Fides News - English

ASIA/CHINA - Joseph Lin Yuntuan is the new Auxiliary Bishop of Fuzhou

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:36:13 +0200

by Gianni Valente

Fuzhou – Today, Wednesday 11 June 2025, the feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle, the ‘recognition of the civil effects’ and the taking of possession of the office of 73-year-old Msgr. Joseph Lin Yuntuan, whom the Holy Father, “in the framework of the dialogue regarding the application of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China,” appointed on 5 June 2025 as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou , took place.
This is the first appointment regarding a Chinese Bishop by the current Pope, less than a month after the beginning of his Pontificate.

The official recognition of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Fuzhou was a long-awaited event for the local community. Until now, the authorities and apparatuses under the Chinese government had not recognized Bishop Lin’s episcopal office.
The official ceremony was presided over by Vincent Zhan Silu, Bishop of Mindong, who also participated in the Synod of Bishops Assembly in Rome last October.

During the ceremony, Bishop Lin declared his commitment to the Constitution and his desire to help everyone love the country and the Church, to proclaim the Gospel, and promote the unity of the country in harmony by following the principles of "Sinicization." The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Bishops' Conference, the Patriotic Association, and the Religious Affairs Committee of the Province.

Following the inauguration ceremony, a Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Joseph Cai Bingrui, Bishop of Fuzhou. Several Bishops from the dioceses of Fujian Province took part in the concelebration: in addition to Bishop Zhan Silu, Bishop Lin Yuntang and Bishop Wu Yishun of Minbei, along with about 80 priests and more than 200 religious sisters and lay people.

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, commented on the ceremony held this morning in the Cathedral of Fuzhou:
“We are pleased to learn that today, on the occasion of the taking possession of the Office of Auxiliary Bishop of Fuzhou by His Excellency Monsignor Joseph Lin Yuntuan, his Episcopal Ministry is also recognized for the purposes of civil law. This event constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese Authorities and is an important step in the journey of communion of the Diocese”.

Joseph Lin Yuntuan, according to the Holy See Press Office bulletin, was born in Fuqing on March 12, 1952. From 1979 to 1983 he attended the diocesan seminary of Fuzhou. He was ordained a priest on 9 April 1984. From 1984 to 1994 and again from 1996 to 2002 he held the office of parish priest in various parishes in the diocese. In 1985 he also held the role of teacher in the diocesan seminary. From 1994 to 1996, and then from 2000 to 2003, he held the office of deputy director of the diocesan Economic Commission. At the same time, for several years, he was episcopal delegate. From 2003 to 2007 he held the office of diocesan administrator, while in the subsequent period, until 2013, he assisted the Apostolic Administrator of the circumscription as his delegate. From 2013 to 2016 he then performed the ministry of Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis. He received episcopal ordination on 28 December 2017.

Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui officially assumed the leadership of the episcopal See of Fuzhou on January 23, having previously served as Bishop of the Diocese of Xiamen. On that day, the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis, “having approved his candidature in the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, appointed on 15 January 2025,
Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui of Fuzhou, "transferring him from the diocese of Xiamen".
Both dioceses are located in the coastal province of Fujian.

During the ceremony, presided over, also on that occasion, by Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu, it was stated that the transfer takes place with the consent of the Bishop of Rome, and the letter of acceptance of the transfer prepared by the "college of Chinese Bishops" was read.

The Diocese of Fuzhou

In recent decades, the ecclesial community of Fuzhou has faced suffering and external pressures that have also fueled internal divisions.
Before Bishop Cai Bingrui's appointment, the episcopal See of Fuzhou had been vacant since April 14, 2023, the day Bishop Peter Lin Jiashan passed away at the age of 88 .

On June 9, 2020, the Chinese political authorities officially recognized the episcopal ministry of Peter Lin Jiashan. Prior to the official installation act, Archbishop Lin had sent a letter to priests and consecrated women in which, among other things, he reported that he had accepted the recognition of the bodies accountable to the government because his intent was to "seek unity" in the diocese, and after the China-Holy See agreement of 2018 and the "pastoral guidelines" published by the Vatican Dicasteries in 2019, the "conditions" for moving forward on the path of reconciliation were fully realized. Bishop Lin assured that the act of publicly formalizing his episcopal ministry was fully in accordance with the faith confessed by the "one, holy, Catholic and apostolic" Church. Bishop Lin also asked all the baptized to "live in a spirit of unity and communion, following the path of reconciliation through mutual acceptance and forbearance, avoiding attacks and judgments that fuel discord, in order to be one in Jesus Christ".

