Pope Francis called for dialogue and cooperation between neighboring nations and appealed for restraint against any actions that could escalate tensions in the Middle East.
International News
Bishop Rolando Álvarez Released, Exiled from Nicaragua After Over 500 Days of Detention
Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa has been released from prison and sent into exile along with 18 imprisoned churchmen as the Nicaraguan government expelled its most prominent critic, whose presence behind bars bore witness to the Sandinista regime descent into totalitarianism, along with its unrelenting persecution of the Catholic Church.
Catholic Aid Agency’s Staff Remain in Yemen Amid Coalition Strikes
Staff from Caritas Poland will remain in Yemen following U.S. and U.K.-led strikes on Houthi rebels, mission head Radoslaw Sterna told OSV News.
Argentine President Milei to Visit Pope Francis
Javier Milei, who disparaged the pope while campaigning for president, is expected to travel to the Vatican next month, according to Argentine media, marking the first meeting between the Argentine leader and Pope Francis since Milei’s surprise election victory.
Ukrainian Church Leaders Say Moscow’s Orthodox Church Encourages ‘Genocide’ of Ukrainians
Representatives of Christian churches in Ukraine strongly condemned the ideology of the “Russian world” (“Russkiy mir”) — as a “chauvinistic doctrine” that “denies the right of the Ukrainian nation to self-determination” and “sovereign development.”
Pope Calls for Investing in Preservation of Church’s Audiovisual Archives
There is a growing and urgent need to invest in and plan concrete initiatives to preserve and share the Catholic Church’s rich but fragile audiovisual heritage, Pope Francis said.
Northern Ireland Parents Strongly Reject Idea of Teaching About Access to Abortion in Schools
Almost three out of four people who responded to a public consultation have rejected a proposal by the British government that would require schools in Northern Ireland, including Catholic schools, to teach students how to access an abortion.
Canopy Over Main Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica to Undergo Restoration
The nearly 400-year-old sculpted canopy towering over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica will be surrounded by scaffolding for most of 2024 as it is washed, repaired and restored.
French Bishops’ Conference Supports ‘Fiducia’ After Some Voiced Doubts
Days after nine French prelates announced they would not authorize blessings to same-sex couples as requested by a recent Vatican declaration, the Permanent Council of the French Bishops’ Conference has said instead that such blessings should be given as a sign of “unconditional and merciful welcome.”
Pope’s Envoy Speaks to Ukraine Official About Kidnapped Children
Pope Francis’ personal peace envoy on Ukraine spoke by telephone Monday with a top Ukrainian official to discuss ongoing efforts to return children abducted by Russia amid the ongoing war sparked by its invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.