Fides News - English

ASIA/SRI LANKA - Appointment of the New Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:57:09 +0200

Vatican City – On March 31, 2026, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , has appointed, Father Nayagam Roy Clarence, of the Diocese of Kandy, as Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Sri Lanka, for a five-year period .
The new Director of the PMS was born in 1977 and ordained in 2006. He obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Theology in Rome, and subsequently obtained an advanced master's degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium .
He was assistant parish priest in Nawalapitiya and at Kandy Cathedral and parish priest in Gampola , Ampitiya and Ragala .
He has held the following pastoral roles: Diocesan Director of the Apostolate of Migrants , of the Laity and Family, and of Interreligious Dialogue , Director of the National Catholic Commission for the Laity , Chaplain for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul , Chaplain for Sri Lankan Migrants in the United Arab Emirates , and Lecturer at the Ampitiya National Seminary in Kandy .

ASIA/INDIA - Deputy Secretary of the Bishops' Conference: Early Motherhood: “Indian Civilization honors the sanctity of life”

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:32:27 +0200

New Delhi – “We are pleased with this positive outcome in the case of the 15-year-old pregnant girl, as she did not have an abortion. We hope that she and the child remain in good health and we guarantee them our full psychological and moral support,” Fr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , told Fides. This refers to the case of the 15-year-old girl's early pregnancy, for which the Supreme Court of India, at the request of the girl's parents, had issued an order for the voluntary termination of the pregnancy of a 30-week-old fetus. The Catholic Church in India had expressed its anguish, pleading for the child, a fully viable fetus, to be saved, raising the issue of the rights of the unborn .
According to information sent to Fides, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, through labor induction, assisted in the birth of the premature baby, weighing approximately 1.4 kg, who is now in the neonatal intensive care unit. The mother is in areasonably good health and will soon be discharged from the hospital. The newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit on life support and is at high risk of suffering significant and permanent long-term disabilities, such as blindness, deafness, and neurodevelopmental delays. “We can say that, in this case, the lives of the child and the mother have been saved, but the underlying issue remains and will continue to be raised in the future, given the numerous cases of unwanted pregnancies, particularly those involving minors,” the deputy secretary of the CBCI told Fides.
The Supreme Court has called on policymakers to amend the law regulating abortion in India to address these cases. Often, the families of young women only learn of the pregnancy when the fetus is already several weeks along, beyond the legal limit for abortion . The family is left with no option but to seek legal authorization, and the Court has confirmed that it is up to the girls' parents to make an “informed choice” about a possible abortion, considering that “unwanted pregnancies can be a burden and a trauma for the minor.” In cases of early motherhood, one can speak of "child rape," and "the victim will forever bear a scar and trauma," the Chief Justice stated. Regarding this matter, lawyers, doctors, and Catholic bishops have pointed out the "serious legal and ethical implications" of the issue. Bishop Mathew Koyickal reminded everyone: "India is a civilization, not simply a state." The moral wisdom contained in ancient Indian scriptural and philosophical traditions speaks with unequivocal authority about the sanctity of life in the womb. The Indian Church invokes this shared civil heritage today to affirm that the protection of unborn life is not the monopoly of a single religious tradition, but the common heritage of all the Indian people." In this regard, he continued: "We call upon Parliament to revise the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 in order to establish clear and enforceable legal protections for unborn but fully viable children." The first duty of the State is the protection of human life. The law must never become an instrument of violence against the most defenseless members of the human family. The priest clarifies: “Our position on the sanctity of life does not imply indifference to human suffering. Rather, it arises from the deepest respect for the dignity of every human person, whether born or unborn. The suffering of one person—such as that of a young mother—is not alleviated by the deliberate destruction of another. This is the perennial wisdom of the Church, confirmed both by natural law and by the moral tradition of every great civilization that respects and honors the sanctity of life.”

AMERICA/BOLIVIA - The economic crisis fuels social tensions: Bishops call for dialogue and reconciliation