ASIA/MYANMAR - Love your enemies in times of war: the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements in Myanmar

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:49:25 +0200

Yangon - "Love your neighbor, love first, love your enemies." These are the words of the Gospel, these are the words of Christ, and these are the words that every Christian is called to live in the context of Myanmar, marked by suffering, violence, pain, conflict, the struggle for survival, and displacement. These are words that fill the minds and hearts of Burmese Catholics, who experienced Pentecost as a moment of profound spiritual renewal in their "here and now." How can the Spirit of God be received and lived in Myanmar today, asked the members of the ecclesial movements and associations who gathered in St. Mary's Cathedral in Yangon to celebrate the "Jubilee of Ecclesiastical Movements" on the occasion of Pentecost.
On June 7 and 8, numerous families and many young people participated in the Jubilee celebration, which brought together members of various local and international ecclesial associations and movements from all parts of the country. Despite many difficulties, the faithful set out, moved by the joy of experiencing a shared encounter with Christ, who gives the strength to resist evil and the suffering caused by violence. Among them were many lay believers belonging to the Congregation of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Focolare Movement, the Missionary Family of Christ, and the ecumenical Catholic association "Fondacio," among others. The faithful passed through the Holy Door and marked the celebration with song and prayer. Representatives chosen by the individual movements presented their movements and missions and shared their experiences and activities, such as helping the poor, visiting the sick, praying in community, and caring for the displaced. In the current difficult context, the faithful found themselves as a people of believers who, animated by the Holy Spirit, who inspires the various charisms of life, are the evangelical "salt, light, and leaven" in every situation and in every corner of the country, even amidst hardship and violence. The presence of movements and organized associations of believers proves to be a gift from God, especially for the journey of faith and for the daily lives of families and young people suffering from the widespread insecurity caused by the war and the recent earthquake. Among the testimonies, Ms. Winny of the Focolare Movement reminded those present that "love for one’s neighbor begins at home" and that, in all difficulties that surpass human comprehension, one must keep one's gaze fixed on Christ the Lord, who hangs on the Cross.
In the Cathedral, the faithful were able to adore the Blessed Sacrament and experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Eucharistic celebration followed, presided over by Bishop Francis Than Tun, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Yangon. Raymond Wai Lin Tun, also Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, emphasized in his homily that the ecclesial movements "live the Gospel in communion with a spirit of personal spiritual renewal and the proclamation of the Gospel" through experiences of catechesis, community life, solidarity, and service to others. They play an important role for the Church in Myanmar because they are "living witnesses of Christ," the bishop said, emphasizing the importance of "being one with the Church." Among those present, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar, conveyed greetings and blessings from Pope Leo XIV and asked for prayers for him and his ministry. He then invited everyone to remember Pope Francis in prayer, who prayed so much for Myanmar. "The gift of the Spirit gives life; the Holy Spirit brings us new life, love, peace, and freedom," he said, inviting gestures of solidarity with the faithful who were unable to attend due to insecurity and the earthquake.

ASIA/CHINA - Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:29:15 +0200

Vatican City - Today, Wednesday 11 June 2025, the recognition of the civil effects and the taking of possession of the office of Msgr. Joseph Lin Yuntuan, whom the Holy Father, in the framework of the dialogue regarding the application of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, appointed on 5 June 2025 as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou , took place.
Msgr. Joseph Lun Yuntuan was born in Fuqing, Fujian, on 12 March 1952. From 1979 to 1983 he attended the diocesan seminary of Fuzhou. He was ordained a priest on 9 April 1984. From 1984 to 1994 and again from 1996 to 2002 he held the office of parish priest in various parishes in the diocese. In 1985 he also held the role of teacher in the diocesan seminary. From 1994 to 1996, and then from 2000 to 2003, he held the office of deputy director of the diocesan Economic Commission. At the same time, for several years, he was episcopal delegate. From 2003 to 2007 he held the office of diocesan administrator, while in the subsequent period, until 2013, he assisted the Apostolic Administrator of the circumscription as his delegate. From 2013 to 2016 he then performed the ministry of Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis. He received episcopal ordination on 28 December 2017.

