Fides News - English

EUROPE/SLOVAKIA - European Conference of Missionary Childhood: "Creativity in the New Evangelization"

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:04:10 +0200

Bratislava – From Sunday, April 12, to Thursday, April 16, representatives of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood from across Europe will gather in Bratislava for the "European Conference of Missionary Childhood" .
The conference is held every two years. The last conference took place in Romania; this year, Slovakia is the host country.
The main theme of this year's conference is “Creativity in the New Evangelization.” It emphasizes the need to find new, authentic, and creative ways to proclaim the Gospel in today's world, especially among children and young people.
“I am looking forward to participating, not only to meet the people who work with children and thank them for their work, but also to share insights into the goals of our Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood," explains Sister Inês Paulo Albino, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood, who is attending such a conference for the first time as Secretary General. “The chosen theme, creativity in the New Evangelization, deat to Saint John Paul II and later taken up by Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, invites us to renew our methods. Jesus is always the same, but the generations are different; therefore, we must use creativity strategically to reach the children and young people of today.”
The participants of the meeting in Bratislava come from numerous European countries, including Scotland, Luxembourg, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Malta, Hungary, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Latvia, and Slovakia. This year's conference is further enriched by the presence of participants from the United States, particularly from Boston. Spiritual topics alternate with continuing education opportunities and opportunities for sharing experiences.
On the first working day of the meeting, April 13, the program includes a talk by Father Andrew Recepcion on creativity in evangelization and a workshop with singer Miro Jilo, who offers practical insights into using creativity in Christian preaching. On the afternoon of the following day, a Eucharistic celebration will take place in St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Jozef Halko. In the morning, a workshop with Andrea Draganova on the responsible and creative use of artificial intelligence in missionary work is scheduled. On the final day of the meeting, the Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood will deliver a speech, after which will announce the next CEME meeting and the conference of the Apostolic Nuncio to Slovakia, Nicola Girasoli.
"Today, more than ever, we must accompany our children and young people and, above all, listen to them," Sister Ines concluded. “Only by starting with them and working together with them can we shape the world together. They will feel that this world belongs to them and experience it more intensely. My dream is to see all children happy, not because they possess something, but because they are fulfilled as children. This way, they can contribute so much more as adults.”

LEO XIV IN AFRICA - Pope Prevost, Saint Augustine and World in conflict

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:22:56 +0200

by Marie Symington

Vatican City - Pope Leo XIV is about to begin his third apostolic journey, which will also take him to Annaba, ancient Hippo, the city of which Saint Augustine was Bishop.

“Peace be with you” were his first words as Pontiff on the balcony on the day of his election as Bishop of Rome: A peace that is “unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all, unconditionally.”

As an Augustinian, Pope Leo’s emphasis on peace is no doubt inspired by his spiritual patron Saint Augustine of Hippo, who defines peace as “the perfectly ordered and harmonious enjoyment of God, and of one another in God.” . In his writings, Saint Augustine explains that it is only once there is a true devotion to God and a spirit of love among Men that there will be “the eternal peace”.

The members of the Order of Saint Augustine strive to live as such through three core values: caritas ; unitas , and veritas . Having led the Order as Prior General from 2001 to 2013, Leo XIV continues to live by and preach these virtues as pope.

Humility and caritas in the mission

Caritas stands as one of the theological virtues in the Christian faith, and makes a humble heart. Indeed, Saint Augustine warned against “the dangerous temptations to pride”, pointing out that “charity itself, which binds people together with the knot of unity, would have no scope for pouring minds and hearts in together, as it were, and blending them with one another, if human beings were never to learn anything from each other” .

Having cared for his flock first as a priest in Peru and later as a bishop there, Leo XIV has experienced first-hand the importance of humility in learning to serve and live in communion and charity with others. In one of his first homilies, the Holy Father emphasised “the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people”. Pope Leo’s words clearly echoed those of Saint Augustine, “The Church consists of all those who are in harmony with their brothers and sisters and who love their neighbour” .

In addition to this, it is worth remembering that charity is not only reserved to “Observing your brothers and sisters [whom] you know if they are in need”, but also extends to strangers, as Augustine reminds us in his Commentaries on the Psalms. Pope Leo echoed this point when, on the Ninth World Day of the Poor, he shared lunch with around 1,300 people from all over the world, declaring that he wished to celebrate this meal “in a spirit of fraternity.” In his first Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te Pope Leo quoted Augustine to demonstrate that “For Augustine, the poor are not just people to be helped, but the sacramental presence of the Lord. The Doctor of Grace saw caring for the poor as concrete proof of the sincerity of faith. Anyone who says they love God and has no compassion for the needy is lying .”

Communion and unitas in the Church

Caritas bears the fruit of unitas, unity, in the Church.
Leo XIV has often expressed his desire for a “united Church”, one that is “a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world”. A united Church is attentive to all, listens to each of its members from every social and cultural background, and welcomes our differences in the unity of Christ. In Illo uno unum—“In the One, we are one”: Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto, taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, demonstrates how the Augustinian spirit is deeply present in the Holy Father’s mission. Before his papal election, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost explained the significance of this motto to Vatican News’ Tiziana Campisi : “As can be seen from my episcopal motto, unity and communion are truly part of the charism of the Order of Saint Augustine, and also of my way of acting and thinking,” adding, “I believe it is very important to promote communion in the Church, and we know well that communion, participation, and mission are the three key words of the Synod. So, as an Augustinian, for me promoting unity and communion is fundamental.”

Faith and veritas in teaching

Pope Leo’s desire for a united and synodal Church should not be confused with a compromised Church, one in which Church doctrine would be modified so as to satisfy all contemporary norms and beliefs. In his interview with Senior Crux Correspondent, Elise Ann Allen, the Pope stood firmly by the Church’s teaching on marriage in the face of the LGBTQ+ movement, reminding us that unity in the Church does not mean transforming the Church “into some kind of democratic government”. Indeed, Leo pointed out that “if we look at many countries around the world today, democracy is not necessarily a perfect solution to everything”. It is not necessarily the will of the majority that should prevail, but, first and foremost, the will of God. As Saint Augustine taught, the world must be ordered by Christ, “the way and the truth and the life” .

