Laos, the most heavily bombed country in the world

More than fifty years after the end of the Secret War, millions of un-exploded ordinances (UXO) still threaten daily life across Laos. In interviews with Vatican Media, Yeng-Chang Cheung-Wu of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Craig Guwuriro of HALO Trust explain how clearance operations and risk education are helping communities reclaim their land and … Continue reading “Laos, the most heavily bombed country in the world”

Bishop of Chifeng ordained in China

Appointed by the Pope on 15 June after his candidacy was approved under the terms of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, Bishop Joseph Chang Yanfeng had served in various roles within the diocese and, since 2021, as its diocesan administrator. Read all  

Matteo Bruni: Reports regarding Rupnik entirely unfounded, assessment still underway

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, says that reports circulating in recent days about a decision by the judges handling the case of Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik are “entirely unfounded.” He explains that the assessment of the case is still underway and that the panel is examining documentation from the dioceses … Continue reading “Matteo Bruni: Reports regarding Rupnik entirely unfounded, assessment still underway”

Pope Leo XIV: Community life is a place of sanctification

Pope Leo offers words of faith in a letter sent to the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in the United States of America, celebrating its seventieth anniversary during the 2026 National Assembly, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona. Thanking God for the graces received over the past seven decades, he encourages them “to continue … Continue reading “Pope Leo XIV: Community life is a place of sanctification”

Indonesia’s Bishops’ President urges Asian Church to listen to one another

The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia calls on the Church in Asia to become a listening Church as it opened the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), saying authentic synodality begins by listening to God, one another, and the voices of people on the margins. Read all … Continue reading “Indonesia’s Bishops’ President urges Asian Church to listen to one another”

Cardinal Gracias presides over FABC opening mass, highlights synodality as Church’s gift to the world

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, papal envoy of Pope Leo XIV, opened the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) on July 21 by describing synodality as “one of the Church’s greatest gifts to the world” and urging the Churches of Asia to become builders of peace through dialogue, reconciliation, and fraternity. Read … Continue reading “Cardinal Gracias presides over FABC opening mass, highlights synodality as Church’s gift to the world”

Archdiocese of Bulawayo: Integrating Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa

Recently, the Archdiocese of Bulawayo’s Pastoral Centre conducted its monthly online Synodal School under the theme, “Family: The Heart of the Church Where Synodality Begins.” The presentation, reflection, and discussion led participants towards the urgent pastoral need of welcoming and integrating Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa due to Xenophobic attacks. Read all  

US Bishops: Immigration enforcement must respect human life

In light of several recent immigration enforcement encounters resulting in the loss of life, US Bishops Daniel E. Garcia and Brendan J. Cahill issue a pastoral reflection calling for immigration enforcement that always respects the God-given dignity of every person and rejecting the dehumanization of immigrants. Read all  

Pope Leo XIV: Peace is built through disarmament, not nuclear weapons

The Vatican Publishing House releases a new book by Pope Leo XIV entitled Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift. Edited by Alessandro Banfi, the volume brings together Pope Leo’s addresses and reflections on peace since his election on 8 May 2025. The collection, which hits the bookshelves in Italian but will soon be available … Continue reading “Pope Leo XIV: Peace is built through disarmament, not nuclear weapons”

Church leaders urge ethical investment in Eastern Africa

In the lead-up to the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi, the “Laudato Sì Movement Africa”, in collaboration with the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, engaged in a “Strategic Convening/Workshop on Ethical Investment for Catholics” which yielded a declaration urging ethical investment, care for creation, and greater involvement of young people. Read … Continue reading “Church leaders urge ethical investment in Eastern Africa”