Fides News - English

ASIA/VIETNAM - A film about the life of a Vietnamese Catholic family has attracted considerable interest and been very well received

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:51:33 +0200

by Andrew Doan Thanh Phong

Hanoi - The first film of "Dating on the Day of Eclipse" about Catholicism has recently been widely beloved in Vietnam, a country where the Catholic population is very modest, accounting for just over 7%, and where prejudices and misunderstandings about Catholicism still persist in the society.

Director John The Baptized Le Thien Vien skillfully portrays religious activities at a church located in a paddy rice countryside through beautiful and pure cinematography in the parish of Tra May, Central Vietnam, where the lead actress Thien An and her mother, Mrs Ha, a notable actress of Vietnamese cinema named Le Khanh, live in a devout Catholic family, they both regularly attend daily Masses and prayers as well as actively participating other Catholic associasons in the parish.

The film tells the story of a pure love in 1995 between Thien An and a non-Catholic man being opposed by her mother who fears that her only daughter will not uphold the Catholic faith while living with a non-Catholic husband even though he promises to study the catechism for being baptised. Besides, she also has a plan for her daughter to marry a devout young man from a respectable Catholic family with a stable job and that is, in her opinion, to ensure the happiness in marriage for her loved daughter, but unfortunately Thien An has fallen in love with that non-Catholic man. Facing dificulties torn by her inner conflict, ultimately she makes a decision of devoting her life to God and becomes a nun. Such a lovely story reflects very truthfully the thoughts of devout Catholic families in the society of Vietnam when their children are reaching to the age of marriage.

This film has made the director John Baptist Le Vien Thien poure all his heart and soul into producing, as he himself stated: "As a Catholic man, I really wanted to do something to proclaim the Gospel to those who don't know God. There are two reasons that I made this film: firstly, I wanted to tell a story that had been nurturing in my mind for a long time. Secondly, I wanted to help people understand more about the Catholic faith." He added: “When telling a story about the Catholic nuns in Vietnam, in particular about romantic love, I had to do a lot of researches. Initially, I was so much worried, but when I met the sisters, there were almost no boundaries or barriers like I had imagined”.

The line in the film "Is he Catholic?": spoken by Mrs. Hoa, the mother of Thien An when asking to the boyfriend of her daughter, has been becoming a “hot trend” on the social network these days. This also made Father John the Baptised Phan Dinh Toai remembered of his mother when he said to the actress: "You acted very deeply in the image of a Vietnamese Catholic mother who wants to protect her child's faith and that reminded me of what my mother said when I had a girlfriend before entering the Catholic Monastery."

To play the role of the devout Catholic mother, Le Khanh, the non - Catholic actress had to go to the church regularly for attending daily Mass as well as joining other activities in the Catholic community for a month, and she shared: "Every time I went into church to listen to the priest's sermon, the character I was going to play gradually emerged. I felt like I wasn't acting in a movie, but living in the spirit of a Catholic women."

This film story is considered rare in the cinema of Vietnam, even it does not totally mention Catholicism, but it incorporates truly Catholic ethics and spirituality which makes the audience exciting and relatable. Therefore, it marks a significant turning point in Vietnamese cinema, and opens up a space for religious stories to be told in a gentle, profound way without feeling offensive.

According to the latest figures, the film's total revenue has reached approximately 89 billion VND after only 3 weeks of public release, maintaining its number one position in the Vietnamese film market despite competition from many foreign films showing at the same time.

The non-Catholics have gained a more positive view of Catholics and their faith by watching this film and through it they realize that God is not a distant concept for Catholics, but a living presence in every moment of daily life. Furthermore, this highly acclaimed film can present a very true story toward non-Catholics that Catholicism does not detach people from life, but helps them live more deeply; it does not take people away from freedom, but illuminates and drives the freedom into the right way; it does not extinguish love, but purifies it so that love becomes perfect. And perhaps, this quiet yet sincere way of "introducing" this film to Vietnamese audience is the most convincing testimony to the beauty of the Catholic faith in the heart of today's world.