The City of God and the wars of men

These three virtues—charity, unity, and truth—can contribute to building the City of God, where the eternal peace Saint Augustine described will prevail. Yet, as Pope Leo remarked in his Apostolic Letter In Unitate Fidei "Wars have been fought, and people have been killed, persecuted and discriminated against in the name of God. Instead of proclaiming a merciful God, a vengeful God has been presented who instills terror and punishes.".

Religious conflict or not, unity in Christ is equally vital in a secular world that has distanced itself from God. “[U]nite yourselves more and more to Jesus, to live by him and to bear witness to him” were Leo’s XIV words to elected officials and civil servants from the French diocese of Creteil on August 28 2025. The Holy Father encouraged these Frenchmen to stand by their Christian faith in public life, just as in their private life. “There is no separation in the personality of a public figure,” the Pope affirmed, “there is not on one side the politician, on the other the Christian. But there is the politician who, under the gaze of God and his conscience, lives his commitments and responsibilities in a Christian manner.” On the feast day of his order’s patron, Leo XIVs words undoubtedly referred to the times and teachings of Saint Augustine.

During his lifetime, the Bishop of Hippo witnessed the fall of the Roman empire and the reactions of pagan cultural elites who considered the Christian faith as the cause of its downfall. As a result, Saint Augustine wrote one of his greatest works, On the City of God. The City of God, according to Augustine, is built on selfless love of God, “characterized by justice, charity and humility” as Pope Leo explained to members of the International Catholic Legislators Network, a few days before his meeting with the French pilgrims. The City of Man, on the other hand, is built “on pride and love of oneself, [and] is marked by the pursuit of power, prestige and pleasure”. According to Leo XIV, “These signify spiritual realities – two orientations of the human heart and, therefore, of human civilization.”

Thus, it is clear that the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who—like his spiritual patron—is acutely aware of the fallen human condition and vital need to anchor all things in Christ, as the only true remedy for a world in conflict.

AFRICA/BOTSWANA - Appointment of Bishop of Francistown

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:56:00 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ofentse Pheto, of the clergy of the Diocese of Gaborone, as Bishop of the Diocese of Francistown . He is currently Parish Priest of St. Theresa's in Lobatse and Judicial Vicar for the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal. His Exc. Msgr. Lawrence Ofentse Pheto was born on March 12, 1976, in Ramotswa, Diocese of Gaborone. He studied Philosophy and Theology at the Chishawasha Major Seminary in Harare, Zimbabwe. He was ordained a priest on October 8, 2005, and was incardinated in the Diocese of Gaborone. He has held the following positions: Assistant Parish Priest of St. Theresa's in Lobatse, Gaborone ; Parish Priest of the Holy Cross, Gaborone ; Rector of the Charles Lwanga Minor Seminary, Gaborone ; Studies for a Licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome ; Parish Priest of Tsholofelong, Tlokweng, Gaborone ; Rector of the Charles Lwanga Minor Seminary, Gaborone ; since 2017, Parish Priest of St. Theresa in Lobatse, Gaborone, and Judicial Vicar for the Diocesan Matrimonial Tribunal.

AFRICA/TOGO - Appointment of Metropolitan Archbishop of Lomé

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:51:52 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lomé , His Exc. Msgr. Isaac Jogues Kodjo Agbéménya Gaglo, currently Bishop of Aného and Apostolic Administrator of the same Archdiocese.
His Exc. Msgr. Isaac Jogues Kodjo Agbéménya Gaglo was born on October 7, 1958, in Kpémé, in the Diocese of Aného, and was ordained a priest on August 9, 1985.
He has held the following positions and completed further studies: Assistant Parish Priest in Lomé and Professor at the Saint Pius X Minor Seminary in Lomé ; Doctorate in Moral Theology in Innsbruck, Austria ; Parish Priest and Head of Family Ministry ; Diocesan Consultor and Diocesan Administrator of Aného .
He was appointed Bishop of Aného on December 3, 2007, and received episcopal consecration on February 2, 2008. Since 2024, he has served as Apostolic Administrator Sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lomé.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Resignation of Metropolitan Archbishop of Beira

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:17:19 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Beira, presented by His Exc. Msgr. Claudio Dalla Zuanna, S.C.I.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - Jihadist attack in Abuja denied, but insecurity remains a concern in several areas of the country

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:14:06 +0200

Abuja - Nigerian police have denounced as “completely false, misleading, and maliciously disseminated messages” claims contained in videos circulating on social media alleging that the Nigerian capital, Abuja, has been attacked by a jihadist group.
In a statement released today, April 10, police said the video circulating online was deliberately compiled from unrelated material to spread panic and misinform the public about the security situation in the Federal Territory of Abuja.
One person has already been arrested for posting the video in question. “The arrest was made based on credible information and digital forensic investigations that linked the suspect to the origin and distribution of the video,” the statement reads. The fake video was released one day after the US Embassy in Abuja issued a travel warning advising US citizens against traveling to Nigeria. The US government specifically warned its citizens of potential dangers when traveling to 23 of Nigeria's 36 states. The US State Department also authorized the evacuation of embassy staff and their families from Nigeria, citing the deteriorating security situation in the country. The embassy also announced the temporary closure of its visa section, clarifying that services for US citizens would remain available in emergencies and by appointment. It did not specify a reason for the closure or its duration.
Meanwhile, credible reports of attacks by so-called "bandits" continue to emerge from various parts of Nigeria. On April 9, the following incidents were reported: In Sokoto State, at least five people were killed and 22 others abducted in attacks at three different locations; in Plateau State, Fulani herders killed at least eight people in the village of Mbwelle; In Borno State, a general and several soldiers were killed in an attempted attack on a military base in Benischeikh; and in Zamfara State, a community health worker and five others were killed when a health center in the community of Yarkatsinan Laka, in Bungudu Local Government Area was set on fire. According to a police spokesperson, the facility was attacked by a “large group of bandits on more than 50 motorcycles equipped with modern weapons.” In northern Nigeria, nearly 100 people were killed by jihadists and criminal gangs between Easter Sunday and Thursday, April 9, as they intensified their raids on military bases and villages.