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:12:55 +0200

La Paz – Social unrest is escalating in Bolivia, manifesting itself in protests, economic hardship, and political tensions. In recent weeks, transport companies, unions, farmers, and indigenous organizations have promoted roadblocks and called for strikes in an effort to obtain answers to their demands for economic and structural change. The protests are taking place against a backdrop of high inflation, foreign currency shortages, and fuel supply problems – factors that have exacerbated social unrest.
This social unrest has a direct impact on daily life, particularly on food supplies and transportation, and hits the most vulnerable segments of the population. Meanwhile, leading representatives of the Bolivian Church have expressed their concern about the escalation of the conflict and emphasized the need for peaceful solutions to the root causes of the social unrest. In recent days, numerous bishops have repeatedly addressed this issue in homilies and press releases.
The Bishop of El Alto and Secretary General of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Giovani Arana, warned of the country's "conflict-ridden situation," characterized by social tensions and economic insecurity. In one of his homilies, he stated: "No structural reform can bear fruit without a change in attitudes, ethical principles, and the central importance of the human being." He emphasized the urgent need for dialogue between the authorities and the people.
The Bishop of Sucre and Vice President of the Episcopal Conference, Ricardo Centellas, focused his remarks on the social dimension of the crisis and, in light of the increasing fragmentation of the social fabric, called for fraternity and reconciliation. In his homily during Mass on Sunday, May 3, he declared: "We are in this world to support one another, not to destroy one another," adding that fraternity in Christ must be expressed in "solidarity, mercy, and compassion." Archbishop Percy Galván of La Paz, for his part, called for a “sincere dialogue” based on transparency and the pursuit of the common good. In a statement to the press, he urged setting aside political and ideological interests and emphasized the need for agreements that restore stability and social peace.
Bishop Renán Aguilera of Potosí highlighted the impact of the protest-related blockades on the poorest families, who have limited access to essential goods. “The most vulnerable suffer the most,” he declared, stressing the urgency of resuming dialogue and the Church’s role as a bridge in finding realistic and shared solutions. The President of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Bishop Aurelio Pesoa of the Apostolic Vicariate of El Beni, placed the country’s situation in the context of a broader reflection on social responsibility, pointing to problems such as fuel shortages, the health crisis, and corruption. He called for a societal transformation, declaring, “Authority must always serve the community, not the pursuit of profit.” Archbishop René Leigue of Santa Cruz questioned the effectiveness of blockades and strikes as means of crisis management, emphasizing that while the economy is important, it is not the country’s only problem. In a speech on May 3, he urged a greater focus on problems in healthcare, education, and the labor market, as well as other social emergencies such as violence and drug use among young people. “We must broaden our perspective, look beyond the obvious, and concentrate on this vast reality with all its problems,” he stated.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Attacks in Cabo Delgado: terrorist actions force more than 700 People to flee from Nangade

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:55:37 +0200

Nampula - Recent terrorist attacks and movements in the Nangade district, north of Cabo Delgado, have forced several families to flee their homes, affecting at least 776 people, including children. The data comes from the latest report by the International Organization for Migration , which indicates that those affected have left their homes in the villages of Machava, Samora Machel, Muangaza, and Nkonga.

According to the report, which was published by the local press and covers the period between April 17 and 25, some families have found refuge in the town of Mualela and other areas of the district. The report sent to Fides News Agency states that several residents have confirmed terrorist activity in the fields of Lijungo village and in the plains of the Nkonga community, with reports of food looting last week, but without violence. Furthermore, the report notes that two weeks ago, terrorists returned to villages in the Nangade district, where, in addition to the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces, Tanzanian armed forces have also been deployed as part of cooperation and good neighborly relations between the two countries.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - “In this Marian month, pray for the release of Father Asukawaye and his ten parishioners kidnapped in February”

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:49:18 +0200

Abuja – “I ask everyone to pray for the release of Father Nathaniel Asukawaye and ten parishioners who have been held captive since February 7, 2026,” said Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi of Kafanchan, Kaduna State, in an invitation to priests, religious, and laity of the diocese to pray for the release of the priest of the Holy Trinity Church in Karku, in the local government area of Kaura, Kaduna State. The priest and ten parishioners were kidnapped by armed men in the early morning of February 7, 2026 . At least three people were killed in the attack. In his message for the Marian month, Bishop Kundi also asked for prayers “for the conversion of the kidnappers.” “Father Asukawaye is still in captivity,” the diocese clarifies, recalling his Marian devotion. “Since Father Nathaniel is a chaplain of the Marian Society and coordinates the devotions in May and October, the bishop requests special prayers for his release and the conversion of his captors during this year’s May devotions.” Prayers are also requested for the unconditional release of other kidnapping victims, “especially those from our diocese.”

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - The Eparch of Adigrat: appeal for mercy and the sanctity of the lives of 200 Ethiopians sentenced to death

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:28:01 +0200

Adigrat – "As the Shepherd of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, I lift my voice not only as a religious leader, but as a witness to the profound value of every human soul, created in the image and likeness of the Almighty." This is the heartfelt appeal that the Bishop of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, Tesfaselassie Medhin, addresses to all international humanitarian organizations and agencies responsible for safeguarding human dignity, for two hundred Ethiopians currently facing the death sentence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"Our faith teaches us that life is a gift from the Creator: sacred, inviolable, and deserving of protection from conception until its natural end," reads the note sent to Fides by the eparch. "While we respect the sovereignty of nations and the necessity of upholding the rule of law, we believe that justice is most powerful when it is tempered by mercy. The execution of these 200 individuals would represent an irreparable loss of life and an agonizing blow to the families left behind in Ethiopia, many of whom already endure the hardships of poverty and displacement."

We cannot remain silent while the lives of so many hang in the balance. We earnestly petition your esteemed organizations to engage in urgent, high-level dialogue with the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to seek a stay of execution and a commutation of these death sentences. Ensure that each of these individuals has been afforded the fullness of due process, including adequate legal representation and an understanding of the proceedings against them. Promote alternatives to capital punishment that allow for rehabilitation, repentance, and the possibility of redemption.”

“The cry of the poor and the marginalized must reach the ears of the international community,” Medhin emphasizes. “These 200 Ethiopians are not merely a number; they are children, parents, and siblings. Their lives have intrinsic worth that transcends any transgression. We pray that the hearts of those in power may be moved by the spirit of compassion. Together, let us work to ensure that the ‘culture of death’ is replaced by a ‘civilization of love’ and mercy. In this season of trial, we remain steadfast in our hope and our commitment to the sanctity of life.”