AFRICA/CAMEROON - Archbishop of Douala hopes for the release of prisoners and a change of mentality on the occasion of Pope Leo XIV's visit

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:43:22 +0200

Yaoundé – May the visit of Pope Leo XIV offer an opportunity to release prisoners held without trial. Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala expressed this wish during a press conference on April 9. "The Pope is coming to proclaim the Good News to us," said Archbishop Kleda. "What is the Good News for us in Cameroon?" he asked. "It is peace. At this moment, we all need peace in Cameroon. With his visit, the Pope is inviting us all to be peacemakers," he continued. "The Pope is coming to proclaim the Good News to us in Cameroon." “Our country has experienced many crises, some of which are still ongoing,” the Archbishop emphasized, indicating that he was referring to the conflict in the English-speaking regions . “The benefit we hope to gain from this visit is to engage as peacemakers.” In addition to the crisis in the English-speaking regions in the north and south of the eastern part of the country, Cameroon is experiencing a deep economic crisis, to which Archbishop Kleda alluded when he stated: “Too many people are suffering, too many people are unemployed. After the Pope’s visit, we have the opportunity to show that we are capable of transforming our country.” Also worrying is the political situation following the unrest after the presidential elections last October, in which 92-year-old Paul Biya was re-elected for the eighth time as Head of State – an election marred by serious irregularities, according to the opposition and various external observers. Several people were arrested during the post-election demonstrations, particularly in Douala, which was the epicenter of the protests. Archbishop Kleda also referred to these people. “There was a crisis after the elections, resulting in the arrest of many people. Some of them have been released, but many are still in prison. Those imprisoned also include people who have never been brought to trial.” “This is an opportunity,” the Archbishop said, referring to the Pope’s visit, “to work to change this situation and do everything we can to secure the release of our brothers,” declared the Archbishop of Douala. Archbishop Kleda also referred to these people. “This is the fourth time the Pope has come to Cameroon. That is a special blessing,” said Archbishop Kleda, referring to the Pope’s previous visits to the country before Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope. “The fact is that we are not saints, that we have not succeeded in putting the Gospel into practice. The Pope’s current visit is a new opportunity for renewal and for ensuring that our society can live in peace,” the Archbishop emphasized. “This means that the common good, that is, the country’s resources, must be shared with everyone, according to the needs of each individual, as the Acts of the Apostles teaches us.” But to achieve this, it is necessary to fight corruption, which Archbishop Kleda described as “a huge problem” because “it destroys everything and prevents the country’s development.” “May each of us be ready for conversion and to stand up for justice,” he concluded.

LEO XIV IN AFRICA - Archbishop Nwachukwu: If Jesus finds refuge again in Africa

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:49:20 +0200

by Gianni Valente

Rome - The Infant Jesus found refuge in Egypt, together with Joseph and Mary, to escape Herod’s threat. And perhaps even today the African continent, though wounded by wars, tribalism and ‘inculturated’ neo-colonialism, could represent a paradoxical place of refuge for what comes from Jesus, whilst in the post-Christian West everything bearing the name of Christ is often ignored, opposed or distorted.

The suggestion put forward by Nigerian Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, on the eve of the Apostolic Visit that will take Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, is striking.

A four-stage journey – notes the Secretary of the Missionary Dicastery in an interview with Fides– which takes the Successor of Peter amidst the treasures and open wounds of the ecclesial communities and peoples in the countries visited. At a time when wars overshadow other wars, in Africa and across the world.

As a Nigerian, do you have any personal expectations regarding Pope Leo XIV’s visit to four African countries?

FORTUNATUS NWACHUKWU: As a Nigerian, my hope is to see the Pope visit my country too. When Father Robert Francis Prevost became General of the Augustinian Order, the first African country he visited was Nigeria. The Nigerian bishops recently made their ad limina visits to Rome, and they also invited Pope Leo to visit the country. We hope that Nigeria too may, in the near future, have the blessing of welcoming the Pope. Because the Pope’s visit provides a special impetus, sparking enthusiasm even during the preparation and anticipation phase. It becomes an opportunity for mental conversion, bringing out the desire to improve things not only in the dimension of faith, but also in the broader sphere of social life.