AFRICA/CAMEROON - The Church's important contribution to healthcare and education in Cameroon

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:58 +0200

Yaoundé – In addition to its pastoral work, the Catholic Church in Cameroon is actively involved in the human development of the population. With a network of 646 preschools, 953 primary schools, 273 secondary schools, 5 teacher training institutes, and 17 universities and higher education institutions, the Catholic Church is committed to the education of nearly 468,000 students with the help of over 20,000 teachers. The results are widely recognized: academic excellence, moral and spiritual formation, and a contribution to social cohesion and local development, particularly in rural areas.
Father Aurélien Lehoun Mbea, Secretary for Catholic Education, told the Cameroon Tribune newspaper: “Catholic schools are a force for change, a place of hope, and an instrument for the integral human development.” Parents and alumni confirm this: this system remains a reliable point of reference, training competent and responsible men and women who are committed to the common good. With nearly 600 health facilities, including 100 hospitals, 492 health centers, and 88 HIV treatment units, the Catholic Church also plays a central role in Cameroon's healthcare system.
The Organization of Catholic Health Facilities, which originated as a network of rural clinics, was officially founded in 1968 and renamed the "Catholic Organization for Health in Cameroon" in 2000.
Over two million patients, primarily in rural areas, are treated annually. The network employs more than 5,500 healthcare professionals, including 297 general practitioners and 149 specialists. Treatment is provided with respect for human dignity, regardless of religion or social status. Reports from patients and healthcare professionals highlight the quality of care, the priority given to people over profit, and the spiritual dimension of the support provided.

ASIA/CAMBODIA - The small Cambodian Catholic community welcomes 375 newly baptized

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:44:24 +0200

Battambang - "The new baptisms of young people and adults that we celebrated this year are a sign of great hope. They show that young Cambodians hear God's call and want to follow it. For our Church, they are a true source of strength and life," said Father Enrique Figaredo , Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, to Fides. He reported that a total of 92 people, mostly young people, were baptized in his Apostolic Prefecture on Easter Sunday. "The catechists are also very happy and enthusiastic. For us in Battambang, who suffer so much from the tense situation on the border with Thailand, with internally displaced persons, unemployment, and economic insecurity, these young people are a source of true joy and hope. The values and ideas they express – solidarity, peace, and hope for a better future – are extraordinary," he concluded.
Cambodia's small Catholic community traditionally celebrates new baptisms on Easter Sunday – a day of great joy for the new "children of God." In the capital, Phnom Penh, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar, baptized 152 catechumens during the Easter Vigil at the Church of Our Lady of the Smile in Chamkar, Takeo Province. The Apostolic Prefecture of Kampong Cham recorded 131 baptisms at Easter, bringing the total number of Cambodians baptized at Easter to 375.
In Takeo, Bishop Schmitthaeusler emphasized the exhortation "Do not be afraid" as a cornerstone of modern life. In a world marked by conflict, violence, and uncertainty, “the resurrection of Christ represents a definitive victory over death and despair,” he said. “The Resurrection is not simply another piece of news among many, but the most significant event in history, an event that fundamentally changes our worldview,” the Apostolic Vicar stated.
The bishop called on the Christian community to become messengers of peace, beginning with mutual forgiveness within families and society, as well as with neighboring countries.
Addressing the catechumens, he said: “Our life is short, so move forward with hope, for Jesus Christ is with us. He endured cruelty, violence, and pain to give us life.”
Bishop Schmitthaeusler then connected the significance of the Christian Easter with the upcoming Khmer New Year . He encouraged the Catholic community to use the feast days as a time of reconciliation, to build with faith a “new world founded on peace, forgiveness, and the shared dignity of all people as children of God.”

ASIA/BAHRAIN - Interfaith Vigil for Peace, Harmony, and Prosperity in the Kingdom

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:22:59 +0200

Awali - A special evening of unity, faith, and prayer was shared on the occasion of the Vigil for the Nation, organized by This is Bahrain and in coordination with the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, sovereign of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

"Different traditions, different faiths, different cultures, all come together as one to pray for Peace in this wonderful country that offers us the opportunity to express our faith," said the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., at the opening of the vigil. The celebration, held on the evening of Wednesday, April 8, began with an invocation to the Holy Spirit, followed by readings, psalms, the Gospel, and a series of prayers, recited in both English and Arabic, symbolizing the diverse community present.

The ceremony brought together over 1,300 people of different faiths and nationalities, representatives and leaders of various religious communities, and distinguished members of Bahrain’s governmental and diplomatic community, including H.E. Ossama Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development; H.E. Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of Italy; H.E. Stephanie Hallett, Ambassador of the United States; H.E. Asako Okai, Ambassador of Japan; H.E. Saqib Rauf, Ambassador of Pakistan — whose country is currently playing a catalyst role in ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran — as well as various members of the Shura Council and of the Chamber of Representatives and leading figures from Bahrain’s political and business communities, who all gathered to pray for the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the Kingdom.

In his speech, the Apostolic Vicar welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a significant and hopeful step towards peace. He noted that the gathering itself reflected a powerful message of unity among people of different religions and backgrounds. Highlighting Bahrain's long-standing commitment to religious tolerance and coexistence, Bishop Berardi expressed appreciation for the freedom of worship in the Kingdom. He commended the leadership for fostering an environment where mutual respect and harmony continue to thrive and encouraged those present to remain steadfast in their prayers for lasting peace, both within Bahrain and throughout the region.

