Xaviere Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart will not be the first woman undersecretary of a major Vatican office, but she will be the first woman with a right to vote at a meeting of the Synod of Bishops.
International News
The Naked Truth of Discrimination
After more than four years waiting for justice, an elderly Coptic Christian woman, who was attacked and dragged naked down the street by a Muslim mob in her village in Egypt, feels shock and injustice as the court ruling acquitted the assailants. The acquittal by the Minya Governorate criminal court of three defendants — of a father and his two sons — in December has provoked outrage among Coptic Christians and rights groups.
Cardinal Maradiaga, Close Papal Adviser, Hospitalized With COVID-19
Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, who leads the council of cardinals that advises Pope Francis on the reform of the Catholic Church’s central government, was hospitalized after presenting COVID-19 symptoms.
Myanmar Cardinal Appeals for No Bloodshed, Return to Democracy
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has appealed to the people of Myanmar — including the army, which staged a coup Feb. 1 — to remain calm and to work for open lines of communication so democracy can prevail.
Six Months After Lebanon Blast
Six months after an explosion ripped through the Port of Beirut, killing more than 200 people, injuring 7,500, and causing $15 billion in property damage, efforts are ongoing to rebuild the Lebanese capital.
Consecrated Eucharist Found Intact Following Explosion at Madrid Parish Center
Following an explosion caused by a gas leak in the Archdiocese of Madrid, a consecrated host was found fully intact amid the rubble in the tabernacle at the Church of Our Lady of La Paloma.
Brazil’s Amazon Region Hit Hard by COVID Second Wave
A devastating second wave of COVID-19 in Amazonas State has caused the healthcare system to collapse and raised the mortality rate in the region to 190 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest one in Brazil. The state had at least 266,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 8,000 deaths.
WYD Organizers Release Official Theme Song for Lisbon 2023 Gathering
World Youth Day organizers released the winning theme song for the international gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023.
Pope Francis: Failure to Remember Holocaust Will Lead World Down Same Path
Remembering the Holocaust and its victims is not only an act of solidarity but also serves as a warning to humanity that such horrors could happen again, Pope Francis said.
Iraqi Prelate Still Confident in Papal Visit Despite Recent Terrorism
Despite renewed security concerns after a series of recent terrorist attacks, one of Iraq’s top prelates has said preparations for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit are still underway, calling it a sign of hope that peace is possible in the war-torn nation.