Fides News - English

AFRICA/SUDAN - Father Youhanna Al-Amin, parish priest in Kaduna in the Nuba Mountains, murdered

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:09:15 +0200

Khartoum – Father Youhanna Al-Amin, parish priest in Kaduna in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan for over thirty years, was killed for remaining with the parishioners entrusted to his pastoral care.

According to reports from Aid to the Church in Need, which first published the news, the priest was murdered on June 19, along with the caretaker and another person. Local sources cited by the organization, stated that the triple murder appears to have been an act of revenge against Father Youhanna, who had reported the theft of medicines stored in the parish and intended for the local population.

The online newspaper Sudan Now, citing local witnesses, reports that the crime was committed by members of a faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North . The newspaper provides further details about the two other victims: the parish warehouse manager, identified only as Yohanna, and the caretaker, identified as John Lama.

The triple murder occurred amid months of tension. Since March, internal conflicts between SPLM-N factions have erupted in several areas of the Nuba Mountains. This has led to the displacement of hundreds of civilians and a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation for the local population.

The violence stems from years of ongoing land disputes and disagreements over administrative boundaries in the Otoro area.

The SPLM-N leadership accuses a segment of the population of rebelling against the authority of the movement, which controls the region. Local community representatives, however, claim the movement is attempting to forcibly expropriate their land. Since Kauda is the main center of the Nuba Mountains, the city has become one of the epicentres of tensions.

The SPLM-N was founded in 2011, after South Sudan's independence. Many Nuba fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army remained in the north of the country and continued fighting against the Sudanese government over the marginalization of non-Arabic-speaking populations, land rights, and the political exclusion of peripheral regions.

In 2017, the movement split into two main factions: the SPLM-N, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which is primarily active in the Nuba Mountains, and the SPLM-N, led by Malik Agar, with a stronger presence in the Blue Nile region.

ASIA/CHINA - In the "market city" of Yiwu, Father's Day becomes an occasion to proclaim the Gospel

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:59:45 +0200

Yiwu – An unexpected event has brought joy and comfort to the Catholic community of Yiwu in its missionary zeal: the heartfelt words of fathers from various countries, who expressed their gratitude to the Church community for the thoughtfulness shown on Father's Day, celebrated on Sunday, June 21.

These fathers are from Colombia, India, Korea, and several African countries. They are Catholic businesspeople, workers, and merchants who are in China for work. They are young people living far from their families with small children, as well as elderly fathers, some over eighty years old. During their time in China, they actively participate and contribute significantly to the life and growth of the Catholic community in the international market city of Yiwu, a city rich in humanity and closeness. Together with the priests and faithful of the local Church, they share the experience of belonging to a common home and walking together in faith, hope, and charity.

In the parish dedicated to St. Joseph, consecrated and inaugurated on March 18, 2025, by Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou, foreign fathers, along with other migrant fathers from various Chinese provinces, celebrated the traditional Chinese family festival, Dragon Boat Festival, on June 17. Many of them prepared "Zongzi," a typical sweet dish for this festival, together. Then, yesterday, they participated in the solemn Eucharistic liturgy, receiving a fan with an image of St. Joseph at the end of Mass.

In the particular context of Yiwu, marked by a strong presence of foreign workers and entrepreneurs, their shared participation in the parish's daily activities offers continuous opportunities to experience a communion that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Thus, in Yiwu, on June 22, under the guidance of parish priest Chang Zhengguo and the new Parish Pastoral Council, Father's Day provided an opportunity to experience the integration of different cultures with traditional Chinese culture. This integration occurs harmoniously thanks to the shared faith in Christ. Father's Day was also celebrated in various parts of China by godfathers and priests, who are called to exercise their ministry with a paternal spirit. The Bishop of Shanghai, Joseph Shen Bin, wrote on his social media account: “Today is Father's Day. I remember to strive every day to be a good shepherd.”

An unexpected event delighted the Catholic community of Yiwu and reaffirmed its commitment to proclaiming the Gospel: On Father's Day this Sunday, June 21, fathers from around the world thanked the parish for the kindness shown to them. They come from Colombia, India, Korea, and various African countries. They are Catholic entrepreneurs, workers, and merchants who are in China for work. Young people living far from their families, with small children or elderly fathers, some even over eighty. During their stay in China, they make a valuable contribution to the life and growth of the Catholic community in the international market city of Yiwu. Together with the priests and parishioners of the local church, they spoke about the experience of a shared home and the common path of faith, hope, and charity. In the parish dedicated to Saint Joseph, which was consecrated on March 18, 2025, by Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou, foreign fathers joined other working fathers from various Chinese provinces to celebrate the traditional Chinese family festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, on June 17. Many of them prepared "zongzi," a typical sweet dish of the festival, together. The following day, they participated in the solemn Eucharist together and received a fan with an image of Saint Joseph as a gift at the end of the Mass. In the particular context of Yiwu, characterized by the strong presence of foreign workers and entrepreneurs, participating in parish life together offers a recurring opportunity to experience a community that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Thus, Father's Day in the Yiwu parish, under the leadership of Father Chang Zhengguo and the new parish council, also provided an opportunity to witness the integration of diverse cultures within traditional Chinese culture. This harmonious integration is due to their shared faith in Christ. Father's Day was also celebrated in other parts of China by godparents and priests who carry out their ministry with fatherly devotion. Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai wrote on his social media account: “Today is Father's Day. This reminds me to strive every day to be a good shepherd.”

ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Pope's visit to Korea: An Opportunity to renew inter-Korean dialogue

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:22:19 +0200

Seoul – Following the official invitation extended to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027, “I also asked him to consider a stop in the Demilitarized Zone and, if possible, a visit to North Korea. The Pope said he would take these proposals into consideration,” stated South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung in a statement released by the media of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea after his return from a visit to Europe, during which he met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Expectations are therefore growing that the Pope's 2027 visit to Korea could become a catalyst for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.
According to Father Jeong Su-yong, vice president of the National Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul, “If a papal visit to the North were to take place, the positive impact on peace on the Korean Peninsula could be far greater than we can imagine. At the same time, I believe it would be even more important for us to put aside hostility, set aside suspicions, and cultivate a heart of mutual respect for the sake of peace and improved inter-Korean relations, just as the Pope is working for peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Father Park Chang-il, president of the NGO Peace3000, notes: “It seems that North Korea is following the Vatican’s initiatives with interest. They are aware of World Youth Day and know that it will be held in Seoul next year.” In this context, North Korea could send a positive message to the international community: “From North Korea’s perspective, I wonder what would happen if the North Korean government took the initiative and the Pope’s visit to the North materialized. I think it could create a good image and have a positive influence on the international community. North Korea has much to gain from a potential papal visit.” The idea of a papal visit to North Korea has already been pursued by previous administrations. In 2018, the government of then-President Moon Jae-in advocated a visit by Pope Francis to North Korea, hoping it could “give a boost to peace on the Korean Peninsula.” As part of the ongoing commitment to reconciliation in Korea, the Committee for National Reconciliation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea has promoted a “special novena for reconciliation and national unity” from June 17 to 25, which the faithful in all dioceses are observing. A delegation of nine Korean bishops recently visited Panmunjom, the famous Armistice Village located within the Demilitarized Zone on the border between the two Koreas, the exact spot where North and South Korean soldiers face each other just meters apart. On the visit, organized by the Committee for National Reconciliation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, the bishops toured the Joint Security Area and the DMZ, visiting symbolic sites of the peninsula's division. The bishops entered the "House of Freedom," which faces the North Korean side of the border, and looking north, blessed the land, pausing in prayer "that the winds of peace may once again blow across this land where a history of confrontation and dialogue coexist." They then continued their meditation and prayer for reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Archbishop Arshad: "The peace agreement between the US and Iran is a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East and the world"

