Catholics turned out in large numbers to celebrate Holy Week in Nicaragua. But the ruling Sandinista regime prohibited public exhibitions of faith — such as processions and reenactments of the passion of Christ — as it continued exercising control over religious activities in what’s becoming an increasingly totalitarian country.
Ahead of Easter, several Church leaders in Jerusalem sent a message to the people of Gaza, assuring them of their closeness and support, telling Gazans not to lose hope, while the Jesuit order insisted they cannot be silent as millions face potential famine.
Just as Jesus removed the stone that sealed his tomb on the morning of the Resurrection, on Easter Christ alone “has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life” and which trap humanity in war and injustice, Pope Francis said.
Ruben Enaje, a Filipino villager, has once again undergone the harrowing ritual of being nailed to a wooden cross, marking his 35th time in a symbolic reenactment of Jesus Christ’s suffering on Good Friday.
Pope Francis on Holy Thursday washed the feet of 12 women inmates at a Roman prison — notably including no men in the ritual — telling inmates to never tire of asking for God’s forgiveness.
In his first major liturgy for Holy Week, Pope Francis offered an extended reflection on the spiritual underpinnings of so-called “Catholic guilt,” a by-now notorious concept associated with an almost compulsive need to feel overly guilty for any perceived offense.
Only Jesus can deliver humanity from hatred and violence, Pope Francis said on Palm Sunday.
Leaders of U.S. bishops are urging Catholics to pray during Holy Week for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
Amid a period of turmoil and uncertainty, the Catholic bishops of Haiti are calling for an end to “all acts aimed at reducing Haiti to rubble and ashes,” and for renewed support from the international community to help foster peace and reconciliation.
Organizers of Pope Francis’ ongoing Synod of Bishops on Synodality announced March 14 that 10 different working groups had been formed in the Roman Curia to address specific topics that came out of last year’s session.