The event highlighted the Kingdom's role as a beacon of tolerance and dialogue, reinforcing the values of coexistence, mutual understanding, and collective hope for peace. "It was a moment of collective reflection and hope for de-escalation and, ultimately, for lasting peace for all the peoples of the region," reads the statement from the Embassy of Italy in Bahrain sent to Fides. Ambassador Catalano conveyed Italy's appreciation for Bahrain's leadership in promoting dialogue among cultures and religions. He then reaffirmed Italy's commitment to peacebuilding and international cooperation, as well as its support to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its citizens and residents.

"A Christian's most powerful weapon is prayer. When we unite and invoke God for peace, our prayers rise above the clouds and reach heaven. This is the moment to show our love and solidarity with Bahrain and our beloved King, as he believes our prayers are powerful," said Father Francis P. Joseph, OFM Cap, parish priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Manama, in his invitation to attend the event.

ASIA/LEBANON - Over 250 dead in Israeli air strikes on Lebanon; the worst since the outbreak of the war

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:03:07 +0200

Beirut – 254 dead and 1,165 injured: this is the provisional toll published by the Lebanese Civil Defense following the multiple and simultaneous air strikes on various Lebanese locations carried out by the Israeli air force yesterday, 8 April.
According to the Civil Defense, the breakdown of casualties is as follows: in Beirut, 92 dead, 742 injured; the southern suburbs of Beirut, 61 dead, 200 injured; Baalbek/Hermel , 27 dead, 34 injured; Nabatieh, 28 dead, 59 injured; Sidon, 12 dead, 56 injured; Tyre: 17 dead, 68 injured.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has declared today, 9 April, a day of national mourning “for the victims of the Israeli attacks, with the closure of government offices and public institutions, as well as municipalities, flags at half-mast and media programs adapted to this national tragedy”.
The attacks, many of which struck the heart of Beirut, sparked scenes of panic in the Lebanese capital during rush hour, especially since they were not given advance warning to the civilian population to seek shelter, as has happened on other occasions.
Burning buildings, charred cars and debris littered the streets of the capital, through which ambulances raced with their sirens blaring. Among the neighbourhoods affected was the one where the American University of Beirut is located.
The Israeli armed forces announced that they had carried out their ‘largest coordinated attack’ against Hezbollah since the start of the war between the United States and Iran. “Within 10 minutes and simultaneously in several areas, Israeli forces attacked around 100 command posts and military infrastructure” belonging to Hezbollah across Lebanon, according to a statement from the IDF .
The worst attack on Lebanon was thus carried out just hours after the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran, on the one hand, and the United States and Israel on the other, achieved thanks to Pakistan’s mediation, behind which China’s involvement looms large. A result that also appears to be the fruit of pressure from the MAGA wing of the Trump administration, represented by Vice-President Vance, who is seeking to put an end to a conflict seen as a waste of resources. However, according to Israel, the agreement does not concern Lebanon. At present, the ceasefire in the Gulf appears to be holding , but Iran has announced that it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In Iran, explosions have also been reported within the technical perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant; there are also reports of fires in the Mahshahr industrial area, where several Iranian petrochemical plants are concentrated, and explosions have been reported at various facilities linked to the Basij paramilitary force. This is likely the result of sabotage by Israeli and/or American intelligence services.

AFRICA/ANGOLA - President of the Bishops' Conference: "In a country still fragmented, the Church is an essential point of reference"

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:51:17 +0200

Luanda - "The Holy Father will find a mature Church, a Church that knows how to respond to the many challenges of faith as well as to social and cultural issues; a young, joyful, and missionary Church that looks to universality and begins to offer its sons and daughters for the good of humanity," said Msgr. José Manuel Imbamba of Saurimo, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Angola, one of the four African countries the Pope will visit from April 18 to 21.
"I hope that the Holy Father's visit will strengthen and encourage us so that, in the face of the various problems we encounter, we do not waver, so that we may continue to be living witnesses of God's love, here in our concrete reality and in the reality of the world," the President of the Angolan Bishops' Conference continued.
The Angolan people have endured a long period of colonization and, at times, very severe conflicts, which have profoundly shaped the nation's soul and whose repercussions are clearly visible in the country's socio-political situation.
"The colonization process in Angola was a very lengthy process that profoundly shaped the consciousness of Angolan citizens—a process that humiliated, enslaved, discriminated against, and, in a sense, erased their cultural identity. And, of course, this is a burden, a very heavy legacy," Msgr. Imbamba emphasizes. "After independence 50 years ago, the country unfortunately entered a bloody war, which further shattered and delayed what little had been achieved and led to divisions, poverty, exclusion, and an excessive politicization of the population." According to the president of the Bishops' Conference, achieving a true Angolan identity remains a distant goal due to problems in national politics such as corruption, cronyism, greed, and a lack of love for their country.
"Today, Angola is very fragmented; political parties count for more than anything else. Angola is, in a sense, trapped by the parties, and when that happens, the country naturally falls behind," explains Msgr. Imbamba. "This is not yet the country we envision. Reconciliation is needed. There is a need for social forgiveness, a need to depoliticize minds, consciences, public institutions, and family life so that the dream of Angola is born from social embrace, born from the coexistence we all desire."
Poverty, unemployment, and national debt are among the major problems plaguing the country and its people. In this context, the Church is an essential point of reference for the most important issues facing Angola, given that 60% of the population is Catholic. "A vibrant and so fruitful Church that theological and philosophical seminaries no longer have room for our candidates for the priesthood," says Msgr. Imbamba, who specifies: "There are currently about 1,600 major seminarians, more than 1,500 diocesan priests, over 600 religious priests, and more than 1,700 religious sisters." "The Church in Angola is currently served by 20 dioceses and is a Church that establishing itself, expanding, and cherishing the dream of founding further dioceses to enable a more dynamic pastoral ministry, a pastoral ministry of closeness,” explains the President of the Angolan Bishops’ Conference. “We are also strongly committed to the laity, through whom we are represented in the world of science, culture, technology, politics, and sociology—in all these areas that we try to support through Catholic schools, our colleges, and the Catholic University.” Thus, it is a Church that wants to establish itself as a moral authority and a life-giving force within society and that eagerly anticipates the Pope’s visit. A very young, very welcoming Church, but one that also has many downsides due to the historical developments the country is currently undergoing. “It is about recognizing merits and fostering the harmony we all desire through open and honest dialogue, by building bridges of harmony and encounter so that we can reach a consensus in the name of Angola and the Angolans. All of these are problems that are becoming increasingly acute due to the current global situation,” concludes the President of the Angolan Bishops’ Conference.

