Catholic bishops said the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating an already grave imbalance in living conditions and opportunities, alongside an “unbridled race to exploit hydrocarbons” in its parks and nature reserves. “We are concerned about a degradation of the political discourse that threatens a collapse in the national unity, reconciliation, justice and peace, which have been…
Category: World Report
Archbishop says Tanzania must admit Covid-19 exists, deaths increase
Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi of Dar es Salaam told Catholic News Service it was time for the country to accept that Covid-19 exists, noting that denying the truth has led to loss of lives and a lot of people getting sick. “Covid-19 is still with us and we should stop being careless,” he said. “Let…
Vatican Roundup
Pope appeals for end to violence in Myanmar Pope Francis appealed for an end to deadly violence against protesters in Myanmar, calling on the military junta to free political prisoners and let dialogue and the journey toward democracy prevail. Appealing to those now ruling the nation – the government was overthrown in a military coup…
In Brief
Bishops address concern over Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s abortion link Use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, approved February 27 by the US Food and Drug Administration, raises moral concerns because it “was developed, tested and is produced with abortion-derived cell lines”, the chairmen of two US bishops’ committees said March 2. The bishops…
Iraq visit was ‘sign of hope’ for suffering people, Pope says
Despite years of suffering due to war and terrorism, the people of Iraq continue to look to the future with hope, Pope Francis said
Life triumphs over death as Christians rebuild in Iraq
by Cindy Wooden Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death. But visiting Mosul and Qaraqosh in northern Iraq on Sunday, he also urged the Christians to live up to their faith and honour the…
Violence is a betrayal of religion, Pope says in Iraq
by Cindy Wooden Travelling to the birthplace of Abraham, Pope Francis urged believers to prove their faith in the one God and father of all by accepting one another as brothers and sisters. From a stage set on a dusty hill overlooking the archaeological dig at Ur, Abraham’s birthplace about ten miles from modern-day Nasiriyah,…
Shroud of Turin to go on virtual display for Holy Saturday
For the second time, the Shroud of Turin will be exposed for veneration on social media and websites on Holy Saturday, the archbishop of Turin has announced. The Shroud, which bears the image of a crucified man and has been venerated for centuries as Christ’s burial cloth, will be displayed via live stream on April…
EU bishops criticise European Parliament resolution on Poland’s abortion law
In a letter released on February 25, the EU bishops said that the resolution, passed on November 26, 2020, would have “a very negative impact” on the way that the European Union (EU) is seen by member states. The European Parliament, the EU’s law-making body, passed the resolution by 455 votes to 145 after Poland’s…
Equality Act will ‘discriminate against people of faith’ says US bishops
As the House of Representatives passes the Equality Act, US bishops warn the mandates will “discriminate against people of faith” by adversely affecting charities and their beneficiaries, conscience rights, women’s sports, “and sex-specific facilities”. The bill, known as HR 5 and recently reintroduced in the House, also provides for taxpayer funding of abortion and limits…