As Pope Francis is back in Rome and his fifth trip to Africa is now in the rearview mirror, there is much talk about what impact his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan will have and whether any real change will result.
International News
Six Churchmen, Diocesan Communicator Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison In Nicaragua
Six churchmen and a diocesan communicator were sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges by a Nicaraguan court as the Central American country’s increasingly tyrannical regime continues its persecution of the Catholic Church.
Nicaragua Deports 222 Political Prisoners to U.S.; Group Includes Catholic Priests, Students, Opponents of Regime
Nicaragua has released more than 200 political prisoners, including Catholic priests, students, and opponents of the regime, who were taken from detention in deplorable conditions and sent to the United States.
Haitian Priest, Father Antoine Macaire Christian Noah, Kidnapped Near Port-au-Prince
A priest in Haiti was abducted on Tuesday, according to The Claretian Missionaries’ Independent Delegation for the Antilles.
Patriarchs, Heads of Churches Call for Lifted Sanctions, Aid for Syria After Earthquake Kills Thousands
In response to the devastating earthquake that struck northern Syria Feb. 6, the patriarchs and heads of churches in the country demanded the lifting of “unjust sanctions” on the Syrian people, calling for “exceptional measures” to secure delivery of humanitarian aid.
Catholic Aid Agencies Launch Emergency Collections for Quake Victims in Turkey, Syria
Catholic humanitarian agencies are launching emergency relief campaigns following Feb. 6’s devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, which have so far killed more than 11,200 and injured upward of 40,900.
Pope Saddened by ‘Huge Loss of Life’ After Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” and “solidarity” with those affected by a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria Feb. 6.
Caritas Offices Destroyed, Over 2,300 Dead As 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Turkey and Syria
A powerful earthquake struck Turkey and Syria in the early morning hours of Feb. 6, killing hundreds and leaving thousands more wounded.
Catholic Lawmaker Calls for National Security Conversation After Chinese Spy Balloon Shot Down
A Chinese surveillance balloon flying at high altitudes over the continental U.S. was shot down over the water off the South Carolina coast by U.S. military Feb. 4, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III confirmed in a statement Saturday afternoon.
Arms Trade is a ‘Plague,’ Pope Says on Flight Back From Africa
At the end of six days in African countries bloodied by war and conflict, Pope Francis said that “the biggest plague” afflicting the world today is the weapons trade.