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:37:17 +0200

Islamabad – “The peace agreement between the US and Iran, which we hope will be respected by all parties involved, is more than a political solution: it embodies humanity’s capacity for reconciliation and the triumph of dialogue over destruction. It is a beacon of hope for peace in the Middle East and the world,” said Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, President of the National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference, regarding Pakistan’s role as mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran. Before being appointed Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in 2017, Archbishop Arshad studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome and was the first Pakistani priest to serve in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. Following his service at the Vatican nunciatures in Malta, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Madagascar, the Archbishop has developed a particular understanding of the mechanisms of diplomacy and international mediation. From the perspective of his current post in Pakistan, Archbishop Arshad welcomes the peace agreement signed on June 17, 2026, between the United States and Iran as a “historic milestone in international diplomacy and a beacon of hope for world peace.” Expressing the sentiments of Catholics and the entire Pakistani people, the Prelate thanks the Pakistani government and military leadership “for their constructive role in supporting the negotiations.”

According to Archbishop Arshad, the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran proves that “dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual understanding can overcome confrontation and conflict.” The prelate described the agreement as “an act of courage, responsibility, and moral strength,” emphasizing that it could usher in a new era of stability not only for the Middle East but for the entire international community.
In his statement sent to Fides, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation for Pakistan, which played a mediating role in the talks that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding: “Pakistan has demonstrated its ability to act as a bridge between nations and as a responsible member of the international community,” he stated, highlighting its contribution to de-escalation and building a climate of trust between the parties. The agreement, which is also supported by other regional actors, paves the way for negotiations on sensitive issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, the easing of sanctions, and the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The reopening of this strategically important passage, the Archbishop said, is a key element: “A peaceful and secure Strait of Hormuz will help restore confidence in the markets, reduce pressure on oil prices, and support the global economy, especially in developing countries and among the most vulnerable populations,” he explained.
Archbishop Arshad welcomed the agreement but emphasized that its concrete implementation is the greatest challenge: “The agreement must not remain merely a signed document, but must form the basis for lasting peace and stability,” Archbishop Arshad stated. He expressed his hope for “sincerity, accountability, and continued diplomatic engagement between the parties so that the process yields concrete results, reduces the risk of new escalations, and fosters broader international cooperation.” Furthermore, he highlighted the exemplary value of the agreement for other conflict zones: “This agreement shows us that disputes must be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, not war. It can and should become a model for other regions of the world.”

As the head of a faith community that frequently engages in dialogue with other religious leaders, Archbishop Arshad emphatically underscores the spiritual dimension of peacebuilding: “Peace,” he reminds us, “is not merely a political condition, but a sacred gift and a sacred responsibility that must be preserved through justice and dialogue.” The prelate recalls the prayer initiatives launched by Pakistani Catholic communities in Islamabad, Lahore, and elsewhere during the negotiations. Last April, Pakistani believers participated in a “prayer marathon for peace” to provide spiritual support for the start of the talks. This spiritual mobilization complemented Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, because, as Archbishop Arshad states, “material and spiritual action go hand in hand.” “We now pray that this agreement will mark a turning point, a new beginning for the Middle East, and a renewed symbol of hope for the entire world,” the Archbishop concluded. In the coming months, the international community’s attention will focus on the implementation of the commitments made by the parties. For Archbishop Arshad, the true success of the agreement lies in its ability to “guarantee lasting peace, security for civilians, and new opportunities for development and cooperation among peoples.”

AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - The city of Rii-Yubu, consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, proclaims to the nation and the world that faith, love, and hope are stronger than distance, hardship, and fear

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:19:59 +0200

Rii-Yubu – Thousands of faithful participated in a solemn procession stretching nearly three kilometres through the city of Rii-Yubu, known as Source-Yubu City, before culminating at the newly established convent of the Adoration Sisters. It was a historic moment during which the Bishop of the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, solemnly consecrated the town, its people, families, institutions, and future to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Recounting the intensity of the day to Fides News Agency, Bishop Hiiboro emphasized how the streets of Rii-Yubu became a living testimony of faith, prayer, unity, and hope as Christians publicly entrusted their lives and their future to the loving Heart of Christ. "This consecration carries profound significance because Rii-Yubu occupies one of the most strategic yet vulnerable locations in South Sudan," the prelate remarked.

Situated along the long border between South Sudan and the Central African Republic, the area has experienced decades of challenges associated with cross-border insecurity, armed conflict, displacement, and underdevelopment. Even today, it remains one of the most remote regions of the country, connected by a road often regarded as among the most difficult in South Sudan. The remoteness of the region has limited access to government services, investment opportunities, and development initiatives, making daily life a struggle for many families.

“Yet, despite these challenges, the people of Rii-Yubu have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, faith, and determination,” added Bishop Hiiboro. “The city has become a place of refuge and hospitality, welcoming refugees fleeing instability in the Central African Republic and internally displaced persons from Tombura and neighbouring communities. In a region marked by uncertainty, Rii-Yubu has remained a sanctuary of hope.”

Throughout these years, the Catholic Church has stood as one of the most dependable institutions serving the people. Through the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and its partners, the Church has provided education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, livelihoods support, peacebuilding programmes, pastoral care, and social services. "Where others have found it difficult to reach, the Church has remained present, walking with the people in their struggles and aspirations," Hiiboro explains.

The prelate also highlighted the Catholic heritage of Rii-Yubu, calling it "a source of inspiration." The city is blessed with two parishes that form the spiritual heart of the community. Ave Maria Parish, founded in 1923, is among the oldest Catholic missions in South Sudan and has served the people faithfully for more than a century. St. Thomas Parish, canonically erected in 2011, reflects the continued growth and vitality of the Church's mission in the region. "Together, these parishes have nurtured generations of believers and contributed immensely to the spiritual and social transformation of the area."

Rii-Yubu is also home to what many consider one of the most beautiful, spacious, and architecturally impressive church buildings in South Sudan. Rising prominently above the landscape, the magnificent church stands as a symbol of faith, perseverance, and the enduring presence of God among His people.

In a place often associated with remoteness and hardship, this remarkable house of worship proclaims a different story: a story of hope, beauty, dignity, and unwavering trust in divine providence. It has become not only a centre of worship but also a landmark of inspiration for the entire region.

"The consecration of Source-Yubu City to the Sacred Heart of Jesus therefore represents far more than a religious ceremony," explains Bishop Hiiboro. "It is a spiritual proclamation that Christ remains present among His people, especially in places marked by hardship and isolation. It is a declaration that no community is forgotten by God and that His love reaches even the most distant frontiers of the world."

The bishop recalled how this devotion to the Sacred Heart has inspired Catholic communities for generations. Families, parishes, schools, dioceses, and entire communities have entrusted themselves to the Sacred Heart as a source of mercy, protection, healing, reconciliation, and hope. "For Rii-Yubu, this consecration marks the beginning of a renewed chapter," he continued. "It is an act of entrusting the future of the community to Jesus Christ. It is a prayer for healing from the wounds of violence and displacement. It is a commitment to strengthen families, promote reconciliation, and protect the most vulnerable, and inspire a future built on peace, justice, and integral human development.”

The newly established convent of the Adoration Sisters stands as a visible sign of this hope. Through their ministry of prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and service, they will help strengthen the spiritual foundations of the community and bring the light of Christ to future generations.