Many of the Ethiopians at risk are refugees who fled during the conflict in Tigray . On April 21, 2026, three Ethiopian migrants were executed in Saudi Arabia. Dozens of others are on death row in Khamis Mushait. The Eparch of Adigrat concludes his appeal by calling for immediate and decisive action in this grave matter.

AMERICA/HAITI - May and 'Flag Day' between pride and sorrow

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:41:22 +0200

Pourcine Pic Makaya – “This will be a truly unforgettable event. The children of the parish school are working diligently and with great enthusiasm on the preparations for the upcoming Flag Day, which we will celebrate on May 18,” reports Father Massimo Miraglio, MI, parish priest of Our Lady of Help in Pourcine Pic Makaya to Fides. “Following the May 1st celebrations, Labor and Agriculture Day, we continued the preparations for the national holiday with the parish school. In addition, a well-attended lecture by a young agronomist on the significance of this holiday in Haiti and worldwide took place. Finally, the students received coffee plants from the parish nursery.”

Although Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is mired in chaos, with armed groups controlling over 90% of the city and the government virtually withdrawing, leaving the population exposed to constant violence , May 18th holds great significance for the island. On May 18, 1803, Haitians achieved a triumphant victory in the revolution, leading to the world's only successful slave revolt, the abolition of slavery, and the birth of a nation. This is also the origin of the so-called "Flag Day," the national holiday that symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the birth of the world's first "Black Republic" founded by formerly enslaved people. Despite the Caribbean island is facing an ever-deepening crisis, with over a million people displaced and starving, the entire population proudly continues preparations for this event, which in recent years has also served as a reminder of the country's resilience.

AFRICA/SUDAN - Tensions with Ethiopia, Sudan recalls its ambassador to Addis Ababa

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:07:51 +0200

Khartoum – Following mutual accusations between Sudan and Ethiopia, Sudan recalled its ambassador from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The Sudanese government in Khartoum, on behalf of the Sudanese Armed Forces , accuses Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of being responsible for several drone attacks against targets in Sudan. An SAF spokesman stated that his government has evidence that drones have been carrying out attacks from Bahir Dar Airport in Ethiopia since March 1, 2026. The attacks reportedly targeted various areas, including the White Nile and Blue Nile states, as well as the North and South Kordofan regions.
On March 17, Sudanese air defenses intercepted one of the drones north of El-Obeid. Following the incident, experts analyzed the drone's data and contacted the manufacturer. According to the spokesperson, the analysis confirmed that the drone, serial number S88, belonged to the United Arab Emirates and that its control center was located on Ethiopian territory at Bahir Dar Airport. Flight data showed the drone's launch point and route through Sudanese airspace, where it attacked targets in Al-Kurmuk and other locations in Blue Nile State, as well as in North and South Kordofan. The drone attacks were reportedly carried out in support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces , which, according to the Sudanese Armed Forces , receive military assistance from Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the Sudanese accusations, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry rejected Sudan's claims in a statement, stating that the SAF supports the TPLF rebels in Tigray. “The Sudanese Armed Forces have also provided arms and financial support to these mercineries, thereby facilitating their incursions along Ethiopia's western frontier. The activities of TPLF mercinaries in Sudan are a matter of public record, and there is ample and credible evidence showing that Sudan is serving as a hub for various anti- Ethiopian forces. It is evident that these hostile actions, as well as the recent and earlier series of allegations by officials of Sudanese Armed Forces, are undertaken at the behest of external patrons seeking to advance their own nefarious agenda,” reads the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

AFRICA/EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Funeral Mass for Vicar General of Malabo, whose death was remembered by Pope Leo XIV, to be held on May 7

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:23:21 +0200

Malabo – The funeral Mass for Father Fortunato Nsue Esono, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Malabo, will be held on May 7. The priest was found dead on April 17 in the parish of Our Lady of Bisila, under circumstances that initially raised suspicions. The priest was found lying on the floor of his home with a head injury.

The announcement of the funeral comes after the publication of the autopsy results, performed on April 29 at the Sipopo hospital by Egyptian specialists. “The medical report confirmed that the cause of death was an acute myocardial infarction, a consequence of a pre-existing heart condition,” the Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea stated. Experts added that “the incident caused a sudden loss of consciousness and a subsequent fall, ruling out any signs of violence or third-party involvement.”

In his homily at the Mass concluding his visit to Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV remembered the deceased priest, who was involved in preparing the apostolic journey to the country, urging people to face their grief with faith and not to draw hasty comments or conclusions, adding that full light will be shed on the circumstances of his death .

To dispel any doubts, the local government commissioned a forensic investigation by a team of Egyptian pathologists, who confirmed that the death was due to natural causes. No signs of aggression or toxic substances were found.

The posthumous tribute began with three days of prayer at the parish of Our Lady of Bisila. The celebrations will continue on May 6 with the opening of the chapel of rest, where the body will lie in state until dawn to allow the faithful, family, and clergy to pay their last respects.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on May 7 at 11:00 a.m. local time in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Malabo. The ceremony, which will be attended by ecclesiastical and civil authorities, will precede the burial.