AFRICA/SUDAN - Kordofan, the new epicenter of the Sudanese conflict

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:17:55 +0200

Khartoum – The Kordofan region has become the main stage of the war that, since December 2023, has seen the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces .
The region is divided into three federal states: North, South, and West Kordofan. Its strategic importance lies in its central location: it separates Darfur, the RSF's western stronghold, from the eastern regions where the army has managed to expel the paramilitaries, especially from the Khartoum area.
In response to this situation, the the army has deployed significant troops in the region, with easily accessible supply lines from the rear. They are currently advancing along the Saderat highway in an attempt to capture Bara, the largest city under RSF control in North Kordofan. In response, the RSF has launched attacks against government positions in Babanusa, in West Kordofan.
Losing control of Kordofan would open the door for a direct enemy offensive in Darfur. Therefore, the paramilitaries led by Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo have declared a general mobilization to halt the army's advance. Both sides have intensified drone attacks. The army has bombed RSF positions in Bara and Gabrat al-Sheikh—north and northwest of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, as well as in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur and a key RSF logistical hub. In turn, the paramilitaries have used drone attacks on military positions in El Obeid, a town controlled by the paramilitaries but virtually surrounded by the RSF. The conflict is increasingly taking on an international dimension. The SAF has accused the RSF, with the support of Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army, of attacking border posts in the border triangle between Libya, Egypt, and Sudan.
In a statement, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the UAE's support for these actions, calling them a "dangerous escalation" and a "clear violation of international law." "The border between Sudan and Libya has become a corridor for arms trafficking and mercenaries serving terrorist militias, financed by the UAE and coordinated by Haftar's forces and other extremist groups," the Ministry said. The accusations have been rejected by the Libyan general, although it is acknowledged that Haftar enjoys support from both the Emirates and Egypt, a country that is among the Sudanese army's main allies.

AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - Bishops of Bangassou call for an end to violence in the diocese

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:28:22 +0200

Bangui – "We, the Bishops of Bangassou, together with the entire Catholic community, are deeply concerned about the violence affecting Haut Mbomou," emphasize Juan Josè Aguirre, Bishop of Bangassou and Aurelio Gazzera, Coadjutor Bishop of the diocese in the south-east of the Central African Republic, in a pastoral letter read on Sunday, June 8, during the Mass in the parishes of the diocese in the southeast of the Central African Republic.
"We cannot accept that the southeast of our country, the Central African Republic, is the scene of violence of any kind, a land from which people are fleeing, a land of devastation," the two bishops write. "We mourn the dozens of deaths in recent weeks," they emphasize in this context. In their letter, Bishops Aguirre and Gazzera recall that "the southeast has been in mourning for decades, a region fought over and exploited first by LRA fighters, then by the Seleka rebels, and finally by the Azande Ani Kpi Gbe; the latter movement, founded to protect the population from the violence of the UPC and other former armed groups, is in danger of becoming a danger to the population itself." The LRA is a guerrilla movement born in Uganda that has been active in this part of Central Africa for several years, while the Seleka movement brings together a number of militias that emerged during the 2012 civil war. The UPC , on the other hand, is a group that emerged in 2014 from a split of the Seleka movement. These groups have recently been joined by mercenaries from the Russian private military company Wagner, who officially operate in support of the Armed Forces of Central Africa , but have been responsible for serious violence against innocent civilians. "In recent weeks, we have mourned deaths: FACA soldiers, but also civilians. Civilians have been shot, wounded, tortured, and executed - with complete impunity," said Bishops Aguirre and Gazzera. "We think of the thousands of civilians who have been forced to flee Zemio, Mboki, and Djema, including tens of thousands on their way to the Democratic Republic of Congo. We think of villages that have been bombed, looted, and set on fire." "All of this must end: The violence will not stop. Quite the opposite! Violence only breeds more violence, division and misery, hatred, mistrust, and ultimately a vicious cycle of revenge," the bishops warn. "We ask all those involved: Azande Ani Kpi Gbe, FACA, Wagner, and the population, to put an end to the violence and to commit themselves so that this remote and isolated region, without roads or transport links, can live in peace and become a territory where every woman, man, child, and young person can look to life and the future with hope," Bishops Aguirre and Gazzera wrote in their pastoral letter. "The Catholic Church, which has opened the doors of the missions in Zemio, Mboki, and Obo in recent weeks, is always ready and willing to welcome all people of good will around the table to discuss and work on peace, reconciliation, and development in the region," the two bishops emphasized. "This is not the time for war, but for dialogue! It is not the time for violence, but the time to listen! It is not the time for suspicion, resentment, accusations, and jealousies, but the time to listen to the poor, to hear their cry for peace! Let us pray and implore peace. But let us also be women and men of peace, in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Peace be with you!" the bishops conclude.