The three-kilometre procession was not merely a march through the city; it was a pilgrimage of hope and a declaration that Christ walks with His people. Standing at the frontier between nations, Source-Yubu City is called to become more than a border town. It is called to be a bridge of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and human dignity among peoples and nations. Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rii-Yubu now looks toward the future with renewed confidence, trusting that the Heart of Christ will guide, protect, and bless its people for generations to come.
“From its century-old Catholic heritage to its magnificent church standing proudly on South Sudan's frontier, from its welcoming embrace of refugees and displaced families to its unwavering faith in God, Rii-Yubu stands today as a beacon of hope,” concludes the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio.
“Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Source-Yubu City proclaims to the nation and the world that faith, love, and hope are stronger than distance, hardship, and fear.”

Refugees and displaced persons, the figures of a “globalized suffering” that the Pope removes from the conspiracy of silence

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:12:55 +0200

by Cosimo Graziani

Geneva – During his recent apostolic journey to Spain, especially during the final stop in the Canary Islands, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Catholic Church's concern regarding migration flows and forced displacement, one of the globalization-related phenomena with the greatest impact on the lives of countless people worldwide.

During his time in the Spanish autonomous community most affected by this daily tragedy, Pope Leo XIV met with both migrants and reception workers: “Welcoming migrants cannot be secondary or delegated solely to a few volunteers,” declared the Bishop of Rome, in a land where the passage from the Gospel of Luke in which Christ tells Peter that he will become a “fisher of men” takes on a “literal and painful” meaning. “The Church,” he added, “has read this verse as an image of her mission.”

Also today, Sunday, June 21, after reciting the Angelus prayer from the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV recalled the recent celebration of World Refugee Day, promoted by the United Nations, “on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Convention relating to the status of refugees, which was adopted to protect those who are persecuted and forced to leave their homeland, homes and families.” The Pope expressed his hope “that the spirit that inspired the drafting of this important international instrument may also continue to enlighten the consciences of national leaders today. No one,” he added “can turn a blind eye to those who are seeking protection and safety. I also urge everyone to welcome those who are victims of persecution so that they may live in peace, with dignity, and look to the future with hope.”

During the same days that the Pope was making his appeals during his apostolic journey to Spain, the United Nations Refugee Agency published its 2025 data on the global situation of refugees and asylum seekers.

According to the statistics released, 41.6 million refugees were recorded last year, a 3% decrease compared to the previous year. These figures fell thanks to the return to their respective countries of refugees and internally displaced persons who had previously fled Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. This trend is slightly contrary to that of recent years, which had shown a slow but steady increase since at least 2015. Despite the overall decrease, 5.4 million people were forced to flee their countries as refugees in the last year.

More than a third of the world's refugees are concentrated in just six countries: Colombia, Germany, Turkey, Uganda, Iran, and Chad. Of particular concern are the prolonged conditions of suffering and emergency in which displaced persons and refugees live: according to statistics, 26% of the total are in a country poorer than their country of origin, and around 70% have been living in precarious conditions for more than five years.

Further aggravating the reception situation are the statistics on relocation: in 2025, the total number of refugees whose asylum applications were accepted decreased by more than half, from almost 189,000 people in 2024 to only 81,000 refugees received in 2025.

Globally, the number of internally displaced persons within a country also decreased, although it remains alarmingly high: 67.7 million people, concentrated mainly in five countries .

The UN agency also provides figures for the number of stateless people worldwide, concentrated mainly in Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, Thailand, and Myanmar: four and a half million people in total. Among the factors influencing the number of refugees globally are conflicts like the one in Sudan and crisis situations such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo , Syria, and Afghanistan. The Sudan crisis is the most severe globally: the number of refugees from that country grew by 35% in 2025, reaching 2.4 million. The number of internally displaced persons is also very high: 9.1 million people. The situation in the DRC appears more contradictory: last year, almost four million people were internally displaced, but at the same time, 3.6 million people returned to their homes in North and South Kivu. For those who have returned, the problem has been facing a situation of complete insecurity, amidst the presence of armed groups, particularly the M23.

Insecurity also affects the lives of displaced people in Syria. Although there are almost five million refugees, as many as 1.9 million Syrians have returned to their homes, but these returns are in addition to the millions of Syrians who still need humanitarian assistance. In comparison to Syria, Afghanistan has registered an even higher number of returns: 2.9 million people. These are not voluntary returns, but forced repatriations, a consequence of changes in the migration policies of the countries that previously hosted them.

VATICAN/ANGELUS - Pope Leo XIV: "The strength of any apostolate, beyond techniques and tools, comes from the work of the Holy Spirit within us"

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:37:46 +0200

Vatican City – The proclamation of the Gospel of Christ "is first and foremost a sharing of a personal encounter with him, which is unique to each of us." And "the strength of any apostolate, in fact — beyond techniques and tools — comes from the work of the Holy Spirit within us and from the authenticity of our response." Pope Leo XIV reminded the pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square this Sunday, June 21 of this during the Angelus prayer.

The Pope recalled the fundamental dynamic of all apostolic activity, drawing inspiration from the passage in the Gospel of Matthew that was read during the Sunday liturgy, in which Jesus sends his disciples out on a mission and addresses them with this exhortation: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.”

Pope Leo added: “Saint Thomas Aquinas spoke of preaching as passing on to others what we have contemplated: “contemplata aliis tradere” .” And “contemplation,” the Pope emphasized, is not “is an exclusive experience, reserved only for a few saints or for monks and hermits.” Rather, it is an experience that everyone is capable of “by striving to set aside, amidst the commitments of our daily lives, quiet moments in which to enter into silence before God, to listen to his voice, to entrust our joys and concerns to him and to review our lives with him.”

Saint Matthew, the Bishop of Rome continued, “wrote for communities whose lives were not easy. They had to face hostility and persecution, as so many Christians still do today in various parts of the world. The temptation to become discouraged and to let weariness or fear get the better of them was great.” Then as now, in the face of difficulties and conflicts, “we must deepen the roots of our faith and our mission in an intimate relationship with him.” This, the successor of Peter continued, “gives us the strength not to despair, but to continue to share with everyone, in every circumstance, his message of hope, love and peace. The world greatly needs it!”

The Pontificate of Leo XIV and Global Politics: A lecture by Massimo Faggioli at the Gregorian University

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:10:50 +0200

Rome – On Monday, June 22, the inaugural session of the “Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics 2026,” an international academic initiative dedicated to the relationship between religion and global politics, will be held at the Pontifical Gregorian University. This program, organized as part of a collaboration involving the Gregorian University, the University of Notre Dame, and the Sinderesi Foundation, brings together students, researchers, and experts called to reflect on the major balances of the contemporary world.

The inaugural session, free admission, will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Room F007 of Palazzo Frascara. The opening addresses will be delivered by Father Dariusz Kowalczyk, President of the Collegium Maximum of the Gregorian University, and by Monsignor Samuele Sangalli, Coordinator of the Sinderesi School.

At the heart of this public session will be the opening lecture by Professor Massimo Faggioli of Trinity College Dublin, on the theme: “Pope Leo XIV and Global Politics: From the 2025 Conclave to Magnifica Humanitas.” His presentation aims to offer a reflection on the place of the Holy See in the current international context, emphasizing in particular its vocation in the service of peace, dialogue, and multilateralism.

Faggioli’s contribution will shed light on the role of the Holy See as a “potential guardian of multilateralism” and as one of the “neutral bridges” at the service of reconciliation, in a historical moment marked by profound geopolitical tensions. This reflection will also examine the specific nature of the Holy See's actions, which differ from those of power, as well as the unique contribution of the Vatican City to the pontificate's mission of peace, in view of the centenary of its founding in 2029.

