Paul Keenan“The situation remains tense, because it is not clear what lies beneath and what the various militias want to do. I have never found myself in such a critical situation. We hope common sense prevails. Pray for us, because the only force is that of prayer that moves the hearts of people.”
Bishop Giovanni Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Libya responds to a recent surge in violence sparked by a revolt led by former army general Khalifa Hifter in the country.
“The new government has the responsibility to ensure the security of the minorities and to show special consideration towards the weaker sections of the country. The Catholic Church in India will continue to extend its creative support to the activities of the government in the process of nation building.”
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in India reacts to the election of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Shri Narendra Modi as the nation’s prime minister.
“A mistake with long-term, negative consequences.”
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia, United States, voices his concern after Pennsylvania rules that its 1996 law defending traditional marriage is unconstitutional, clearing the way for same-sex marriage.
"In Brazil, our greatest concern is linked to the increase in the exploitation of child prostitution.”
Sister Gabriella Bottani, organiser of a coalition involving 240 religious congregations from 79 countries set to campaign against human trafficking during the World Cup in Brazil.
"Mr President, I believe that, as a loyal citizen of Nigeria, I am morally obliged to request and demand your resignation. In any decent and civilised country in the world, by this time, senior government officials would be queuing up to tender their resignation on account of their negligence and failure to protect these young girls.”
The text of a letter penned by Fr Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, African Jesuit leader, to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Johnathan on his failings in dealing with Boko Haram’s abduction of over 200 girls in April.
“We have been crystal clear about this. Life is the fundamental value, and it's the value that must be truly protected, in every case."
Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati Andrello of Santiago, Chile, restates the Church’s position on abortion as the country’s president calls for a full debate on decriminalising terminations there.