According to the biography released by the local Episcopal Conference, Father Fortunato Nsue Esono was born on March 1, 1986, in the Monte Carmelo neighborhood of Mongomo, the son of Francisco Esono and Carmen Ayiambeng. His vocation manifested itself early as an altar server at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He studied at the St. Paul VI Minor Seminary in Ebibeyín and, since September 2005, continued his higher studies at the La Purísima Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Bata. He was ordained a deacon on November 19, 2011, and received priestly ordination on May 7, 2012, in the Ebibeyín Cathedral. After serving as parish priest in Mokom , he moved to Spain to pursue a doctorate in Biblical Theology at the University of Navarra , writing his dissertation on the temptations of Jesus. Upon his return to Equatorial Guinea, he was incardinated in the Archdiocese of Malabo, where he held various positions in the curia until his appointment as vicar general last August.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - A week of prayers of reparation following the desecration of the Adoration Chapel in a parish in Owerri

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:06:58 +0200

Abuja – At least one person suspected of desecrating the adoration chapel of St. Mulumba Parish in the Archdiocese of Owerri, in southeastern Nigeria, has been identified, according to Nigerian press reports, though no name has been released. The identification was facilitated by the analysis of surveillance videos. According to a statement by Father Patrick C. Mbarah, Chancellor and Secretary of the Archdiocese of Owerri, the desecration occurred in the early morning hours of April 29. Unknown persons opened some parts of the roof of the building, jumped into the Chapel of Adoration through the ceiling and made away with the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Following the attack, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri has scheduled a week of prayer of reparation at St. Mulumba Parish in Owerri. The prayers are scheduled daily from May 1 to 8, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m . Archbishop Ugorji called upon the priests of the Archdiocese of Owerri to adhere strictly to all the norms and directives regarding Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration to avoid any future occurrence.

Leo XIV's Message for World Mission Day 2026 at the Center of an Online Missionary Formation Course in French

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:35:32 +0200

Vatican City – The Pope's message for the upcoming 100th World Mission Day, which will be celebrated on October 18, 2026, is the focus of an online training program for missionary formation. The program begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, in French and will be offered in other languages in the coming months.

"One in Christ, united in mission" is the title of the papal message. These words recall the motto of Pope Leo XIV, "In Illo uno unum" , based on a sermon by Saint Augustine. The papal message for World Mission Day was published on Sunday, January 25, the commemoration of the Conversion of Saint Paul, the great missionary and "Apostle to the Gentiles."

The 100th World Mission Day is celebrated on Sunday, October 18

The French-language training program on the papal message is a joint project of the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union and the National Directions of the Pontifical Mission Societies in French-speaking African countries.

The training program comprises four online conferences, each taking place from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. . A link to participate via the Zoom platform will be sent to you for each conference.

The event tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, will begin with an introductory address by Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, a Conventual Franciscan and Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union. Following this, Nicolas Lhernould, Archbishop of Tunis, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Tunisia will speak. The first online conference is entitled “The Message of Pope Leo in the context of today’s mission.” Three further events will follow, exploring the Pope's message from different perspectives. Another conference, scheduled for Friday, June 12, is entitled "One in Christ: Spiritual and missionary deepening." On Friday, July 20, the training program continues with a conference on "United in Mission: How can we live and implement the Pope's impulses in concrete terms?" The final conference, entitled "Mission of Love: Following Christ and the Saints," will take place on Friday, September 11.

Link to participate in the conference on Wednesday, May 5: from 12:30 to 2:00 pm :
https://zoom.us/j/95032376147?pwd=FEaaWvGcBoFAmu2vJO47bcd6aQCxt4.1
Meeting ID: 950 3237 6147
Passcode: 496429

ASIA/INDIA - Indian Bishops: "Even in the face of early motherhood, the right of unborn life must be protected"

