An estimated 45,000 pilgrims from around the world gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the beginning of the canonization Mass, and tens of thousands more arrived in time for the recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer afterward, the Vatican said.
International News
Top Asian Prelate Calls Hong Kong ‘A Police State’ After Cardinal Zen’s Arrest
One of Asia’s top Catholic cardinals said the arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen is a cause of concern “about the situation for human rights and threats to religious freedom in Hong Kong.”
Church Leaders Condemn Attack During Funeral Of Slain Palestinian Journalist
Jerusalem’s Christian churches came together to condemn the scenes of Israeli police beating mourners during the funeral of a Palestinian-American journalist who was shot and killed in the field, allegedly by Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They called the police violence an attack on religious freedom.
Immigration Reform Cannot be Delayed, Pope Francis Says in Message
Countries around the world must get serious about reforming their immigration policies to respect the rights of migrants and refugees and establish orderly procedures for welcoming newcomers, Pope Francis said.
Arrest of Cardinal Zen In Hong Kong Provokes Condemnation
Cardinal Joseph Zen, retired bishop of Hong Kong, reassured Catholics he is fine after being detained and held by national security police for his support of anti-government protesters.
Vatican Confirms Pope Francis Will Visit Indigenous in Canada in Late July
Pope Francis will meet members of Canada’s Indigenous communities in late July, visiting the cities of Edmonton, Quebec and Iqaluit in Nunavut, the country’s most northern region.
Ukraine War Cuts Global Food Exports, Makes Lebanon Unstable
A hunger crisis was already underway because of the 2020 explosion in the Port of Beirut, but now it is worse because the war in Ukraine has curtailed grain exports to Lebanon.
U.S. Condemns Arrest of Cardinal Zen
The U.S. State Department has condemned the arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen and others by Hong Kong police on May 11 as the latest example that the city’s authorities “will pursue all means necessary to stifle dissent and undercut protected rights and freedoms.”
Hong Kong Police Detain, Release 90-year-old Cardinal Zen
Hong Kong’s national security police have detained Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, retired archbishop of Hong Kong, along with former opposition lawmaker Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee and singer Denise Ho Wan-sze, for allegedly colluding with foreign forces.
Dutch Priest Proposed as Patron Saint of Journalists
Among the 10 men and women Pope Francis will proclaim as the Catholic Church’s newest saints is a Dutch priest and journalist who stood his ground against Nazi ideology and paid for it with his life.