ASIA/LEBANON - MECC TV: The Middle East Council of Churches launches an ecumenical television channel

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:10:08 +0200

Lebanon - A new "ecumenical" television and radio station is intended as an instrument of shared witness for the churches and ecclesial communities of the Middle East. The new channel, MECC TV, began its experimental test broadcasts today, June 10. It is a new media initiative of the Middle East Council of Churches , which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1974.

The initiative was presented at a press conference yesterday, Monday, June 9, in Beirut, at the headquarters of the MECC General Secretariat.

During the press conference, MECC Media Relations Officer Lea Adel Maamary emphasized that the primary role of Christian media "amidst dangers and surprises is to give its people strength" and to help preserve the historical and ecclesiastical heritage of individual Churches. Jordanian priest Rifaat Bader, initiator and editor-in-chief of the news portal "abouna.org," who also participated in the conference, emphasized that the ecumenical initiative, which aims to unite Christians in proclaiming the Gospel through the media, is taking shape at a time when the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which formulated the common creed still recited by the various denominations today, is being celebrated.
Professor Michel Abs, Secretary General of the MECC, pointed out in his contribution as an academic and analyst of social processes that, in modern times, the manipulation of information can go so far as to constitute a real crime, while the sharing and dissemination of information for the common good "represents a human, national, and religious duty."
Founded in Nicosia in 1974 and currently based in Beirut, the Ecumenical Council of Churches of the Middle East aims to facilitate cooperation among the Christian communities of the Middle East on issues of common interest and to contribute to overcoming denominational differences.

Approximately 30 members of several "ecclesial communities" - the Catholic, the Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Evangelical - are members of the Council.

ASIA/CAMBODIA - Catholics appeal to the United Nations: "Stop the massacre of innocents in Gaza"

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:58:13 +0200

Phnom Penh - "We, bishops, priests, men and women religious, and the faithful in Cambodia, ask the United Nations to intervene urgently to end the violence and bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, so that peace can prevail and people can live in dignity, with respect for human rights, in mutual love, and in tranquility," reads an appeal released by the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, on behalf of the Catholic community in Cambodia. The appeal is also joined by the Apostolic Prefects of Battambang and Kompong Cham, Bishop Enrique Figaredo and Bishop Pierre Hangly, who issue an "urgent appeal" for an end to the violence in the Strip. The appeal of the bishops, which Fides has received, was preceded by an interreligious event in which representatives of the Catholic community in Cambodia participated together with delegates from the Buddhist communities: the international symposium on the theme "Buddhists and Christians working together for peace through reconciliation and resilience" .
"This dialogue," the bishops stated, "has demonstrated religious harmony in Cambodia as an exemplary model that we can proudly present to the world." Referring to the International Day for the Rights of the Child, the bishops expressed concern about the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip: "We cannot remain silent. How can we join together in the search for peace while the war continues, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people, especially children and infants?" they asked. The message recalls the "Massacre of the Innocents," which Herod ordered according to the account in the Gospel of Matthew, and states: "Tragically and painfully, in 2025, we see history repeating itself in Gaza. Since 2023, approximately 18,000 children and infants have lost their lives in this war. Many families have lost fathers, mothers, and children; their homes have been destroyed by shelling." Furthermore, "there is no access to education; people suffer from a lack of medical care, disabilities, and food shortages. Images of children, grandparents, and thousands of dying parents are shared daily on social media, causing great pain and sorrow for all of us," the document states. In the face of so much violence, "the Catholic community in Cambodia thanks God for granting Cambodia religious harmony and guiding us to live in peace. But we cannot remain indifferent when we see how children and thousands of people suffer, how the injured and disabled die every day." It continues: "We remember the year 1975, when the Khmer Rouge seized control of Phnom Penh and sealed Cambodia off from the world for three years, eight months, and 20 days. During this time, the international community remained silent and allowed more than 20% of the Cambodian population—approximately 2 million people—to die of starvation and mass murder. Under this regime, people were physically and psychologically tortured, separated from their families, and lived without family ties, in mutual distrust, and in extreme fear." Back then, the bishops note, "there were no social media platforms like today. But today we have this social media, which allows us to witness the tragedy in Gaza every day. We must pray to God that peace will prevail." "The Catholic community in Cambodia launches an urgent appeal, asking the United Nations to use all means to immediately end the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip" so that "more children and innocent people do not die, suffer pain, live in fear, become homeless, or suffer hunger because of this ongoing and bloody war."