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:01:44 +0200

New Delhi – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , a body of more than 300 Indian bishops from three rites – the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara – is calling for a review of the ruling that permits abortions from the 30th week of pregnancy onward. It expressed its “deepest dismay” at the Supreme Court’s decision authorizing the termination of a viable pregnancy at 30 weeks. This development, the bishops stated, “raises fundamental questions regarding constitutional law, medical ethics, and the fundamental right to life of the unborn child.”
The Court ordered the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi to terminate the pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl at 30 weeks, citing the difficulties of early motherhood. This directive “clearly contradicts the unanimous and categorical opinion of doctors and experts who have unequivocally stated that an abortion at this advanced stage is medically unacceptable,” the Indian bishops said. According to a statement from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , the medical commission proposed a safer and more humane alternative: postponing the birth by a few weeks to allow for a natural delivery. “This approach would significantly reduce the health risks for the minor and increase the likelihood of giving birth to a healthy child,” the statement continued. The state has, among other things, declared its willingness to assume responsibility for the child, including providing social and psychological support to the young mother and facilitating adoption proceedings.
Citing “established medical recommendations and ethical considerations,” the bishops point out that a fetus is generally considered viable outside the womb from the 30th week of pregnancy onward. “Ordering an intervention that could terminate such a life or cause serious harm raises grave concerns and violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life,” the statement reads. The bishops further explain: “Terminating a viable pregnancy, especially when safer alternatives exist, challenges the balance between personal autonomy and the protection of life. While patient autonomy is an important principle, it must not extend to ordering a medically contraindicated intervention. Judicial decisions in such sensitive medico-legal matters must be guided by scientific evidence and expert opinion.” The Supreme Court, as guardian of minors and those unable to protect their own interests, “has a duty to ensure the welfare of the child.” And in this case, the Catholic bishops emphasize: “The medical report clearly indicated a course of action that would protect both the minor and the unborn child. Deviating from this course of action casts doubt on the fulfillment of this responsibility.” The Indian bishops also cite the legal framework on abortion, which permits late-term procedures only in exceptional cases, such as serious risk to the mother or severe fetal abnormalities. "In the present case, the medical report indicates that continuing the pregnancy in the short term is safer and the fetus is healthy. This directive, therefore, appears to go beyond the scope of the existing legal framework." The Court's directive presents doctors with an ethical dilemma, as it compels them to perform a procedure that contradicts their professional judgment and ethical obligations. "Such coercion," the statement continues, "could negatively impact the integrity of medical practice and the willingness of experts to provide independent opinions in court proceedings." While acknowledging the social and psychological concerns associated with early motherhood, "these must be weighed against the certainty of physical harm and the impact on the right to life." “The proposed alternative solution, which includes state support and adoption,” it is emphasized again, “offers a compassionate and legally valid path that deserves thorough examination.” The bishops therefore call for “an immediate and urgent review of the case in order to save the life of an unborn child, protect constitutional principles, medical ethics, and the welfare of the child and the unborn child.” Father Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI and Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Delhi, explained to Fides: “The Church respects the dignity and well-being of every vulnerable person, including minors in crisis situations, with the utmost care and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to pastoral care, material and moral support. However, the minority of the biological parents can never, under any moral argument, constitute a valid justification for the deliberate termination of a child’s life at 30 weeks of gestation.” According to the Church’s moral judgment, authorizing, supporting, or carrying out such an act “is murder.” “The 1971 Abortion Act,” he affirms, “must never be interpreted or applied as a license to destroy human life at 30 weeks of gestation.” However, the Church’s moral judgment is that the abortion law of 1971 “must never be interpreted or applied as a license to destroy human life at 30 weeks of gestation.” “The protection of the unborn child,” reminds Fr. Mathew Koyickal, “is also clearly enshrined in the sacred scriptures of the Hindu tradition. Therefore, permitting the killing of a 30-week-old, fully developed, and living child in the womb violates even the most sacred and unanimous precepts of India’s civil, philosophical, and religious heritage.”
In this context, the Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India calls on all citizens of India “to stand up for the protection of unborn life, regardless of religion, language, or affiliation, and urges all state institutions to fulfill their constitutional and moral obligation to protect every human life from conception.”

ASIA/CHINA - Marian Month: Chinese Catholic Communities pray for world peace

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:23:22 +0200

Beijing – Prayer for peace is the focus of many processions, liturgical celebrations, and communal rosary prayers that are bringing together Catholic communities in all Chinese provinces these days.

Since the evening of April 30, liturgies and processions have been taking place in countless Catholic churches and shrines across mainland China.

From the Shrine of Sheshan near Shanghai to the Shrine of Housangyu in Beijing, from cathedrals to small village chapels, groups of Catholics large and small are gathering before the altar and statues of Mary to pray together for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Marian month of May.

Marian devotion is deeply rooted in the faith of Chinese Catholics. They have always viewed participation in the prayers and liturgies of the Marian month as an opportunity and a sign of their connection with the universal Church and the Successors of Peter. In a time torn apart by wars that cause suffering for entire nations, believers in China are also praying for the preservation of communion and the restoration of peace everywhere.

In the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan in the Diocese of Shanghai, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin celebrated a solemn Mass on the afternoon of April 30 to open the Marian month. Faithful from all over mainland China and abroad participated, along with seminarians from the Sheshan Seminary.
In addition to praying for peace, the Bishop of Shanghai explained the true meaning of a pilgrimage: “It does not consist merely of walking a path or simply performing rites, but touches the depths of every person’s heart: With every step we take, we move away from worldliness and draw ever closer to the grace of God.” Therefore, he emphasized: “First and foremost, we must remain in daily prayer and nourish our lives with the Word of God. Second, we must follow the example of the Virgin Mary and bear witness to our faith through holiness. Finally, pilgrimage should be experienced as a means of inner renewal.”

On the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Wu Jianlin of Shanghai celebrated a solemn Mass in the Sheshan Basilica on May 1 and once again called upon all the faithful to pray for peace.
To mark the opening of the Marian month, the parish of Lucheng in the Diocese of Wenzhou announced the theme for the month: “Devotion to Mary: Spiritual deepening in service to the communion.” The parish of Qianku had already opened the Marian month on April 30 with a solemn procession and prayer vigil attended by thousands of faithful.

AFRICA/MALI - A possible “Syrian scenario” for Mali?

