Leaders of U.S. bishops are urging Catholics to pray during Holy Week for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
International News
Haiti Bishops Condemn Homicides, Witch-Hunts, Other Acts of Violence
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.
Vatican Says Women Deacons, Not Celibacy, on Docket for Synod
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.
Archbishop: Crisis in Haiti is ‘Complicated’ and ‘Very Delicate’
In response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ deploying hundreds of additional officers and soldiers to the state’s southern coast to “protect” against Haitian migrants, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami says “Haitians are not an ‘invasive species,’ and shouldn’t be treated as such.”
Chora Church, a Famed Christian Icon, to Be Reopened as a Mosque
Istanbul’s Chora Church, famed for nearly 17 centuries for elaborate mosaics and frescoes depicting the life stories of Jesus and Mary, will be reopened as a mosque as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan moves forward with plans to convert iconic Byzantine churches into mosques.
Top Vatican Aide Backs Pope, Warns of Nuclear Escalation in Ukraine
In an interview with Italian media, Vatican Secretary of State Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin defended Pope Francis’ recent controversial remarks suggesting that Ukraine step back and be open to negotiations in its ongoing war with Russia.
Catholic Religious Sisters Work to Stop Human Trafficking
There’s a saying in Nigeria, recalls Sister Patricia Ebegbulem, that “if you will act, and I will act, [human] trafficking will end.” It’s a saying she recently invoked as a message to the world that every country, and every person, has a role to play to end the practice.
Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Church, Respond to Pope’s Call for Negotiations
Pope Francis’ comment that Ukraine should have the “courage of the white flag” and engage in negotiation to end its war with Russia was dismissed by the Ukrainian government and church leaders.
Catholic Charity Aims to Empower Women on Peripheries and Beyond
For this year’s International Women’s Day, the global Catholic charity organization Caritas Internationalis has published a new booklet exploring the spiritual foundation of women’s leadership and giving voice to female protagonists around the world.
Head of Ukrainian Church Warns Against ‘Burnt Out’ Feeling During War
In remarks at the start of a visit to the United States, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, thanked church leaders for their support and expressed his belief that continued solidarity can carry Ukraine to victory over Russia.