three years of waiting,…