ASIA/BAHRAIN - Ground Breaking Ceremony - Vicariate Curia of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:17:57 +0200

Awali – The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, commemorated a landmark moment on 6 April 2026 with the solemn groundbreaking ceremony of the Vicariate Curia at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Bahrain. The statement sent to Fides highlights the formal commencement of a project that will serve as a central hub for the administrative and pastoral mission of the Church across the region. "In these times of war, we must have great faith," Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., told Fides. The land on which the Curia will be built is the result of a gift by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reflecting the Kingdom’s continued support for religious harmony and coexistence.

The ceremony, which commenced with the proclamation of sacred scripture and intercessory prayers, was presided over by Bishop Berardi, who led the prayer meeting in the presence of the clergy, nuns, and all the faithful engaged in various ministries of service and governance. In a deeply symbolic gesture, a capsule containing commemorative items relating to the project was reverently placed into the foundation, signifying both the historical importance of the moment and the enduring mission of the Church for generations to come. Following the service, Bishop Aldo officiated the groundbreaking rite. In his address, he reflected on the significance of the Curia as more than a physical structure, describing it as a center of coordination, service, and pastoral outreach that will strengthen the life and mission of the Vicariate. He emphasized that the Curia would stand as a visible sign of unity, fostering collaboration among clergy, religious, and laity, and supporting the spiritual growth of the faithful across Northern Arabia. The ceremony concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing, invoking divine guidance for the successful completion of the project and for all those who will contribute to its development. The groundbreaking of the Vicariate Curia thus marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Church in the region, rooted in faith, service, and a shared vision for the future.

Also present were representatives of the appointed contractor entrusted with the construction of the Curia, alongside distinguished guests from the Bahrain Petroleum Company and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and the broader national context of mutual respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence that Bahrain continues to foster.

Meanwhile, in a context of relative calm on the first day of a two-week truce, contingent upon the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the airspace in Bahrain is currently open. This is reported by the Italian Embassy in Manama, which nevertheless advises avoiding staying near sensitive sites and gatherings. The reactivation of a limited number of flights from Bahrain’s airport has been announced, as well as a sea connection to Saudi Arabia to ensure continuity. The bridge to Saudi Arabia is operational but may be subject to closures at short notice.

GENERAL AUDIENCE - Leo XIV: Holiness is a gift from Christ, our daily mission is that of our conversion

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:40:46 +0200

Vatican City - For Christians, holiness is not an achievement dependent on their own strength, nor a mere “ethical commitment,” but a gift from Christ himself, who calls every baptized person to live the mission of their own conversion within the context of daily life. Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful of this on Wednesday at the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, continuing the series of catecheses dedicated to the documents of the Second Vatican Council.
The Constitution of the Second Vatican Council Lumen gentium , on the Church, the Pope noted, “dedicates an entire chapter, the fifth, to the universal vocation to holiness of all the faithful.” Holiness, the Pope said, is “not a privilege for the few, but a gift that requires every baptized person to strive for the perfection of charity, that is, the fullness of love towards God and towards one’s neighbour.” And “the level of holiness, as in the early days of the Church, is martyrdom, the ‘supreme witness of faith and charity.’”
It is Christ himself who “sanctifies the Church, of which He is the Head and Shepherd.” In this sense, holiness is “His gift, which is manifested in our daily life every time we receive it with joy and respond to it with commitment.”
Lumen Gentium describes the holiness of the Catholic Church as “one of her constitutive characteristics, to receive in faith, inasmuch as she is believed to be ‘indefectibly holy’.”
This—according to the Pope, citing Saint Augustine—“does not mean that she is so in a full and perfect sense, but that she is called to confirm this divine gift during her pilgrimage towards the eternal destination, walking ‘amid the persecutions of the world and the consolations of God’.”
Sin is a “sad reality” in the Church, one that invites everyone to a profound change of life, “by entrusting ourselves to the Lord, who renews us in charity.” This infinite grace, which sanctifies the Church, entrusts us with a mission “to fulfil day after day: that of our conversion.” Therefore, holiness does “not only have a practical nature, as if it were reducible to an ethical commitment, however great, but concerns the very essence of Christian life, both personal and communal.”
Leo XIV also referred to the “decisive role” played by “consecrated life, which the Conciliar Constitution considers in the sixth chapter.” It constitutes “a prophetic sign of the new world, experienced here and now in history.”
The evangelical counsels “that shape every experience of consecrated life: poverty, chastity and obedience.” These three virtues are not “rules that shackle freedom, but liberating gifts of the Holy Spirit, through which some of the faithful are wholly consecrated to God.”

In a final appeal, the Pope recalled “the past few hours of great tension in the Middle East and throughout the world” and declared that he welcomed “with satisfaction, and as a sign of deep hope, the announcement of an immediate two-week ceasefire.” “Only by returning to the negotiating table,” he added, “can we bring the war to an end.”
Leo XIV urged to “accompany this time of delicate diplomatic work with prayer, in the hope that a willingness to engage in dialogue may become the means to resolve other situations of conflict in the world.” Finally, the Bishop of Rome renewed the invitation “to join me in the Prayer Vigil for Peace, which we will celebrate here in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Saturday 11 April.”

