Since the ceiling of a historical church in Salvador, Bahia state, fell and killed a tourist on February 5, government agencies have already shut down 12 churches in the city under risk of collapsing. Definite solutions for the crisis of conservation of ancient churches in the city, however, are not visible yet. The incident at…
Ukrainian Major Archbishop visits US, urges politicians to ignore pro-Russian propaganda
As US President Donald Trump backs Russia in its war against Ukraine, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is visiting the United States. Speaking on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.” “He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian…
Vatican praises Burkina Faso for fight against terrorism
Cardinal Pietro Parolin has praised authorities in Burkina Faso for their effort to regain control of the country, which has suffered attacks by Islamist terrorism. The Vatican’s Secretary of State was speaking last week after discussions with the country’s Transitional Leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The Vatican’s top diplomat met with Mr Traoré marking 125 years…
Religious sister says Angola can support refugees from the Congo
As conflict continues to escalate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Catholic Church in Angola has signalled its readiness to welcome refugees fleeing the Central African country. Sr Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg, Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (CEPAMI) in Angola, said the Church, through…
Catholic priest murdered in the Kachin area of Myanmar
A Catholic priest was killed in Myanmar on Friday, an incident that “deeply shocked and saddened” Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar. Fr Donald Martin Ye Naing Win from the Archdiocese of Mandalay in Upper Burma, was killed by a group of armed men on the evening of…
Sr Raffaella Petrini appointed president of Vatican governorate
Pope Francis has appointed Sr Raffaella Petrini, FSE, as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, the Vatican announced Saturday. According to the February 15 bulletin from the Holy See Press Office, Sr Petrini will assume her new roles on March 1. She succeeds…
Primate of All Ireland prays for sick Pope
The Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has offered prayers for Pope Francis as he struggled with a respiratory tract infection. The 88-year-old Pope was hospitalised on February 14 in Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Archbishop Martin said on social media: “Our Lady of Lourdes; St Bernadette; intercede for Pope Francis – that he may find…
Irish congregations discuss eco investments
Fifteen Irish congregations came together to discuss Laudato Si’ in action and to start a conversation on how climate justice impact can be reduced through Irish congregation’s investments, on Saturday, February 15, at the Mercy International Centre in Dublin. The speakers – who represented both congregations and professional finance services perspectives – included Sr Juliet…
Sacred Heart Statue arrives in Donegal
One of the Sacred Heart Statues blessed by Pope Francis have arrived in Raphoe Diocese. The statue was first displayed in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny during Mass on the evening of February 7 and remains available for public veneration until today, when it moves on to Kilcar. The Votive Mass was celebrated by Msgr Kevin…
Fr Willie Doyle SJ remembered at the Holy See
Irish military chaplains, clergy and lay people recently gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel. During this, Fr Willie Doyle SJ, who was killed in WWI while serving, was remembered. Bishop Tom Deenihan of Meath addressed those present at the event: “It is remarkable that such a gathering…