Mon, 04 May 2026 13:15:56 +0200

Bamako – Is a scenario similar to Syria emerging in Mali? That is, the action of a jihadist actor capable of uniting other opposition groups around him to replace the current military junta. The question arises after the series of joint offensives carried out on April 25 by Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin together with the Azawad Liberation Front . Several important cities in the country, particularly Bamako, Kati, Konna, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal, were the target of simultaneous and coordinated attacks. These assaults resulted in the deaths of military personnel and civilians, including the Minister of State, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Veterans Affairs, Lieutenant General Sadio Camara.
The two groups that carried out the attacks were, until recently, on opposing sides. JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, is the successor to the jihadist groups that expelled the Tuareg separatists from northern Mali in 2012. The FLA, formed from the merger of several separatist groups, was still fighting JNIM jihadists in 2014. Now, however, both are carrying out coordinated, simultaneous attacks, and in some cases, side by side with former enemies. Although the two groups are besieging the Malian capital, they do not appear capable of capturing it. Only a political agreement that includes a broad part of the opposition to the military junta could, by offering an alternative, create the conditions for real change. The fact that the Attorney General of the Bamako Military Court has announced the opening of an investigation against active-duty and reserve army officers for complicity in the planning and execution of the attacks seems to indicate the existence of contacts between jihadists, separatists, and some members of the junta.
The Attorney General's statement also mentions the involvement of several political figures, such as Dr. Oumar Mariko, a well-known left-wing opposition figure and co-founder of the African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence party, of which he is Secretary General. If the military court's accusations are confirmed, a broad political—more than military—alliance would be formed, aimed at offering an alternative to the junta, in which JNIM would play a central role due to its armed strength. This hypothesis is reinforced by the kidnapping in Bamako of one of the junta's main critics, lawyer Mountaga Tall, who had defended several military officers arrested in recent months on charges of "attempting to destabilize state institutions." This would be a similar, though not identical, scenario to that which occurred with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria at the end of 2024, where a jihadist group formerly affiliated with Al Qaeda overthrew the Assad regime and subsequently formed a government with limited inclusion of other political forces. Several unknowns remain in this scenario: the attitude of the Russian paramilitary group, the Africa Corps, which supports the Malian junta; the reaction of the other members of the Alliance of Sahel States ; and finally, the presence of the Islamic State, a jihadist organization that is a rival of Al-Qaeda and, therefore, of JNIM.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Bishop Osório Citora: “Solidarity with the people, the bishop, and the missionaries of the Diocese of Pemba”

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:42:31 +0200

Beira – “The Diocese of Quelimane learned with profound sadness the news of the attack and arson that affected the parish of St. Louis de Montfort in Meza on Thursday, April 30. The situation is very serious; people are frightened, and we are all united in prayer.” This is what Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane stated in a telephone conversation with Fides. These days, the bishop, a Consolata missionary, is in Beira for meetings with local staff in his capacity as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese, appointed by Pope Leo XIV on April 10, 2026.

Upon receiving news of the serious terrorist attack in which the parish of St. Louis de Montfort in Meza was destroyed, and in which at least 22 people were kidnapped by suspected terrorists from the district of Ancuabe, in the province of Cabo Delgado, Bishop Osório contacted António Juliasse, Bishop of Pemba, and Fathers Marc, André, and Florence, Piarist missionaries from Cameroon who work in the affected parish, to express his full solidarity.

“In this moment of pain and trial, we give thanks to God for the safety of the missionary staff, but we mourn with the Diocese of Pemba for the destruction of the House of the Lord, a monument of faith built in 1946, and all the damage caused,” Bishop Osório stated in his message. “You can count on our prayers, the solidarity of the Church of Quelimane, and our fraternal communion. May the Good Shepherd console this people and convert hearts hardened by hatred. We are united in the cross and in the hope of the Resurrection, as we denounce this terrorist violence and pray for peace for this martyred land.”