AFRICA/EQUATORIAL GUINEA - “Beautiful experiences that touch the heart”: children await Pope Leo XIV

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:08:29 +0200

Malabo – As the country celebrates the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for 21–23 April 2026, preparations are intensifying, involving the entire population and the local Christian community .

Among the activities organized, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Equatorial Guinea have organized the ‘Campamento infantil 2026’, which brought together a group of 200 children, 35 animators and the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. “It was three days of great enthusiasm during which we placed the Church at the center, spoke about the Pope and prayed for him,” Sister Giusy Becchero, FMA, told Fides. “It was a wonderful experience which, like all beautiful experiences, touches the heart,” she remarked. The camp, themed ‘Christ Lives!’, took place from 28 to 30 March at the Malabo mission and featured various activities. “We celebrated Mass, carried out workshops, held reflection groups, prayer sessions, tournaments and a ‘cultural night’, an activity already well-known in our context. Our children's families have faith in us and in our leaders,” says Sister Giusy. “Furthermore,” she continues, “we retraced the Easter Triduum, highlighting the importance of the Church and the role of the Holy Father as Universal Pastor. “For this reason, we have chosen the name of a Saint of the Church for each of the ten reflection and activity groups: Saint Charles Acutis, Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, Saint Kisito, Saint Josefina Bakita… so that our children may develop a sense of belonging to the Church and a desire to become saints.”

“The Camp began with a time of prayer and a time of sharing to motivate our children and the leaders. Three friends from the mission shared their personal experiences and, in addition to the value of prayer and living as brothers and sisters, reminded the participants of the importance of doing their work well and being people who respect adults. I can testify that these beautiful testimonies motivated us and allowed us to live in an atmosphere of listening, respect and great enthusiasm. The ‘cultural night’ was a celebration of the traditions of Equatorial Guinea with songs, dances and theatrical performances put on by our participants. We immersed ourselves in an evening rich in colours and music that made us feel happy and proud to live in this land!”

Sister Giusy concludes her testimony by thanking the Salesian animators who, “with Salesian passion and a Salesian heart, continue to walk alongside the ‘little ones’ of this land to build a future of Peace and Hope”.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - An Easter marked by violence, but the Bishops call for Hope

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:59:59 +0200

Abuja – "Faith and hope in times of turbulence." The title of the Easter message, signed by Msgr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto, already foreshadowed what happened during the Easter holidays. More than 30 people were killed on Easter Sunday in coordinated attacks by armed groups in parts of Benue State and southern Kaduna State. In Benue State, at least 17 people were killed in Mbalom, in the Gwer East Local Government Area, while in Kaduna State, at least 15 more lost their lives in several attacks on villages. According to eyewitnesses, the attacks were coordinated by at least dozens of heavily armed men who simultaneously targeted churches and residential areas. In Kaduna State, the army announced that it had freed 31 hostages after an attack on the village of Ariko during the Easter celebrations. At least five people were found dead, while local residents report that at least seven were killed and others abducted. Worshippers who had gathered for Easter services at the local First Ecwa Church and the Catholic Church of St. Augustine were particularly targeted. The violence also affected other states, such as Zamfara, where on Holy Saturday, April 4, armed men invaded the villages of Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji in the Bukkuyum region, abducting more than 150 people, mostly women and children. In his Easter message, Bishop Kukah emphasized that the insecurity affecting Nigeria has turned into a humanitarian crisis, with thousands dead, millions of displaced people, and communities torn apart.
" After over 20 years and well over 20,000 corpses… the grim harvester still roams freely across the country," he declared. The Easter message from the bishops of Nigeria, signed by the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, also focuses on the difficult situation facing Nigerians. "Do not give up now, hold fast to hope!" is the appeal from the Nigerian bishops.
"The suffering of Nigerians today finds meaning in the Cross of Christ," the message states, emphasizing that Christ's death and resurrection offer consolation and hope. In their message, the CBCN emphasizes that the difficulties Nigerians face are the direct consequence of years of government marked by selfishness and greed, nepotism and tribalism, and a total lack of commitment to the common good. Despite the ongoing violence, the Bishops recall that the power of the Resurrection ensures that "weeping may last a night, but joy comes in the morning."

ASIA/PAKISTAN - The community of Lahore in shock: truck slams into Easter procession

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:04:51 +0200

Lahore - In the week following Easter, the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Lahore is still shocked by the incident that overshadowed the Easter celebrations: on April 5, 2026, a solemn procession in the early hours of Easter Sunday morning in Gujranwala, a village in Punjab province within the diocese, was disrupted by an attack that deeply shocked the local Catholic community. While more than 200 faithful from the Catholic parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Klasske , made their way to the shrine singing and carrying candles and palm branches, a truck deliberately drove at high speed into the crowd, injuring 60 people, many of whom are in critical condition in hospital. This was not a simple traffic accident, but a deliberate attack on innocent believers during the holiest time of the year. The fact that the driver neither stopped nor offered assistance, but continued driving and fled, underscores the malicious intent behind this act, emphasize local believers, who are still in shock. Father Qaisar Feroz, OFM Cap, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communication, condemned on behalf of the entire Catholic Church in Pakistan “a criminal and brutal act, a sign of religious intolerance and spiritual confusion.” “We demand an immediate police investigation,” he told Fides. Father Lazar Aslam OFM Cap, Coordinator of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Ecology, described the incident as “a hate crime, an act of Christianophobia” and points to the urgent need for comprehensive medical care for the affected families, who are the primary victims of this tragedy. “The continued silence of the authorities and the attempt to downplay such incidents are as painful as the violence itself,” he emphasizes. “As long as the lives of Christians are not treated with equal dignity and those responsible for these acts of violence are not held accountable, words of peace will not be enough to heal the wounds of the community,” he notes, adding that “authentic interreligious dialogue cannot exist in a lack of truth and security.”
The faithful of Lahore join the Franciscan friars of Gujranwala in praying for the speedy recovery of the injured while providing assistance to the affected families in the area. “May the grace of the risen Christ comfort broken hearts and guide the way to lasting justice and peace in our diocese and throughout Pakistan,” the friar concludes.

