The Catholic bishop of Gboko, Nigeria, and the Knights of Columbus added their voices to a Dec. 17 congressional hearing spotlighting sectarian violence in Nigeria in which thousands of Christians have been killed simply for their faith identity.
International News
Vatican Green-Lights COVID Vaccines, Finds No ‘Cooperation’ in Abortion for Users
After receiving what they said were “several requests for guidance” on the morality of the use of COVID-19 vaccines developed with cells derived from aborted fetuses, the Vatican’s doctrine office issued an explanatory note Dec.21 giving the green light.
Foundation’s COVID-19 Grants Will Fund Medicine, Food in Developing Countries
The Papal Foundation has announced it will give $1.8 million in grants to support COVID-19 relief efforts in developing nations around the world, with the majority of the funds assisting with health care and basic needs for the poor.
Frankincense’s Future: Ancient Gift Endangered, Risks Depletion
What is not healthy, however, is the future of frankincense. Highly sought after for its religious, medicinal and household purposes, it is one of the oldest traded commodities in the world, spanning at least 5,000 years.
Vatican Cardinal Says Papal Trip to Iraq a ‘Sign of Hope’ for Struggling Local Church
According to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who heads the Vatican’s office for Eastern Churches, there’s “great concern” on the part of the Catholic Church regarding the return of Christians to Iraq.
Iraqi Parliament Formally Declares Christmas a National Holiday
In a move some have said is already a direct result of Pope Francis’ highly anticipated visit to the country in March, Iraqi parliament earlier this week voted to establish Christmas as an annual national holiday.
Cardinal Pell Speaks Out About Prison, Trump, and the Role of a Retired Pope
At the virtual launch of his new book, Cardinal George Pell opened up about what his time in prison before acquitted of charges of sexual abuse was like, and he also offered an evaluation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s time in office as well as the need for a set of clear rules when a pope retires.
Pope Francis to be Featured in New Netflix Series on the Elderly
Netflix has announced that next year it plans to release a new documentary series sharing the stories of elderly people from around the world, including Pope Francis, an outspoken advocate of the elderly, who will feature prominently in the show.
Pope Francis Says Vatican City Will Aim for Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
Pope Francis pledged Vatican City State would achieve net-zero carbon emissions before the year 2050, and he urged everyone in the world to be part of a new culture of care for others and the planet.
Protestors At U.N. Accuse China’s Government of Brutality
Protestors representing ethnic minority groups under the control of China gathered Dec. 10 near the United Nations headquarters to assail China’s government for alleged crackdowns on friends and family in their homelands. Religious freedom was among their top concerns.