The conference will be followed by a roundtable discussion with Michael Driessen, Fabio Petito, Adrian Pabst, and Antonella Piccinin, renowned experts in the field of relations between religion, society, and international politics. The entire program aims to provide a space for high-quality dialogue on contemporary challenges, highlighting the contribution of the Catholic tradition to a culture of encounter and peace.

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Father Channan: "The Catholic Church is committed to interreligious dialogue, social formation, and the promotion of peace"

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:18:46 +0200

Lahore – "The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Pakistan's Christians are a people of hope: we continue to spread the message of peace, human dignity, and justice that Jesus Christ entrusted to us," said Father James Channan, Dominican and director of the Peace Center in Lahore, in an interview with Fides, calling for the urgent need to make the Social Doctrine of the Church known and applied in a context marked by religious pluralism, social inequalities, and challenges to religious freedom. Although the Catholic Church comprises only 1.37% of Pakistan's population, it continues to play a significant role in promoting peace, interreligious dialogue, human rights, and the formation of conscience, according to Father Channan.
Pakistan has over 230 million inhabitants and is a predominantly Muslim country , while the number of Christians is approximately 3.3 million. “As a minority community, we are often subjected to discrimination and sometimes persecution because of our faith,” notes Father Channan, who points to the high illiteracy rate within the Christian community, estimated at 65 to 80 percent. Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church continues to make “a significant contribution to Pakistani society through schools, vocational training centers, pastoral care facilities, and educational programs that promote human dignity, equal civil rights, and religious freedom.” According to the priest, these institutions “represent concrete ways to build a more inclusive society that respects differences.” Interreligious dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims, is a central concern of the Church, especially in Pakistan. In this context, the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference established the National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism. This organization promotes seminars, meetings, and initiatives nationwide, creating opportunities for exchange and cooperation between members of different religions. As Father Channan emphasizes, the Dominican Order plays a crucial role in this context with its Ibn-e-Mariam Center for Peace in Lahore, inaugurated in 2010 by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. The center, commonly known as the ‘Peace Center’, organizes training programs, conferences, and activities throughout the year, particularly for young people and families, "with the aim of fostering a culture of encounter, peace, and harmonious coexistence," he explains.
Father Channan notes that "in recent years, civil institutions have also increasingly focused on this issue and established commissions for interreligious harmony at the federal and provincial levels." "Nevertheless," he observes, "it remains essential to strengthen dialogue, especially at the local level, where tensions and misunderstandings between different communities frequently arise." Father Channan Father Channon places the situation in Pakistan within the broader Asian context, reminding us that Asia is home to almost 60% of the world's population and some 415 million Christians, representing 8% of the continent's population. "In a context characterized by extraordinary religious, cultural, and ethnic pluralism, the Church's social teaching is a valuable resource for promoting good governance, responsible leadership, and integral human development," he observes. Referring to the Church's Magisterium, from Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum" to Pope John Paul II's "Centesimus Annus," Father Channon emphasizes that "the economic, social, and technological progress that characterizes Asian societies is inextricably linked to moral responsibility and respect for human dignity." He stresses the importance of including believers of all faiths in this discussion. “In Asia, religious pluralism is not a theory, but a lived reality for millions of people,” the priest observes. For this reason, he concludes, “it is necessary to intensify educational initiatives, publications, seminars, and shared activities between Christians, Muslims, and members of other religions, including through increased financial support for church organizations working in this field.”

Cardinal Chow: "Sinicization" requires reflection based on knowledge, not rejection based on ignorance

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:54:36 +0200

by Marta Zhao

Chengdu – Reflection based on an understanding of the “Sinicization of religions” is far more constructive than rejection based on ignorance. This is how Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, described the key criteria for addressing the issue of “Sinicization,” which is also relevant to ecclesiastical developments in the People’s Republic of China. He made this statement during a visit to Sichuan Province, in mainland China, before traveling to Rome to participate in the “Ad Limina Apostulorum” visit with the bishops of Hong Kong and Macau. The bishops of Hong Kong, along with the bishops of Macau, were received in audience by Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, June 18.

Peter Choy Wai-man, Vicar General of the Diocese of Hong Kong, visited Sichuan Province with Cardinal Chow and later shared his impressions in the diocesan weekly newspaper KungKaoPo. “I was able to gain a deeper understanding,” said Bishop Choy, “of how the Church in Sichuan is practicing ‘Sinicization’… It should therefore be seen not as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to the faith in contemporary China.”

Cardinal Choy led an eleven-member delegation on his trip to Sichuan, which spent a week in the province in early June. The participants met with five of the province’s bishops and concelebrated Mass with them. The trip also included a visit to the Sichuan Provincial Catholic Philosophical-Theological Seminary, meetings with priests, nuns, seminarians, and lay people, and provided a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the situation of the local Church.

All members of the delegation affirmed that young seminarians, priests, and nuns represent a source of hope for the local Church. Cardinal Chow, after his visit to the seminary, affirmed: “Young people are truly the hope of the Church and the country; we must care for them and form them carefully.” This trip, he added, “offered us numerous opportunities to better understand the ‘Sinicization of religions’ in the Church. A reflection based on knowledge is far more constructive than a rejection based on ignorance. These experiences provide a valuable foundation for continued dialogue and exchange. This is also an essential prerequisite for achieving unity in diversity.” Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing also stated that the trip allowed him to gain firsthand insight into the situation in Sichuan’s five dioceses and the implementation of the national religious policy. “We have established friendships with five bishops, which will foster future exchange between the churches… What impressed me most was meeting so many young priests, nuns, and seminarians. They all approach their vocation with enthusiasm. In them, one can see the grace of God and the hope of the Church.”

Vicar Peter Choy emphasizes in this context: “On the one hand, I had the opportunity to speak with the five bishops of Sichuan, who belong to the first generation of theologically trained clergy after the reform and opening-up policies. They grew up in difficult years marked by scarcity of resources, and their unwavering faith inspires great admiration. On the other hand, I was able to better understand how the Church in Sichuan is implementing the ‘Sinicization of religions.’ Although it reflects a political orientation of the entire Chinese society, its application has many points of contact with the inculturation process that the Church has always pursued. It should therefore not be seen as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to the faith in contemporary China.”

Tam Chi-man, president of the Lay Association, Father Franco Bellati, regional superior of PIME for Hong Kong, Sister Teresa Chong Chun-yi of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, Vicar General Dominic Kam Po-wai, Father Leo Liu Ya-lun, assistant to the diocesan treasurer, Wong Chin-to, permanent deacon, and Vicar Chan Wing-chiu also expressed their joy at the opportunities for shared prayer, exchange, and dialogue that arose during the trip. All described the journey as an experience of strong communion, “which allowed us to see God’s work in the Church in China.”

AMERICA/ARGENTINA - The Diocese of La Rioja, one month away from the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of the 4 blesseds

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:31:27 +0200

La Rioja – With the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of the four blesseds of La Rioja just a month away, the entire population is preparing to commemorate Bishop Enrique Angelelli, priests Carlos de Dios Murias and Gabriel Longueville, and layman, husband, and Father Wenceslao Pedernera, who gave their lives for the Gospel and for their brothers and sisters. During the period of the military regime, although they sought the common good, they were considered suspects and murdered. “The Church proclaimed them blessed in 2019, and this year, on the 50th anniversary of their martyrdom, we celebrate them by giving thanks for their lives dedicated to the service of others,” Bishop Dante Braida of the Diocese of La Rioja wrote to Fides.

The four Blesseds will be commemorated in various events taking place from July 17 to August 2, 2026. Among them, a Mass will be celebrated on July 17 in the Cathedral of La Rioja, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, followed by other celebrations in the places where these exemplary figures lost their lives violently.

