At a time when the fate of refugees and migrants is becoming increasingly uncertain, faith-based organizations in Rome say they are putting into practice their Christian values of protection and respect of human life to aid those seeking help.
Italy
Suspected Poisoning of Priest’s Chalice Linked to Italian Mafia
During the evening Mass on Feb. 24, Father Felice Palamara, a parish priest in Cessaniti, a village in south Italy, found himself once again targeted by the ‘Ndrangheta, a notorious criminal organization operating primarily in Calabria, the southern region of Italy often referred to as the “toe.”
Scores of Migrants Killed in Shipwreck Off Coast of Italy
At least 63 migrants died Feb. 26 when the wooden boat carrying them — in a storm with high waves and strong winds — broke apart after crashing against rocks along the coast of Calabria in southern Italy.
Pope Francis To Visit Assisi, Matera in September
Pope Francis will make back-to-back pastoral visits to the Italian cities of Assisi and Matera at the end of September, the Vatican announced.
Italian Bishops Issue New Guidelines as COVID-19 Cases Surge
As coronavirus cases continue to increase across Italy, the country’s bishops issued new guidelines and restrictions meant to curb the spread of infection among the faithful.
Analysis: Can the Catholic Church Profit From Italy’s “Summer of Gold?”
Fifty years from now, Italians now alive probably will still smile whenever someone mentions the summer of 2021, what’s now being described as the greatest summer in the history of Italian sports, its “Summer of Gold.”
Rome’s Colosseum Goes Green Amid Papal Push for Eco-Action
When Pope Francis’ eco-encyclical was published in 2015, one aspect of the document that didn’t make waves but was key to implementing his overall vision for environmental reform was his appeal to cleanup cities, making them more organized and sustainable. Now, six years later, this is being implemented in his own backyard.
Italian Bishop Calls For End To Indifference After ‘Shameful’ Migrant Deaths
One Italian bishop has said Pope Francis’ push for greater brotherhood and solidarity is needed more than ever following the death last week of 130 migrants who for two days issued distress calls to no avail when their boat met trouble in the Mediterranean.
Rome’s Traditionalists Join Protests Over Coronavirus Restrictions
Several unplanned protests have broken out in Rome in recent days over coronavirus restrictions, and among the demonstrators have been some high-profile traditionalist Catholics.
Kids Helping Kids: One Boy’s 1,740-Mile Journey Raises Money for Refugees
Months ago, 11-year-old Romeo Cox in Italy secretly hatched a plan to somehow visit his grandmother Rosemary in England. Romeo and his granny hadn’t seen each other in a year and a half when the coronavirus pandemic struck. So, he repeatedly asked his parents if he could walk to see her because he missed her.