Is there a “common thread” linking the visits to the four countries?

NWACHUKWU: This impetus, this ‘tonic’ of the Pope’s visit, touches four very different countries, yet they share the fact that they are experiencing a crucial moment in their history.
Algeria, after so many years of crisis and internal tensions, is being reborn and is rediscovering peace and tranquillity. The Pope’s visit is symbolized by two doves drawing water from the source, and it highlights the need to strengthen this communion, this fraternal solidarity that would do the country good. The same spirit of solidarity and reconciliation would be most welcome in Cameroon, a country long torn apart by tensions and conflicts. The Pope’s visit may remind the people and governments that we have something in common: for Christians, it is faith in Jesus Christ, and for Muslims, it is the shared fact that we are all believers.

And what about the other countries?

NWACHUKWU: Angola has also emerged from several years of internal conflict and is rebuilding itself. It is a major producer of crude oil, and whilst this could be a blessing, unfortunately it also gives rise to a great deal of corruption in the management of resources. In Equatorial Guinea, too, crude oil production has become the main source of revenue. And those in power are called upon to use these resources for the common good rather than allowing them to end up in private pockets.

In the West, there are those who strive to outline alleged ‘strategic objectives’ for the Papal Visit, and there is vague talk of a ‘trip to Africa’…

NWACHUKWU: The temptation in the West is to lump the four countries together as if they were a single country. People speak of a “Trip to Africa”, whereas if the Pope were to visit Argentina or Peru, no one would simply say that the Pope had gone “to America”. Among the four countries there are similarities and differences that cannot be treated as identical. I would point out that the languages spoken in the four countries visited on the trip are those which, together with local languages and dialects, are spoken throughout Africa: Arabic, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What gifts and riches can the church communities in these four countries share with the universal Church?

NWACHUKWU: The visit to Algeria will remind the universal Church of the need for dialogue, especially dialogue with Muslims. It will remind all Christian communities living amongst Muslims that they must be supported in their urgent need to live in an atmosphere of dialogue and mutual acceptance, so that they may continue to live and flourish. I lived in Algeria as secretary of the Nunciature, and in the light of that experience I wish to emphasize that we need to highlight the importance of inter-religious dialogue and dialogue with Islam, also for the good of the ‘little flock’ in Algeria.

An important part of the visit to Algeria will be the visit to Annaba, the ancient Hippo, where Saint Augustine was Bishop…

NWACHUKWU: This, too, will help remind us that the Church flourished in Algeria and North Africa in the early centuries. But even in the Gospel there is a strong link between the Holy Land, the History of Salvation and North Africa. It is Simon of Cyrene who helps Jesus carry the cross, and Cyrene was in what is now Libya. Mary and Joseph flee to Africa, going to Egypt to save the infant Jesus from Herod. And perhaps something similar is happening now…

In what way?

NWACHUKWU: It is a thought that has struck me ever since I was a doctoral student at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. When I was studying Sacred Scripture, I saw that Africa had offered refuge to the life of the infant Jesus, which was threatened by Herod. It had been a place of aid and protection. Then, once the danger had passed, Jesus returned with Mary and Joseph to the Holy Land. Perhaps even today, Christianity—the life that flows from Jesus—is once again under threat in the post-Christian West, where many people seem to harbour an inexplicable aversion towards us and everything that bears the name of Christ. And so, in this situation of pressure from a threatening ideology, who knows – I wondered and I still wonder – whether this might not be another moment in which Africa can once again offer a kind of refuge for what comes from Jesus, just as it did when Jesus was a child. This might also help us to understand what the current growth of Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa suggests. In Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, too, the Catholic Church and other Churches and ecclesial communities are growing.