In January 2026, Bishop Braida announced the opening of the diocesan Jubilee for the 50th anniversary of their martyrdom .
Brief biographies of the four blesseds from La Rioja are presented below.

Bishop Enrique Ángel Angelelli was born in Córdoba, Argentina, on July 17, 1923, and was ordained a priest in Rome on October 9, 1949. In 1951, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Upon returning to his hometown of Córdoba in September 1951, he served as assistant vicar at the parish of San José in the Alto Alberdi neighborhood, also assisting the sick at the Hospital Clínicas. He was appointed assistant Secretary of the Archbishop's Curia. In December 1960, he was appointed titular bishop of Listra and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Córdoba. Faced with the suffering and misery resulting from social injustices, he became a voice, in his homilies and public appearances, for solidarity campaigns to alleviate hunger and abandonment among the needy. During one of his episcopal activities, when invited to bless homes for workers at the Malagueño lime quarries, he emphasized to both employers and workers the value of commitment to "the suffering Christ incarnate in the workers," and chose to have lunch with them instead of in the area reserved for the employers. A longtime supporter of the work of priests and nuns committed to the poor, he participated in the debates of the Second Vatican Council in Rome, where in 1965, along with 42 other bishops, he signed the "Pact of the Catacombs," promoting a Church at the service of the poor. At the age of 45, on August 24, 1968, he assumed leadership of the Diocese of La Rioja. Valuing local history and culture, he strengthened popular piety, promoted the formation of peasant cooperatives, and encouraged the unionization of rural laborers, miners, and domestic workers. The persecution of the Church in La Rioja intensified after the establishment of the military dictatorship in March 1976, with harassment and arrests of priests, nuns, and laypeople, and even torture. The bishop was advised to leave La Rioja, but he refused, stating, "That's precisely what they want, for me to leave so the sheep will scatter." On August 4, 1976, Bishop Angelelli was murdered near Punta de Los Llanos while returning from Chamical to La Rioja. The court determined that the bishop's death was a "premeditated, cold-blooded homicide, foreseen by the victim." The investigations were suspended until their definitive reopening in 2006, which culminated in the conviction of some of those responsible in 2014.

Father Carlos de Dios Murias was born in the province of Córdoba on October 10, 1945. He was ordained a priest in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1972, by the Bishop of La Rioja, Enrique Angelelli, whom he had known since adolescence. In 1976, he was permanently assigned to pastoral service in the Diocese of La Rioja, where Bishop Angelelli appointed him assistant vicar of the parish of "El Salvador" in Chamical, alongside the French priest, Father Gabriel Longueville, who had arrived in that community in 1971. In his homilies, he denounced various injustices in Chamical, such as the precarious living conditions of the peasants, who received very low wages for their work. During the military dictatorship, Father Carlos continued preaching with firm conviction, fervently denouncing the injustices of that era. He was known for his courage in defending the poorest; he raised his voice forcefully and fearlessly in favor of the marginalized. After receiving threats, he stated in a homily: "They can silence the voice of this priest. They can silence the voice of the bishop, but they will never be able to silence the voice of the Gospel." On the night of July 18, 1976, Father Carlos and Father Gabriel were having dinner at the Sisters of St. Joseph's house when some unknown men arrived, carrying identification, claiming to be agents of the Federal Police. They asked Father Carlos to accompany them to the city of La Rioja under the pretext of testifying on behalf of some detainees from Chamical. Father Gabriel refused to let him go alone and said, "I'll go with you." However, instead of being taken to the capital, they were taken along National Route 38, 8 km from Chamical, where they were tortured and then riddled with bullets. Their bodies were found two days later by railway workers. Father Carlos was 30 years old and Father Gabriel was 45 when they were murdered.

Father Gabriel Longueville was born on March 18, 1931, in Étables, a small town in the Ardèche region of southern France. From a young age, he expressed his priestly vocation and in 1948 entered the major seminary in Viviers. In 1952, his formation was interrupted by the call to arms during the French colonial war against the Algerians who were fighting for independence. This harsh experience marked him deeply. In 1956, he returned to the seminary to complete his priestly formation and was ordained a priest on July 23, 1957. In 1968, he decided to respond to the call of Pope Pius XII, who in the encyclical Fidei Donum encouraged diocesan priests to commit themselves to missionary work in countries where the gift of faith was to be spread. On February 1, 1970, he arrived in Argentina, specifically in the Archdiocese of Corrientes, although he had previously spent three months in Cuernavaca, Mexico. In 1971, by mutual agreement with the Argentine head of the Episcopal Committee for France and Latin America, he moved to the Diocese of La Rioja, where he joined Bishop Angelelli's pastoral project. On May 7, 1971, he was appointed vicar of the parish of El Salvador in Chamical, La Rioja. The locals remember him as a simple, kind, and helpful man who visited his neighbors by bicycle, especially the poorest, which made him very beloved by all. As parish priest, he dedicated himself to getting to know the entire community, exploring every corner of the parish. On the night of July 18, 1976, Father Gabriel wanted to accompany his friend Father Carlos, who had been taken by unknown men claiming to be from the Federal Police, under the pretext of taking him to La Rioja to testify on behalf of some detainees from Chamical. Their bodies were found two days later in the Bajo de Lucas area, 8 km from the parish church, where they had been murdered. It is important to emphasize Father Gabriel's missionary spirit, which led him to leave his homeland to serve as a priest in places where there were very few. He was a man of profound dedication, constantly committed to his mission. He knew very well what was happening that night of July 18; he was fully aware of the situation. They had already received threats, and from the bottom of his heart, he firmly declared, "I am with you," according to the nuns who had hosted him for dinner that night, the night he was murdered along with his friend, Father Carlos.

Wenceslao Pedernera was born on September 28, 1936, in the province of San Luis. In 1961, he settled in Mendoza, where he worked as a day laborer on the "Gargantini" vineyards. Married and a father, in 1968 he became involved with the Church during the novena to Our Lady of Carrodilla. In 1972, along with his wife Ramona Cornejo, he participated in two formation courses in the Diocese of La Rioja. Thanks to his commitment and availability, at the end of 1973 he was appointed coordinator of the Catholic Action Rural Movement in Argentina for the Cuyo region. In 1974, they joined the community project “La Buena Estrella”, until Bishop Angelelli asked them to leave for security reasons. He moved with his family to a plot of land near the parish of Our Lady of Candelaria in Sañogasta. He and his wife served as catechists in “La Puntilla,” on the outskirts of Sañogasta, and collected clothing to distribute to those in need. Wenceslao continued to collaborate with the residents of Sañogasta; he was a great promoter of cooperative work among the farmers, teaching them how to plow, sow, dig irrigation canals, and harvest. He sought to put the Gospel message into practice by prioritizing the most vulnerable and committed himself to defending the rights of rural workers who, in his time, suffered exploitation at the hands of landowners. These landowners paid their laborers meager wages, very little money, and sometimes only a small portion of the harvest after long days of work. During the military dictatorship in Argentina, those who supported cooperatives were labeled as subversives, and for this reason, Wenceslao and his wife received threats that materialized in the early hours of the morning of
On July 25, 1976, someone knocked on his door. His wife, frightened, begged him not to open it, to which Wenceslao replied that it might be someone who needed help. He opened the door, and four hooded men shot him in front of his wife and daughters. Eyewitnesses recounted that among his last words to his daughters were: “Do not hate, forgive.”

