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February 2nd, which was the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Day of Consecrated Life, saw Pope Francis preside at the Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. The Mass was held in the Vatican Basilica and featured members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of […]

Muslim leaders from around the world adopted a declaration defending the rights of religious minorities in predominantly Muslim countries. Participants said the Marrakesh Declaration, developed during a conference between January 25-27, was based on the Medina Charter, a constitutional contract between the Prophet Muhammad and the people of Medina. The Declaration states that the Charter,

On January 21st, St. Andrew parish in Bakouma, southeast Central African Republic, was attacked by a group of LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) rebels, a formation of Ugandan origin that has been spreading terror in the Central African Republic for years. The LRA received widespread international attention a few years ago, when film maker Jason Russell

Not even religious buildings have been spared from the destruction of the war which broke out two years ago in South Sudan. As the ceasefire between government and rebels teeters, the missionaries continue to stand by the population: “God will not abandon us”. Months of negotiations and nine separate signed agreements have not been enough

Extremism and fundamentalism find fertile ground not only in the exploitation of religion for purposes of power, but also in the vacuum of ideals and the loss of identity. The First Arab Thinkers Forum, “Interreligious Dialogue and Extremism: reasons and remedies”, was held between 17-18 January at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research

On January 20th, Pope Francis met with the Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan. During the encounter, the Bishops invited the Holy Father to visit South Sudan. The Pope expressed his desire to accept the invitation, adding “we have to leave everything in the hands of the Lord”. Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, of the Archdiocese

As the Year of Consecrated Life draws to a close, some 4,000 consecrated men and women are expected in Rome for the closing ceremonies. The Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life recently announced the upcoming events that will mark the conclusion of the Year. They will be held

The refugee crisis is “one of the greatest challenges for the future and for the conscience of the European Union”. On 18th January, a press conference dedicated to introducing the European Apostolic Congress on Mercy (taking place in Rome, 31 March – 4 April 2016) and the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (taking place in

In a message addressed specifically to young people, Pope Francis called on them to take an active part in the Jubilee of Mercy. Between April 23-25, the Jubilee will focus on youths aged 13 to 16. The pontiff said to them: “Dear Young Friends, the Church is celebrating the Holy Year of Mercy – a time of