In the lead-up to Pope Francis’ weekend trip to Hungary, expectations were high for how he would engage the issue of the war raging in neighboring Ukraine, with many locals hoping for some strong language from the pontiff.
International News
Close Papal Aide Says Ukraine Peace Mission Could Bear Fruit in Three Months
A close papal adviser has said that despite a spate of denials, the secret Vatican peace mission to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that Pope Francis referenced over the weekend does, in fact, exist and could yield results within a few weeks’ time.
Ukrainians Hit With Red-Tape Nightmare in U.S. After Fleeing War
The Russia-Ukraine war has driven many Ukrainians to seek refuge here in the U.S., but another, unforeseen enemy — government bureaucracy — is forcing some to consider returning home, even as the conflict is still raging.
Kremlin Denies Working With Vatican on Peace Talks
Moscow is not working with the Vatican to end the war in Ukraine, said a Kremlin spokesperson.
World Youth Day Helps Inspire Young People to Serve Others, Pope Says
World Youth Day is an antidote against indifference, isolation and lethargy, Pope Francis said.
Cameroon Boarding School Graduates Fly to Ireland to Thank Religious Sisters Who Educated Them
Twenty-two women who attended a Catholic boarding school in Cameroon run by Irish missionaries flew to Ireland at the end of April to express their thanks in person to their former teachers, whom they refer to as their “mothers.”
Religious Freedom Commission Calls Out India, Nigeria, and Vietnam For Abuses
A government commission that monitors religious freedom abroad has recommended that the State Department designate five new countries as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) because of their engagement in, or toleration of, “particularly severe” religious freedom violations, including against Christians.
Britain’s Catholics Prepare For King’s Upcoming Coronation
When King Charles III is crowned May 6 in the gothic splendor of London’s ancient Westminster Abbey, it will be one of the year’s most watched events.
Most Victims Of Mass Cult Starvation In Kenya Are Children
As the death toll in what is becoming known as the “Shakahola starvation massacre” in Kenya hit 110, religious leaders in the region are finding that the majority of victims are children. They also suspect that not all of the victims died from starvation.
Borders Should Be Points of Contact, Not Separation, Pope Says in Hungary
To be Christian is to be open and welcoming to others, Pope Francis said as he celebrated Mass outside Hungary’s Parliament building.