When people refer to this growth, they sometimes speak of it as a self-generated phenomenon, without even mentioning the work of the missionaries…

NWACHUKWU: When the Lord wishes to prepare a place of refuge, He always does so in a unique and surprising way. In this case, the Lord began to prepare a place of refuge through the missionaries as well. Those who gave—and continue to give even today—their youth, who left behind a more comfortable life and their loved ones, set out for unknown lands where death loomed and incurable diseases prevailed, and many sacrificed their very lives. We, with all our skills and eloquence, no longer have the courage, the faith, or the passion that leads one to sacrifice one’s own life to proclaim the Gospel.

What, then, are the open wounds, the points of suffering, within the Churches of the sub-Saharan countries that Pope Leo will visit?

NWACHUKWU: Some of these wounds are linked to tribalism and ethnocentrism, and take the form of isolation and self-absorption. I call it the ‘selfie mentality’. A mentality that is also expressed today in the trend of taking photos by turning one’s mobile phone towards oneself. An introversion which, in a way, is already mentioned in the first book of the Bible…

Where does it mention it?

NWACHUKWU: In Genesis we see that God created man and woman in his own image and likeness. Man was meant to be like a mirror, a mirror or a camera focused on God, capturing and reproducing God’s image and likeness. In the original state of creation, man and woman were not turned in on themselves; they did not look at one another, so much so that they did not even realize they were naked, and they felt no shame. With Sin, the situation is reversed; man and woman turn in on themselves. The camera lens turns in on themselves, just as happens now with ‘selfies’ taken with mobile phones. They are at the centre, and only then do they realize their nakedness; they begin to feel ashamed, to divide themselves and to blame one another for their sins. It is from there that we entered the ‘realm of the selfie’; it is from there that divisions, tribalism and fratricidal wars arise – from Cain and Abel to the present day, to the wars in Ukraine and Iran, to the genocide in Rwanda. All forms of tribalism and ethnocentrism, which also influence the life of church communities, stem from there. And they can only be overcome if our encounter with Jesus reopens our eyes and frees our gaze from self-absorption. As happened to the disciples of Emmaus, in chapter 24 of the Gospel according to Luke: when Jesus broke bread before the two disciples – as the Gospel tells us. Only then ‘were their eyes opened’. Only then did they cease to look at themselves, but recognized Jesus.

In the countries the Pope will visit, the Church’s mission has been intertwined with colonialism and the processes of decolonization. And now?

NWACHUKWU: I am tempted to say that colonialism is a truly diabolical thing, which treats people and nations as tools, with the sole aim of reducing those very people and nations to a state of submission in order to exploit them. The root of colonialism is also what I would call the ‘selfie culture’. The colonialist sees only himself; his interests become the measure of all things. And others—peoples and individuals—are merely tools for pursuing one’s own interests. In Africa, after enduring colonialism, we entered the era of independence. Africans were given, at least in part, the opportunity to lead their own countries. Are they doing a good job of it? I would say that we can only blame the West for Africa’s current ills to a certain extent. We cannot continue this game of always accusing others, of always pointing the finger elsewhere.

We have seen examples of African governments that have taken the situation in hand and started to change things in their own countries. Whilst, unfortunately, there are leaders who wield their power with arrogance, and almost apply the very practices of colonialism in an ‘inculturated’ form, adapting them to nepotism and tribalism. They favour their own families and ethnic groups, aiming to eradicate other ethnic groups.

Thus, when Western companies come to Africa to exploit the mines, they always do so by involving local people and groups who often do not have the country’s best interests at heart, but only their own pockets. Who are we to blame when there is slave labour or human trafficking? Sometimes the victims of trafficking are handed over to traffickers by their own relatives and acquaintances.

The Pope is leaving Rome and flying to Africa at a time of war. How are the conflicts that dominate the world’s attention viewed and experienced in African countries?