EUROPE/CROATIA - Appointment of new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:13:29 +0200

Zagreb - On May 4, 2026, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , appointed Sister Ivana Gelo of the Congregation of the "Handmaids of Charity" as Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Croatia for a five-year term .
Sister Ivana Gelo was born on November 27, 1986, in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her education began in Split, where she completed secondary school with a specialization in economics and administration. Subsequently, she undertook higher theological studies, specializing in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where she obtained a licentiate in dogmatic theology in 2022. Within her religious community, Sister Ivana has held positions of great managerial and governance responsibility. From 2021 to 2024, she served as provincial treasurer in Split, and since 2023, she has served as general counselor of her Congregation. In parallel with her community duties, she carries out intense academic activity at an international level. Since 2022, she has taught at the Catholic University of Rwanda, and since 2024, she has been a professor of dogmatic theology at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Split.

KOREAN MISSIONARIES IN THE WORLD/5 - Father Lim's 33 Bolivian chapels

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:06:04 +0200

by Pascale Rizk

Okinawa Uno – Thirty-three chapels await, at least once a month, the arrival of Father Angel Lim Jaejong for the Eucharistic celebration. The roads connecting these chapels within a 50-square-kilometer radius are steep and unpaved.
The 35-year-old priest, who has lived in Bolivia for about five years, is originally from the Korean Archdiocese of Kwangju and serves as assistant priest of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Okinawa.

In a country where Catholics make up 70 to 85 percent of the population, “religious holidays are generally deeply felt, with a particular Marian devotion. People have generous hearts and support the works and initiatives of the Church with great dedication,” says Father Lim. “It is only when I visit them in their homes that I realize the true extent of their economic poverty.”

Okinawa is located 146 kilometers from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia’s main metropolis. In 1899, the city welcomed the first migrants from Japan; after initially arriving in Peru, some decided to settle in Bolivia, thus bringing with them the name of their hometown in the Land of the Rising Sun. Reflecting on the difference between the way priestly ministry is exercised in his country of origin and in the country where he currently serves, Father Lim makes the following observation: “If you think about it for a moment, in Korea, children call the priest ‘chibunim’ , which means ‘father,’ while here, they tend to call him ‘dad.’” “In reality, children tend to feel a bit neglected by their fathers at home, as they spend what little free time they have after work looking after them; thus, both children and adults often seek affection from the priest,” explains this diocesan priest from Kwangju.

During his seminary years, Jaejong spent a year in the Philippines, where he began to question his missionary vocation. “I hadn’t thought about the difficulties. For me, the call was clear, and I started studying Spanish,” explains Lim. “Through small initiatives, such as the sale of snacks organized by the various parish associations, we manage to raise funds,” explains the missionary. “Since Okinawa is a predominantly agricultural community , many residents work in agriculture, but the underdeveloped infrastructure gives them limited access to local markets, which are nevertheless a stable source of income.” “We receive many requests for help.”

The missionary went on to explain how the aid is then distributed according to a verification process. This rigorous approach has ensured that, over time, only those who truly need it come to ask for help. “With the money raised, we visit the sick. In addition to the spiritual support we provide, there is a form to fill out: we therefore go to the homes of the sick with medical staff to assess their situation and determine the maximum amount we can give them,” Father Lim explained.

“Baptismal certificates are a particularly sensitive issue in the Bolivian context, especially in rural areas. Many elderly people come to the church to request their Baptismal Certificate so they can exercise their rights as citizens,” Father Angel explained. “If this is done promptly, people born before 1940 can enjoy a dignified retirement.”

According to SEGIP , the latest statistics on Bolivians without civil registration date back to 2014 and show that 7% of the Bolivian population lacks identity documents. The law enacted on April 5, 1945, allowed Bolivians born before 1940—a time when civil registration did not yet exist—to obtain birth certificates by presenting their baptismal certificate; this is why the Baptismal Certificate has acquired considerable historical significance.

Bolivia is listed as the most corrupt country in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the latest data from the World Justice Project , and as the second most corrupt country in the world, scoring 141 out of 142, behind the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of the most pressing needs is to find and manage resources and donations without having to pay the price for non-transparent practices.

Earlier this week, the Bolivian Chamber of Deputies passed a law expanding the government's powers to declare a state of emergency. This decision comes after five weeks of protests and roadblocks, hundreds of arrests, and about a dozen deaths. Passed by a two-thirds majority, this law allows President Rodrigo Paz to take exceptional measures for a maximum of three months and has sparked considerable controversy, particularly from former President Evo Morales and human rights organizations. “I live far from home and I find aspects of Korea in the moments I share with the other priests in Bolivia, but I do not feel any particular nostalgia, because I know my mother thinks of me in her prayers, and that also gives me the strength to move forward,” concludes Father Angel Jeajong Lim.

AFRICA/NIGER - At least 35 dead in attack on Niamey airport

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:34:10 +0200

Niamey - The official toll from yesterday's jihadist attack, June 18, on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, has risen. According to a statement released by the Nigerien Ministry of Defense, 11 soldiers and 2 civilians were killed in the attack, while 22 attackers were “neutralized.” In addition, around 20 suspects have been arrested.
The statement specifies that airport security has been restored and that the airport has reopened to air traffic. The attack began in the early morning hours, when gunfire and explosions were reported near the airport's main entrance. The first shots were heard around 6:00 a.m. local time, and the fighting lasted for several hours, until calm was restored by mid-morning. The attackers attempted to breach the airport perimeter and clashed with security forces. Several witnesses indicated that some of the assailants wore explosive belts and used light vehicles to approach the security perimeter; others reported that they arrived in taxis.
Diori Hamani International Airport had already been the target of an attack between January 28 and 29 of this year . The so-called Islamic State subsequently claimed responsibility for that attack.

AFRICA/KENYA - 2027 elections: Kenyan politicians' presence in places of worship grows

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:29:18 +0200

Nairobi – In view of the 2027 general elections, Kenya's main political leaders have intensified their presence in churches of various Christian denominations.
Despite bans imposed by the authorities of the main religious denominations against holding rallies and political propaganda activities in places of worship, at least two such incidents were recorded this week.
On Sunday, June 14, opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka of the United Opposition coalition, attended Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kibabii, Bungoma County, western Kenya. At the end of the service, they made a donation to support the canteen service for students at the parish-affiliated school. That same day, President William Ruto attended a religious service at the Kiserian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kajiado County, joining the faithful in worship.
Also on June 14, leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement visited the AIPCA Thika Cathedral in Kiambu County, Central Kenya. The African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa is one of the country's leading African Independent Churches and the largest indigenous church in Kenya. Founded in the 1920s among the Kikuyu people of central Kenya, its history is closely linked to the nationalist movements that opposed British colonial policies, including those related to forced labor.
Linda Mwananchi—a Swahili expression meaning “Protect the Citizen” or “Defend the Citizen”—is a civic and political movement that promotes citizen empowerment, public accountability, and good governance. Among its objectives is overcoming ethnic and regional divisions by giving greater attention to the social and economic issues that affect the entire Kenyan population.
The arrival of the movement's delegation during the religious service, however, provoked protests among the faithful, to the point that the celebrant issued a harsh rebuke to the politicians present. Both the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and leaders of other Christian denominations have repeatedly reiterated the ban on using places of worship for political propaganda. In 2020, Kenyan Catholic bishops affirmed that churches “are not political arenas” and prohibited politicians from addressing liturgical assemblies, denouncing the increasing transformation of religious celebrations into election campaign events.
In July 2024, the KCCB reiterated its opposition to the use of churches as platforms for political consensus, criticizing in particular the practice of publicly displaying donations or financial contributions during religious services in order to increase popularity or gain electoral support. In March 2025, the Bishop of Nakuru, Cleophas Oseso, criticized politicians' donations to the Church because “we do not know where these enormous sums of money come from” .