LEO XIV IN AFRICA - Eastern Angola: plundered riches, calls for autonomy, and witchcraft

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:25:57 +0200

Luanda – The Angolan ecclesiastical province of Saurimo comprises the Diocese of Luena in Moxico Province, the Diocese of Dundo in Lunda Norte Province, and the Archdiocese of Saurimo in Lunda Sul Province.
The archdiocese and its two suffragan dioceses are located in eastern Angola, a region rich in natural resources from which the local population derives no benefit.

Discrimination against the inhabitants of eastern Angola has been at the center of protests led by local civil society movements for years. The region is home to the country's largest diamond reserves and possesses Angola's most abundant water, timber, and agricultural land resources, yet, according to local representatives, it continues to be systematically treated as a "backyard to be exploited."

The inhabitants of Angola's eastern provinces lament the shortage of drinking water, the lack of roads connecting municipalities and provinces, the lack of electricity, the catastrophic health situation, the high number of children out of school and forced to beg, and the marginalization of the Tchokwe culture.

In 2006, the Portuguese Protectorate Movement of Lunda Tchokwé was founded; It claims autonomy for the region from the rest of Angola, based on the protectorate established by Portugal at the end of the 19th century, when Lisbon's diplomacy secured sovereignty over a large part of the Angolan hinterland, where it had no actual presence. This was achieved through treaties with tribal leaders from various regions, which the movement claims to represent. The unified territory covers virtually the eastern half of Angola.

Movement leaders claim that this entire territory has never been administratively part of the Angolan state, but was illegally annexed when Angola gained its independence in 1975.

The MPPLT's statements do not clarify whether the movement's demands are for autonomy or independence. In a statement released on the occasion of the visit of then-Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to Angola, the movement mentioned these two objectives in the same paragraph: “The Lunda Tchokwe deserve independence by virtue of natural law and, legally, by virtue of the protectorate treaties signed by the Lunda ancestors with the Portuguese; autonomy, similar to that of the islands of Madeira and the Azores with Portugal.”

In a context of poverty, identity-based demands, and the absence of the state, there has been a rise in “magical practices” that can also impact public order, as was the case on January 30, 2021, when several people lost their lives in clashes with police during a demonstration organized by the MPPLT.

According to an investigation by journalist Rafael Marques de Morais, many of the march participants believed they were safe from injury and death thanks to magical rituals performed by the organizers and leaders of the movement before the demonstration. Morais, who published a book on the subject entitled "Miséria & Magia: Revolta em Cafunfo, claims that these "magical rituals" were used to mobilize the crowd and provoke clashes with security forces, using special, supernatural protections.
The phenomenon of witchcraft was strongly denounced by José Manuel Imbamba, Archbishop of Saurimo, who stated that witches "destroy communities, divide and impoverish families, and kill development" .

The Easter of the Archbishop of Tehran: “Even though I am far from you, I know that in Christ, we are truly united”

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:00:10 +0200

by Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, OFM Conv*

Rome – I wish to share with you my Easter experience this year, marked by the perception of the relativity of distance, between closeness and remoteness.

I find myself far from you, the flock entrusted to me, separated by the events of war, waiting to be able to see you again. And yet, during the holy night, I celebrated the Easter Vigil carrying you all in my heart: far from my flock, but precisely for this reason, in a mysterious way, close to each one of you.

I found myself celebrating, so to speak, under the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, under the sign of the universal Church, in visible communion with the Successor of Peter and with all Catholicism. Near the Shepherd of the Church, and yet far from the flock the Lord has entrusted to me. But it is precisely this condition that has been given to me so that I may learn to live with distance not as an insurmountable separation, but as a bridge that draws us closer in Christ.

In the communion of saints and in the grace of the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, we are truly united, even when we cannot be so visibly. What appears to the eye as distance becomes communion in faith.

We celebrate the Easter Vigil after sunset on Saturday, the moment when, according to biblical tradition, the new day begins: a boundary between night and light. It is a night illuminated by reflected light, like that of the moon, which evokes the Virgin Mary. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, it points back to the source of all life: her Son, Jesus Christ, true God and true man.

The Gospel according to Saint Matthew leads us to the dawn of the first day of the week. The women go to the tomb where the Lord's body had been laid. The men had done what was in their power by giving him a burial; the women bring what comes from the heart: compassion, faithfulness, a love that perseveres even in the face of death.

And then there was a great earthquake. A startling sign that shakes the earth and hearts, that breaks the shackles of grief and opens the way to God's revelation. An angel of the Lord descends from heaven, rolls away the stone, and stands on it: what seemed definitively sealed is opened by divine power. The guards, charged with watching over death, themselves remain as if dead.

The angel announces: “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen… He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” And he seals this announcement: “Behold, I have told you.” This is the fulfillment of hope: what was awaited as the ultimate event is manifested in history. As Martha of Bethany said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

This “future” resurrection must be considered in connection with the mystery already present: the resurrection that works in the life of the believer through grace. In the risen Christ, new life has already begun, even if it is still undergoing trials.

The women, leaving the tomb in haste—a reminder of death and darkness—pass from night to day. They run with fear and great joy: it is no longer a paralyzing fear, but a holy fear that opens them to faith. This is the attitude of new life.

And even before reaching the disciples, it is Jesus himself who comes to meet them. With these words, “Greetings!” He makes himself present, alive, and real. They approach, kiss his feet, and adore him: a concrete gesture that testifies to the reality of the Resurrection and establishes the faith of the Church. The Crucified One is the Risen One: He who seemed distant reveals himself to be very near, accessible in faith and in the sacramental signs.