NWACHUKWU: The Pope’s trip may also draw attention to Africa’s forgotten wars.
In the West, there is a perception that the only wars currently taking place are those in Iran, Lebanon and Ukraine. Yet there are conflicts in Myanmar, and the one between Pakistan and Afghanistan. There has been a civil war in Cameroon for years, and nobody talks about it. There is no mention of Christians and Muslims being kidnapped or slaughtered in Nigeria. And then there are wars and violence in South Sudan, or in the Horn of Africa… The number of people killed, wounded and displaced in these conflicts is shocking. And the Pope’s visit may bring all this to the world’s attention.

Amel Shimon Nona is the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and takes the name Paulos III

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:06:05 +0200

Rome – The Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Church, gathered in Rome since Thursday 9 April, today elected Amel Shimon Nona as Patriarch of the Chaldean Church. Until now, he has served as Archbishop of the Chaldean Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle in Sydney, responsible for the pastoral care of Chaldeans in Australia and New Zealand. This was reported on the official website of the Chaldean Patriarchate, announcing that the new Patriarch has chosen the name Paulos III. In accordance with canonical provisions, once elected, the new Patriarch must receive the “Ecclesiastica Communio” from the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV.

The electoral synodal assembly, which brought together 17 Chaldean bishops, had been convened in Rome to elect the new Patriarch after Pope Leo XIV, on 10 March, accepted the resignation from the office of Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans submitted by Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, who had led the Chaldean Church for more than 13 years.

Amel Shimon Nona was born in Alqosh, a town in the Nineveh Plains, on 1 November 1967. After completing his secondary education, he entered the Chaldean Patriarchal Seminary in 1985 and was ordained a priest on 11 January 1991 in Baghdad.
From 1993 to 1997 he served as parish vicar in Alqosh, then as parish priest until 2000, when he enrolled at the Pontifical Lateran University. In 2005 he obtained a degree in Theology and returned to his homeland to resume his pastoral ministry as parish priest in Alqosh.
Proto-Syncellus of the Archeparchy of Alqosh and professor of Anthropology at Babel College’, the Iraqi theological faculty of the Chaldean Church, on 13 November 2009 Pope Benedict XVI gave his assent to his appointment as Archbishop of Mosul, as successor to the martyred Bishop Faraj Paulus Raho, who had been kidnapped and killed the previous year.

On 8 January 2010, Amel Shimon Nona received episcopal ordination from the then Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly at the Monastery of Dair al Sayida in Alqosh.

On 9 June 2014, jihadist militants from the Islamic State captured Mosul, Iraq’s second city, which in the following years would become the Iraqi capital of their self-proclaimed “Caliphate”. The city’s Christians immediately began their exodus, fleeing towards the Nineveh Plain. Archbishop Nona remained in the city for several more weeks. At that time, when contacted by Fides, Nona, with foresight, expressed his concern that “the sufferings and problems of Christians in Iraq and the Middle East during this troubled time might become a pretext for alarmist campaigns and propaganda, clearly intended to serve other purposes”. Then, as the jihadist offensive swept through the towns and villages of the Nineveh Plain, Archbishop Nona too was forced to leave Mosul. In October, having also been displaced to Ankara, a suburb of Erbil that had become a safe haven for many Christians fleeing Mosul and the Nineveh Plain, he too took part in a three-day festival organized by the Chaldean Church for young refugees, which he described to Fides as “an attempt to help young people not to shut themselves off in pessimism, not to fall into depression, and to realize that even in the circumstances we are facing, the Lord can safeguard our hope”.

On 15 January 2015, Pope Francis appointed Amel Shamon Nona as Bishop of the Chaldean Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle in Sydney, transferring him from the Chaldean See of Mosul whilst retaining his title of Archbishop “ad personam”. His installation in Sydney took place on 7 March.

Since then, Archbishop Nona has devoted himself to the pastoral care of the Chaldean diaspora in Australia and New Zealand, whilst also expanding the list of his publications on liturgical, theological and pastoral topics. The official website of the Chaldean Patriarchate also highlights, among his qualities, his theological depth, his closeness to the people of God and his testimony of faith in difficult times.

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, England, 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.