Leo XIV in Pavia: at the sources of an Augustinian missionary style

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:21:14 +0200

by Marie-Lucile Kubacki

Rome – Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Pavia on Saturday, June 20, takes on a symbolic meaning. It is like the return of an Augustinian Pontiff to his spiritual roots. In the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, where the relics of Saint Augustine have been kept for centuries, the profound bond between Pope Prevost and the “Doctor Gratiae” is evident.

More than thirteen years before becoming Pope, when he was still Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, Robert Francis Prevost described the identity of his religious family in an interview: “The Pope in the 13th century gave us an identity with two points of reference. One is clearly Augustine: a source of doctrine, hope, and light. He gives us our charism: to live in community according to his Rule. Regarding the other aspect, we must look back to the time of our legal foundation: the 13th century is, for the Church, the era of the mendicant orders, an expression of a new way of responding to the needs of the times. This is an important source for our history.” A perspective that unites a deep-rooted tradition with attention to the urgent needs of our time.

In the interview, conducted by Antonello Sacchi and published in the volume Sant’Agostino a Pavia , Father Prevost at the time emphasized the open and available nature of the Augustinian charism: “The Order was not founded with a specific purpose: our charism is not to work in hospitals or schools. A fundamental part of our life is responding to the needs of the People of God today. There is always this challenge: to discover how best to respond to this need of the Church and the People of God today. We work in many countries, we are committed to education at various levels, the Order works in the theological field, but not only that: we are also active in the field of missions. I am thinking, for example, of the missions in Latin America, Asia, and India; I recall that the first missionaries to arrive in the Philippines were Augustinians. Our Order is growing today in Africa, Latin America, India, and the Philippines. The Order today draws on Augustine and the experience of the mendicant orders, and with this heritage of faith, we address the needs of our times.”

Leo XIV's day in Pavia—the meeting with the staff and some children undergoing treatment, with the parents of the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy, the meeting with the Augustinian and ecclesial community, with the citizens, the celebration of the Word, and the veneration of the relics of Saint Augustine—is shown as a concrete realization of this vocation. When asked what ‘San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro’ meant to the Order, Father Prevost at the time stated in the same volume: “For us, using the words of Pope John XXII, who in 1327 entrusted the Augustinians with the custody of the body of Saint Augustine, allowing us to open our convent next to the Saint’s tomb, being close to our spiritual master is very important because we have the responsibility to safeguard and promote a sense of devotion, respect, and love for the figure of Augustine throughout the centuries in the history of the Church—a service that continues today.”

It is precisely this closeness to the Doctor of Grace that Leo XIV came to share as Bishop of Rome, venerating the relics of Saint Augustine. “Our presence in this city is a representation of what we want to do in the world,” the Prior General at the time also emphasized.

In this sense, what the Order experiences at the tomb of Augustine in Pavia expresses what it seeks to live everywhere: in preaching, mission, and the building of a concrete communion.

At the end of the day, the Pope, according to the program released weeks ago by the Holy See Press Office, will travel to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, the birthplace of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thus, this double visit should allow for a deeper understanding of the specific missionary style of the man who became Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025.

ASIA/INDIA - Day of prayer and a Memorandum to be submitted to the government for the protection of social works

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:51:52 +0200

New Delhi - At the invitation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , Indian Catholics will celebrate a national Day of prayer on June 28, 2026, to protect social and charitable works threatened by a new Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026 . The bill, expected to be debated and passed during the summer session of Parliament , has raised concerns about its impact on charitable services, as well as the educational, health, and social activities of Christian and non-Christian organizations.
“The Church in India has always served society, especially the poor and marginalized, as an expression of the evangelical values of love, justice, and mercy,” writes Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, in a letter urging parishes to organize days of prayer and fasting. Dioceses and communities are also preparing a memorandum to be submitted to the central government. It will gather signatures from believers and "all people of goodwill" to express concerns and highlight the potential negative impact of the law.
"The Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party , could harm many organizations and charities. The government will be able to divert funds intended for social purposes and use them for its own ends," Father Cedric Prakash , an Indian writer and columnist based in Gujarat, told Fides, explaining the opposition from large segments of civil society and religious communities.
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026 amends and supplements the legal framework of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act of 2010. This law regulates the receipt and use of foreign funds by non-governmental organizations , associations, foundations, and other non-profit entities. The new document was approved by the Cabinet in March 2026 and submitted to the Lok Sabha for debate and approval on March 25, 2026.
According to the government, the bill aims to close loopholes in the law governing assets created with foreign funds and to simplify the accountability of NGO officials. The most controversial aspect of the bill is the creation of a new “Designated Authority” to be appointed by the central government. This authority will be able to assume temporary or permanent control over foreign donations and assets if an organization’s registration under the FCRA is canceled, transferred, invalidated, terminated, or expires for any reason .
According to the law, the agency is responsible for overseeing, managing, and disposing of these assets and is authorized to administer them and use the funds for unspecified "public purposes." However, Father Prakash notes, "If an organization's registration is later renewed or reinstated, the funds and assets will not be returned to the organizations that received them." The entire spectrum of opposition parties has unanimously called for the withdrawal of the bill. During the debate—which also generated numerous comments and opinions in the Indian media—some analysts raised concerns about its unconstitutionality. According to the Indian Constitution, the state may only acquire private property through a valid and sufficiently justified law, for a public purpose, and against reasonable compensation.
The bill drew criticism from intellectuals, academics, NGO staff, religious leaders, and members of civil society. Religious communities, including the Catholic Church, also participated in the debate within Indian society. Indeed, Indian Catholic institutions and religious congregations receive numerous donations from abroad. Meanwhile, the BJP government led by Narendra Modi postponed the debate and vote in the Lok Sabha due to political tensions and criticism from the opposition. The bill is currently before Parliament. However, the bill was not withdrawn by the government. It is therefore possible that it will be put to a vote again during the summer session. The Indian Jesuit notes: “The existing FCRA rules and regulations are already extremely strict and equipped with numerous control mechanisms; further tightening is unnecessary. The government has already suspended, revoked, or not renewed the FCRA registration of several social NGOs, many of which belong to minority groups.” “The new regulations,” the priest continues, “deal a severe blow to numerous charitable and social projects. These include healthcare, education, community development, women’s empowerment, child protection, combating human trafficking, disaster relief, emergency aid, and rehabilitation. Should this law come into effect, millions of beneficiaries would suffer.” “The new regulations,” the priest continues, “deal a severe blow to numerous charitable and social projects. These include healthcare, education, community development, women’s empowerment, child protection, combating human trafficking, disaster relief, emergency aid, and rehabilitation. Should this law come into force, millions of beneficiaries would suffer.” “Thanks to the extraordinary work of these institutions, the poor and marginalized, victims of natural disasters, the disabled, the needy and dying, as well as other vulnerable groups in society, receive support for a more dignified and just life based on constitutional principles. As Indian citizens, Christians and others, we demand the complete repeal of this law,” Father Prakash concluded.

