Catholics in Pakistan have joined internet rights groups in warning the country’s government that a digital divide will widen inequalities amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. In a statement, the Digital Rights Foundation and Bolo Bhi, an organisation engaged in advocacy, policy and research in digital rights, said those most vulnerable to economic and social upheaval…
Category: World Report
China keeps religious places shut fearing virus relapse
China continues to place restrictions on religious sites in Hubei despite easing curbs on the province where the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak started. Authorities lifted curbs on the region at the end of March, with its capital Wuhan, the original epicenter of the virus, being eased on April 8. However, the Chinese government has not permitted…
Vatican Roundup
Pope asks faithful to follow Mother Teresa’s lead in crisis Mother Teresa’s example should inspire us to seek out those whose suffering is hidden during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, according to Pope Francis. At the start of his daily Mass, the Pope said he had seen a photo in a newspaper of homeless people sleeping…
In Brief
Pope appoints new archbishop in South Africa Pope Francis has appointed a new archbishop for Bloemfontein in South Africa after the post became vacant. Dehonian Bishop Zolile Peter Mpambani, 63, of Kokstad was transferred to the Free State province as the region’s archbishop. The appointment, made last week, came after the Holy Father accepted the…
New Vatican yearbook downplays official Papal titles
From the moment he was introduced to the world after his election, Pope Francis has emphasised his identity primarily as ‘Bishop of Rome.’ The 2020 Annuario Pontificio, the official Vatican yearbook, has now made the same emphasis typographically by listing other descriptions of the papal office as “historic titles.” Like the 2019 edition, there is a page that says simply,…
Cardinal makes Marian vow to save Sri Lanka from coronavirus
A cardinal in Sri Lanka says he will make a vow to Our Lady this week to save his country from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, has promised the Faithful that he will hold televised prayers and make a special plea to Our Lady of Lanka at the National Basilica…
Catholic numbers are increasing worldwide, says research data
The number of Catholics are increasing worldwide as well as permanent bishops and deacons, but priests, seminarians and religious figures are decreasing, according to recent statistics. These findings were released by the Churches’ Central Statistics Office, which drafts the Pontifical Yearbook 2020 and the Annuarium Statisticum Eccleasiae 2018, last week. Between the years 2013 and 2018, there…
South Africa Bishop seeks to find the root cause of femicide
A bishop in South Africa has highlighted the need to identify the root cause of violence against women in order to overcome the societal challenge facing the country. Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was speaking last week about the alarming rates of gender-based killings targeting women and…
Indian Church group feeds destitute during lockdown
A Catholic media group in India has initiated a campaign to feed the poor as a government-imposed lockdown has forced hundreds living on the streets to go hungry. The ‘feed a stomach’ campaign, which was started by internet telecast Atmadarshan (soul light) TV based in Indore city, was launched to provide food to the homeless…
Philippine clergy rally Faithful to pray for ‘frontline’ workers
Bishops in the Philippines have joined civil authorities in inviting the faithful to pray for doctors and health workers who are “on the frontline” fighting against the coronavirus (Covid-19). President Rodrigo Duterte declared the fourth week of March ‘National Prayer Week’ to spiritually unite Filipinos of all faiths and religions amid the threat of Covid-19.…