ASIA/CAMBODIA - A new church in Phnom Penh, a new Salesian priest and deacon

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:23:19 +0200

Phnom Penh – The Cambodian Catholic community celebrated the consecration of a new church in the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh: the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, consecrated and opened for worship on May 2nd during a solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, with the participation of numerous priests, religious, and faithful.
With these words, the Vicar expressed the sentiments of the community: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” . “In opening these doors today, we experience immense joy: the joy of a completed church, the joy of having a sacred place worthy of praising the Lord. It is the joy of our people, the People of God in Cambodia, who have been able to build a beautiful church in the city of Phnom Penh to celebrate, praise, and give thanks to the Lord.”
The Vicar thanked Father Paul Chatsirey, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Cambodia, for his perseverance, as he, along with a pastoral committee and a team of architects and builders, completed the project in five years.
The Vicar also placed a handful of earth from the Cambodian martyrs under a stone slab at the foot of the altar, recalling that “the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” He further noted that the Cambodian Church has sent the documentation for the diocesan process of martyrs—including Bishop Joseph Chhmar Salas and eleven companions—to the Apostolic Nunciature in Bangkok, which will then forward it to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. “These are signs of God’s love for us and of the strength of our faith,” Bishop Schmitthaeusler emphasized. He also recalled that when Bishops Ramousse and Émile Destombes returned to Cambodia in 1990 and restored the minor seminary in Phnom Penh with the Chapel of St. Joseph, the country was still experiencing great instability. “Today, thanks to the faith and hope of our pastors and the love of our small flock, we can praise the Lord here.” “We are the living stones of this 21st century. And you, priests, as living stones, form a spiritual temple, a holy community of priests. To be priest, king, and prophet is the dignity of all the baptized, to praise and pray, to serve and love, to proclaim the Word and live it,” he said, referring to the passage in the First Letter of Peter that speaks of the “living stones.” “We can be proud,” the Apostolic Vicar concluded, “not because our beautiful church with its tall bell tower can be seen from the sky, but because we are these living stones for this new era.” Buildings crumble, but faith endures, and God is with us until the end of time.”
The bishop also recalled that the church stands on the banks of the Mekong River, near a former Carmelite monastery where nearly 600 Christians were murdered in 1970: “From a river that was once stained with blood, today flows a river of life,” he said, quoting a passage from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. The bishop then placed a relic of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, on the altar, inviting everyone to pray for families, especially those suffering because of war.
In recent days, the small Cambodian Church has experienced another event of hope. On April 26, 2026, a large assembly joined the Salesian Family for the priestly ordination of Fr. Paul Bao Le Quoc, SDB, and the diaconal ordination of another Salesian religious, Fr. Raymond Lawrence, SDB. The celebration had a distinctly international and missionary character: Fr. Paul's family is from Vietnam and Deacon Raymond's family is from India, while Salesians and faithful from Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines participated. The Salesians of Don Bosco continue their apostolic work in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, where they work with the most vulnerable sectors through educational and social programs. The two newly ordained priests are involved in youth ministry at the "Don Bosco Phnom Penh" center, in collaboration with the diocesan pastoral team. In Southeast Asia, the Salesians began their mission among Cambodian refugees in Thailand between 1988 and 1991, offering technical training and support programs for minors. Later, invited to Cambodia, they established their first community in Phnom Penh, subsequently extending their mission to five provinces of the country.

EUROPE/SPAIN - "I fear nothing. You are with me": the documentary about the Carmelite martyrs of Guadalajara and their witness of faith

Sun, 03 May 2026 11:58:57 +0200

Guadalajara – “I fear nothing. You are with me” is the motto that gives the title to the documentary “You are with me: Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara,” presented on Saturday, May 2nd, on the HM Television YouTube channel.

The chosen date coincides with the anniversary of the entrance, on May 2, 1925, of Blessed Teresa of the Child Jesus and Saint John of the Cross into the Monastery of Saint José in Guadalajara. The nun was murdered on July 24, 1936, along with Blessed María Pilar of Saint Francis Borgia and Blessed María Ángeles of Saint Joseph, in the context of the religious persecution at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

The documentary presents the life and faith testimony of the three Discalced Carmelites, considered examples of holiness, fidelity, and forgiveness. According to the investigations carried out, the cause of their death was clearly hatred of the faith.

The video features contributions from several experts. Fr. Fernando Moral Acha, Deputy Director of the Office for the Causes of Saints of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, emphasizes: “Martyrs are not just a life, a death, a chronology of events, but rather an authentic witness of life.” For his part, Fr. Jorge López Teulón, postulator of the causes of the martyrs of the religious persecution of 1934–1939, highlights the magnitude of those events: “What happened in Spain was the greatest persecution in the history of the Church in the shortest period of time: in just six months, 12 bishops, an apostolic administrator, more than 4,000 priests, and more than 3,000 religious lost their lives violently.” Furthermore, Antonio Benéitez Domínguez, OCD, Prior of the Convent of San Benito el Real, Valladolid, presents these three women as "models of responding to God's call." Finally, Sister Humildad Blanco Ortega, a Carmelite Slave of the Holy Family, reminds us that "the life of a martyr is not improvised, but rather prepared day by day."

Testimonies linked to the monastery in Guadalajara have also been collected, including those of a Discalced Carmelite nun from the community and relatives of the blessed women. Among the most significant accounts is the conversion of one of those responsible for the nuns' martyrdom.

The three nuns are part of the group of martyrs killed during the waves of violence that plagued Catholic communities in Spain during the 1930s. They were the first victims of that period to be beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 29, 1987. Similarly, on April 27, the Pope authorized new decrees regarding the martyrdom of Stanislao Ortega García and 48 companions, along with the priest Emanuele Berenguer Clusella, also murdered in 1936 out of hatred for the faith.

Link correlati :Link to the documentary:

ASIA/CHINA - Data on the generous participation of Chinese Catholic Communities in the 2026 national Collection