ASIA/SRI LANKA - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies: "The Church is a bridge of reconciliation after the wounds of war"

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:43:40 +0200

by Paolo Affatato

Colombo – “Reconciliation among the various communities of Sri Lanka and the healing of the wounds left by almost thirty years of civil war are now an integral part of the Church’s mission in Sri Lanka,” Father Nayagam Roy Clarence, a priest of the Diocese of Kandy and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Sri Lanka, told Fides. He recalled a conflict that shook the country for 26 years and still leaves profound social and political consequences. “Both the Tamils and Sinhalese,” Father Clarence noted, “suffered deeply during the conflict. Even today, there are communities marked by pain, widows, families who lost loved ones, people waiting for the restitution of their lands and a stable political solution. In this delicate and wounded context, the Church continues to be a place of encounter, dialogue, and reconciliation.” “In the Catholic community,” observes the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, “Tamils and Sinhalese live side by side. For this reason, the Church has played, and continues to play, a fundamental role in building peace, accompanying people on the path to healing from the traumas of war.”
Organizations such as Caritas Sri Lanka, the Pontifical Mission Societies, and numerous religious congregations have promoted programs of dialogue, support, and reconciliation. “Forgiveness and the rebuilding of relationships have become an essential part of our Christian witness,” he affirms. During the war, a kind of wall existed between the north and south of the country, preventing people from meeting. “After the conflict, freedom of movement fostered new relationships and greater mutual understanding,” recalls Fr. Clarence, who shares his personal experience: “I was a seminarian when the war ended. Seminarians from the north were able to go to the south and vice versa. In this way, we experienced firsthand the pain of others and understood the suffering of many families. From this awareness, forgiveness and the healing of relationships were born.” Many young Sinhalese people said, “The Tamils aren’t what we imagined.” And young Tamils said the same about the Sinhalese. “Today, as Sri Lankans, one people,” he adds, “we continue to learn from our history and our mistakes. We want to build a peaceful nation, based on harmonious coexistence and mutual respect.”

Ten years after the end of the civil war, the country suffered another deep wound: the Easter Sunday attacks of April 21, 2019. “The Church has always called for transparency and justice,” the priest affirms. “Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, along with all the bishops of the country, has addressed the issue with great determination. We continue to demand that the whole truth be brought to light.” According to Father Clarence, after the attacks, the risk of a spiral of violence was very high. “Church leaders,” he recalls, “put themselves at risk to prevent any form of revenge.” They called for calm among the population and became instruments and symbols of peace. A significant interreligious commitment has developed, involving Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu leaders and representatives of other Christian denominations.”
“Today, the case remains highly visible, as does the will to continue the search for truth and justice. New investigations are currently underway, and we hope they will yield concrete results. The victims were innocent people: children, young people, entire families attacked during Easter celebrations. They have a right to truth and justice. The whole country awaits the conclusion of the investigations.”

In recent years, Sri Lanka has also faced a severe economic crisis and, in November 2025, the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, which hit the country hard, especially the central region and the Diocese of Kandy. “Many families have lost everything and are rebuilding from scratch,” he recounts. “The social situation remains difficult: people struggle every day for their livelihood.” There is a slow improvement compared to three years ago, but there is still a long way to go. The new government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is trying to address the problems, but the challenges remain numerous, and in this recovery phase, the Church is always by the side of the people. During the economic crisis and after the cyclone, the Church offered immediate assistance: “We accompanied the most vulnerable families with basic necessities, spiritual and psychological support. In this way, many people did not feel abandoned.” Among the persistent social problems, the priest highlights regional inequalities , ethnic tensions, unemployment, and increasing emigration due to a lack of opportunities.

“In all these trials, the flame of faith has never been extinguished,” says Father Clarence. The Church wants to continue being a sign of hope and an instrument of unity for all the Sri Lankan people. This “flame,” the National Director emphasizes, has ancient roots and a Christian history rich in testimonies of faith and resilience, which serves as inspiration for the present: Although it is commonly thought that Christianity arrived with the Portuguese in the early 1500s, some archaeological finds, such as a Nestorian cross, attest to an earlier Christian presence. With the arrival of the Portuguese, the faith experienced a strong missionary impulse, but also endured difficult times. During the subsequent Dutch domination, starting in the mid-1600s, Catholicism was banned, priests were expelled, and the country remained without sacraments for almost thirty years." Indeed, the Calvinist authorities of the Dutch East India Company severely restricted Catholicism, favoring the Dutch Reformed Church. "Yet the people never abandoned the faith: it was primarily the laity who kept it alive. A decisive moment was the arrival of Saint Joseph Vaz , the "second founder" of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, who arrived from Goa, India, with only one assistant. Thanks to his courage and that of the priests who followed him, the Catholic community experienced a rebirth. “Learning from this story of Providence, we know that God does not abandon us and we move forward with faith and hope,” he concludes.
The National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies looks with confidence to the future of the country: “Sri Lanka is a small and beautiful island. Our people are peaceful and welcoming. The hope is that, by remaining united and in solidarity, we can continue to live in peace and prosperity.”

ASIA/HOLY LAND - Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounces the seizure of church property in Silwan

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:42:54 +0200

Jerusalem – The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the seizure of land adjacent to the Monastery of Saint Onuphrius in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, Jerusalem, by Israeli authorities on June 15 as an “unlawful and illegitimate seizure” that “sets a dangerous precedent.”

In a statement released on June 17, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed “grave concern over the Israeli raid and land grab that took place on June 15th 2026, targeting Church property in Silwan.”

“During the operation,” the statement reads, “the Patriarchate's representative of the area was forcibly removed. His equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the property was enclosed with fencing and gates.” According to the Patriarchate, this incident constitutes “an unlawful and illegitimate seizure of established Church property in the heart of Jerusalem.”

“The Patriarchate affirms that the land, Parcel 6 of Block 29985, registered in its name under official records, lies adjacent to the ancient Monastery of St. Onuphrius, and is of historical, archaeological, and religious value. It also rejects the troubling publication, on the very day of the operation, describing the event as the "recovery of state land" of archaeological importance,” the statement continues.

The statement, sent to Fides, continues: The Patriarchate stresses that the seizure of this private Church property, with its Christian heritage and religious significance, sets a dangerous precedent for Church rights in Jerusalem. The Patriarchate adds that reliance on a municipal gardening order issued on April 18, 2019, whose term expired in April 2024, provides no lawful basis for uprooting trees, removing the lawful caretaker, sealing off Church land, or denying the Patriarchate access to its own property.”

The statement concludes by expressing “increasing concern” that the events in Silwan fall within “a wider pattern of escalating assaults aimed at weakening the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land.” It notes the rise of Israeli attacks against Christians and churches amid “unacceptable international tolerance.”
According to the statement, in 2024, 111 Israeli attacks or acts of violence were recorded against Christian clergy, nuns, worshippers, and church communities, including 35 attacks targeting churches, monasteries, and religious symbols.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - Christian and Muslim religious leaders concerned about increasing insecurity

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:23:25 +0200

Abuja – “As we wake up every day, we hear news of atrocities by Boko Haram, bandits and all sorts of criminals all over the country,” said Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria , referring to the ongoing kidnappings, attacks on security forces, and the displacement of entire communities in various regions of Nigeria.

During the thanksgiving Mass on June 16 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lagos, celebrating the 90th birthday, 60th anniversary of his priesthood, and 55th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of Cardinal Anthony Okogie, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Archbishop Martins appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to restore peace and security to the country. “Every day we hear of people being kidnapped by so-called bandits and other criminals. We hear of soldiers being ambushed and killed, including generals; people being displaced from their homes and even traditional rulers fleeing their domains for fear of attack. It is becoming more difficult to understand what is going on in our country.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, president of Jama’atu Nasril Islam , one of the country’s most important Islamic organizations, also addressed the insecurity plaguing large parts of Nigeria. In a statement also released on June 16, the Sultan called on the faithful to offer fervent prayers for the well-being of Nigeria and the consolidation of peace and security, emphasizing that the new wave of violence and insecurity seems to be resisting all measures taken so far. The Sultan specifically requested that the Friday prayer on June 19 be dedicated to special supplications to address social ills in Nigeria, including the increasing problem of kidnappings and banditry.