He, conqueror of death, takes the initiative and sends: “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee: there they will see me.” Galilee is the place of beginnings, of the call, of concrete life: it is there that the Risen One awaits his followers.

My dearest friends, for us too, there is a “Galilee”: it will be the day when, God willing, we can be together again. But even now, under this dome that recalls the unity of the Church, and while I am far from you, I know that, in Christ, we are truly united.

In Christ, living and risen, closeness and distance are transfigured. Only He remains, uniting us, protecting us, and guiding us, until we can be gathered again as one flock under one Shepherd.

* Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan

Leo XIV: Even in the age of 'Fake News', may the Light of Christian witness shine

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:48:14 +0200

Vatican City - In an age when the construction of “narratives” is sometimes used to obscure or manipulate the reality of facts, Christian witness can, as always, “dispel every shadow,” illuminating even “the deepest darkness.”
Easter Monday 2026.
After the Easter celebration, addressing the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV drew inspiration from the Gospel reading during the day’s liturgy to recall, in its essential features, the very nature of the Christian proclamation, entrusted to the naked and defenseless authenticity of witnesses sent into the world to proclaim that “Christ is risen.”
The passage from the Gospel of Matthew read at today's Masses calls us to choose between the testimony of the women—Mary Magdalene and Mary of Clopas—who, upon leaving the empty tomb, "encountered the Risen Lord," and that of the guards who were bribed by the leaders of the Sanhedrin to spread the rumor that the disciples themselves had stolen and removed Christ's body from the tomb.
"The former proclaim Christ’s victory over death; the latter assert that death prevails always and in every circumstance. According to their version, Jesus has not risen; instead, his body was stolen."

"This contrast," the Pope emphasized, "invites us to reflect on the value of Christian witness and the integrity of human communication." Often, the proclamation of truth is obscured by what we today call “fake news” — lies, insinuations, and unfounded accusations. Yet, in the face of such obstacles, the Bishop of Rome acknowledged, the truth does not remain hidden; rather, it comes forth to meet us, living and radiant, illuminating even the deepest darkness.”

“Just as he spoke to the women at the tomb,” recalled the Successor of Peter, “Jesus says to us today: ‘“Do not be afraid; go and tell”. In this way, he himself becomes the Good News to be witnessed in the world.” And it is crucial that this Gospel reach above all, “those oppressed by the evil that corrupts history and confuses consciences! I think of peoples afflicted by war, of Christians persecuted for their faith, of children deprived of an education.”

Before reciting the Marian prayer of the Regina Coeli, the Bishop of Rome also spoke “in the light of the Risen Lord we remember today Pope Francis, who, on Easter Monday of last year, returned to the Lord.” “As we recall his profound witness of faith and love,” added Bishop Prevost, “let us pray together to the Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom, that we may become ever more radiant heralds of the truth.”

EUROPE/RUSSIA - Easter Vigil, Archbishop Pezzi to 18 catechumens: "Our life belongs to Christ"

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:23:36 +0200

by Chiara Dommarco

Moscow – "Christ is risen!" It was with this proclamation, repeated three times, dear to the tradition of the Eastern Churches, and to which the faithful responded "He is truly risen," that Paolo Pezzi, Archbishop of the Mother of God in Moscow, began his homily at the Easter Vigil. 'I have risen,' says the Lord, 'to be with you always': this is the Easter proclamation. Christ is risen never to leave us: 'Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age' . God never allows us to fall from His hands. And his hands are benevolent hands," he continued.

“An announcement addressed to every woman and every man,” the bishop emphasized in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: “Today, the risen Christ also addresses this announcement to us: ‘I am risen and I will always be with you. My hand sustains you, and nothing will snatch you from my grasp. I will be with you even at the gates of death, where no one can accompany you and where you yourselves can do nothing. There, I will wait for you, and I will transform darkness into light for you.’ This message, this word of the Risen One, describes what happens during baptism. Baptism is more than a washing or a purification. It is more than entering a community: it is a new birth, a new beginning of life.” And addressing the 18 catechumens who received the three sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—he added: “Dear catechumens, this is the newness of Baptism: our life belongs to Christ, not to ourselves. But it is precisely for this reason that we are not alone, even in death, for we are with the One who lives forever. In baptism, with Christ, welcomed by Him in His love, we are freed from fear.”

Referring to the icon of the resurrection from the Eastern tradition, in which Christ, during his descent into hell, frees Adam from death, he declared: “Through his death, he takes Adam and all those who await liberation by the hand and leads them toward the light. Light makes life possible. Light makes encounter possible. Light makes communion possible. It makes knowledge possible, access to reality, to truth itself. And, by making knowledge possible, it also makes freedom and progress possible.”

“Through the resurrection of Jesus,” he concluded, “love has revealed itself to be stronger than death, stronger than evil. It is through love He descended from heaven, and it is love that is the very force by which He now ascends to heaven. United to His love, borne on the wings of love, as people who love and are loved, we descend with Him into the darkness of the world, knowing that it is in this way that we will ascend with Him. We pray to You, Lord, on this night: reveal Your love, which is stronger than hatred, stronger than death. Descend, O Christ, into the hells of our time and take by the hand those who await You. Lead them to the light! Stay with us even in our darkest nights and guide us out! Help me, help us to descend with You into the darkness of those who wait, of those who call upon You from the depths of their being! Help us to bring them Your light! Help us to reach the "yes" of love, which allows us to bend down to others and, thus, to ascend with You! Amen."

The Archdiocese of the Mother of God, headed since 2007 by Archbishop Pezzi, covers an area of 2,629,000 km² and comprises about one hundred communities. The ecclesiastical province of the Catholic Church in Russia, in addition to the archdiocese, consists of three other suffragan dioceses: the Diocese of Saint Clement in Saratov, the Diocese of Saint Joseph in Irkutsk, and the Diocese of the Transfiguration in Novosibirsk.