Sat, 02 May 2026 11:11:36 +0200

Shijiazhuang – According to data collected up to Thursday, April 30, 2026, the tenth annual National Collection Day of the Chinese Catholic community, held every year on Palm Sunday, raised a total of 933,473.04 yuan .
The offerings come from 26 dioceses, more than 70 parishes, as well as from groups and individual faithful. The funds are earmarked to support disaster relief efforts. The collection is promoted by Jinde Charities, an organization that has been coordinating charitable works supported by Catholic communities in mainland China for 30 years, and which in 2026 celebrated this initiative for the ninth consecutive year.
Since 2017, under the guidance of the Chinese bishops, Jinde has collaborated with priests and faithful throughout the country to ensure the continuity of this initiative. Over these nine years, local churches have sustained the project with concrete actions, promoting numerous solidarity initiatives in areas such as disaster relief, the fight against poverty, and assistance to the most vulnerable. The collection has not only involved major dioceses like Beijing and Shanghai. Communities in less connected areas, such as those in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, have also contributed, following diocesan guidelines. This year, the Diocese of Beijing, with the participation of 24 parishes, donated a total of 133,305.92 yuan . The Diocese of Shanghai, with 18 participating parishes, donated a total of 409,566.42 yuan . The Diocese of Ningxia donated 5,000 yuan . It is worth noting that the Dioceses of Beijing, Shanghai, Linfen, and Puqi have participated in the collection every year, consistently contributing generous offerings. The collection, held on Palm Sunday, has always been warmly embraced by bishops, priests, and laity, who see it as an opportunity to strengthen ecclesial communion and, at the same time, bear witness to faith and charity.
In each diocese, numerous priests and faithful contribute with quiet dedication and fervent prayer, sustaining this mission with perseverance and enthusiasm, and ensuring maximum transparency in the use of the funds raised. The resources collected are used by Jinde Charities to support initiatives in the areas of healthcare and psychological support, as well as reconstruction campaigns in areas affected by natural disasters, both in China and abroad.
According to information gathered by Fides News Agency, up to March 22, 2022, the initiative had funded projects worth 4.7 million yuan, equivalent to more than 690,000 euros. Among the projects funded are relief initiatives following floods and earthquakes in various regions of China, as well as interventions after the Hualien earthquake , the volcanic eruption in Guatemala, and the tsunami in Indonesia in 2018.
Furthermore, since the outbreak of the pandemic until March 3, 2021, the collection day raised more than 30 million yuan , destined to support the areas most affected by the virus, both in China and in other countries. The leaders of Jinde Charities, with a great sense of responsibility and gratitude, always direct their appeals to all baptized Catholics and all people of goodwill: “We will continue to promote charitable works and walk together to build a harmonious society,” because “Jesus said: ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Embracing the world in prayer: World Mission Rosary initiative returns online

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:55:12 +0200

Brisbane – This year, Catholic Mission, the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia, is once again inviting everyone to participate in the daily online sessions of the World Mission Rosary during the month of May.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States from 1950 to 1966, who will be beatified on September 24 , conceived the World Mission Rosary and introduced it in 1951 through his radio program, “The Catholic Hour”. This rosary is a form of prayer organized into five decades of different colors, each associated with a continent, with the aim of embracing the whole world in prayer and supporting, in a particular way, the needs of mission territories.

“As we prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Day,” explains Fiona Ng, coordinator of the initiative and representative of Catholic Mission in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, “the Rosary prayer program during the month of May takes on an even deeper meaning. This is precisely how the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, began, thanks to its foundress, Blessed Pauline Jaricot. She encouraged small prayer groups to pray and offer a modest contribution in support of missionary priests.”

From May 1 to 31, Monday through Friday, between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. , you can participate in the online recitation of the World Mission Rosary. The prayer will be led by different leaders, who can guide you for a day or even throughout a whole week. Parishes, schools, benefactors, and donor networks have been invited to participate in the initiative, with the aim of strengthening ties through prayer for the mission and for missionaries.

“By representing each continent with its five decades of colors, the World Mission Rosary is a beautiful reminder of the mission we all live each day on our personal journey,” reads the statement sent by Catholic Mission to Fides News Agency.
“By praying together, we hope this initiative will help us pause and reflect on the missionary commitment that the Church, and each one of us, has carried out and continues to carry out every day for those most in need.”

To participate, connect via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/RosaryPrayer26

Link correlati :POSTER

ASIA/CHINA - For Chinese Catholic communities, the Marian month has already begun

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:39:52 +0200

Wenzhou – United with the Successor of Peter, Chinese Catholic faithful have launched numerous initiatives for Marian devotion in May, the month the universal Church dedicates to the veneration of the Mother of God.
Nourished by a deep Marian devotion passed down through generations, pilgrimages, rosaries, hours of adoration, processions, and charitable works in honor of Mary characterize May in Chinese Catholic communities. The doors of shrines, churches, and chapels are open, and well-organized programs have announced the times for daily communal prayer as well as the necessary organizational measures for the smooth running of events.
Among the most visited pilgrimage sites in the coming weeks are the Marian shrines of Housangyu in Beijing and Sheshan near Shanghai, along with the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Shanxi, the Lushan Shrine in Sichuan, and the Rosary Village at the Shrine of Mary, Mystical Rose, in Fujian.
The Lourdes grottoes in parish churches and the small niches with statues of Mary in chapels and prayer rooms will also be visited by the faithful.
On April 27, a group of women from Dupu Parish, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Diocese of Wenzhou , made a pilgrimage in preparation for the Marian month. The group visited several churches in the area, stopping to pray at grottoes and on hills dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The entire group gathered for the solemn Eucharistic celebration, during which they entrusted all the day's intentions to God. Afterward, they proceeded to the Mount of the Virgin. At the church in Qianqi, they all renewed their commitment to service and to following the Lord's call, while two nuns from the parish explained the history of the church, emphasizing that Marian devotion manifests above all the intimate spiritual communion of believers with Mary, the Mother of Christ.