Paolo Affatato He is a man who has skilfully woven the threads of dialogue throughout his apostolic ministry as bishop and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. Today, 80-year-old Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Mumbai – one of 37 Asian cardinals who took part in the General Congregations before the Conclave and…
PaoloAffatato Pope Leo XIV is by no means a stranger in Asia. This brings hope to believers in the nations and territories of the largest and most plural continent, where two thirds of humanity live. His familiarity with Asian contexts deepened significantly during his tenure as Prior General of the Order of St Augustine. As…
The German Cardinal Walter Kasper is in favour of a women’s diaconate in the Catholic Church – and believes further reforms are necessary. “In my personal opinion, opening up the permanent diaconate to women has good theological arguments in its favour and would be a sensible pastoral step,” writes the 92-year-old in his autobiography. “Women…
The long-serving Cardinal Walter Kasper has condemned the USA’s treatment of migrants. Every Christian party must be aware of the importance of migration, he says, also with regard to Germany. Cardinal Walter Kasper has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump. “In my opinion, the way in which the current President of the USA is dealing…
As the Cardinals who participated in the Conclave reflect on the election of Pope Leo XIV, their statements offer a glimpse into the atmosphere and guiding principles behind the selection. While the Conclave’s discussions remain private, the Cardinals have shared their insights into the new pontiff and their hopes for his papacy. Cardinals Burke and…
A recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan has brought a temporary halt to the violence, offering a glimmer of hope amid escalating tensions. The ceasefire, brokered by international mediation, followed a deadly four-day conflict in Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of over 60 people. This fragile peace comes after retaliatory strikes from both nations,…
Leading politicians in the European Union repeatedly claim that they want to show more consideration for the interests of the African population. The reality is different, criticise bishops from several countries. European and African bishops accuse the EU of misusing Africa as a “dumping ground” for its own ecological goals. “We are particularly concerned about…
An end to the Gaza war is essential, says Patriarch Pizzaballa. Perhaps, he hopes, US President Trump’s visit to the Middle East could bring about a turnaround and avert a humanitarian tragedy. According to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, an end to the war in the Gaza Strip is urgently needed, but…
“Everyone is speculating and quoting ‘sources’ that have nothing to do with the facts,” complains a cardinal who was present at the conclave. That is why he is now calling for an end to secrecy in the Vatican. The Serbian Cardinal Ladislav Nemet has called for an end to the secrecy surrounding the papal election.…
The election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked jubilant celebrations in Peru, where many Peruvians remember him as Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo. For those who worked closely with him, his papacy feels like the culmination of his deep connection with the people of the region. “We screamed,” said Aldo Llanos, a professor at the…