ASIA/THAILAND - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies: the "different hope" that attracts people to Christ

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:42:10 +0200

Bangkok - "At Easter, there were 200 adult baptisms in the city of Bangkok, 15 of which were from my parish in Bangkok. This is good news and a sign of hope: it shows us that the Lord is acting and that Christ is attracting people, even in our particular context, a nation that is 90% Buddhist, where, out of 70 million inhabitants, there are about 300 thousand are Catholics," Fr. Peter Piyachart Makornkhanp, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Thailand, told Fides. "As a Church, we are a small minority, fragile, but we are strong in our faith. We are respected in society, we have good schools. We have good relationships with everyone," the National Director emphasized, referring to the social and cultural context in which the Catholic community lives.
"In Thailand," he explains, "the current mentality is characterized by generosity and respect for everyone, which is also reflected in the field of religion. The main idea is that all religions are perceived positively and help people; spirituality is a strong component of life, an important part, whatever it may be, so there is no problem in professing a faith community. The positive side is that we can make friends with everyone, that there is mutual respect, solidarity, and goodwill, and that fruitful cooperation with other people is possible. The other side of the coin is that for the ordinary person, one faith is as good as another, and it is completely irrelevant which religion one professes."
The Catholic Church brings "the specific face and the distinctive contribution of Christianity, of the Catholic faith. We have no problem preaching; we are free to show ourselves and reveal the face of Christ," but often people think "that they already have a religion, so they don't need anything else and do not seek anything new," he notes.
"In the freedom to express themselves, to open themselves to grace, and to share the Gospel, the Church has its own vitality," the priest added in this context. "Vocations to the priesthood are present and increasing: We have 80 seminarians in the interdiocesan seminary, which welcomes candidates for the priesthood from the 11 Thai dioceses who, God willing, will later become priests. This is a good perspective for the life of our Church, allowing us to live and carry out pastoral activities."
The National Director recalls that "a birth control policy is in place in the country and that Thai women do not have many children, so the overall assessment of the number of vocations is positive," and the same applies to vocations to religious life.
In general, he says, "the Church enjoys good relations with everyone in society, where it is recognized as a moral authority; it is valued by both institutions and ordinary people. The population understands our values and considers works such as education and welfare to be very important. We do not suffer from being a minority; there is no hostility or discrimination, and this brings great serenity to the normal life of Christian communities," which is also reflected in the work of evangelization.
"Our mission areas," says Fr. Peter Piyachart Makornkhanp, "are the various areas of Church life, including education, social work, and charity: everything serves the proclamation of the Gospel. I would like to note that the Church's social communications are very well developed: we have radio and television channels and social media channels that appeal primarily to young people and are widely used." "But even in a country with our culture, we sense secularization, that is, the tendency to live without God. But then that deep need in the heart returns; there is something in the heart of the people that resurfaces," notes the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. "People are searching for truth, they are searching for something that goes beyond material life," he continues. "Often, the young people who study in our schools, when they become adults, reconsider the meaning and significance of their lives. Then they return to the Church and want to know more about Jesus Christ and our faith. Among them are also baptized adults. We see this especially in 2025, the year in which we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope." "Hope is something that fascinates and arouses interest," says the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. "People find hope in the Catholic Church; we present a different hope for life, which is Christ himself. This is different from the hope one finds on the streets of the world. It is a different hope. Those who embrace it experience and witness new joy and new peace. And this gives us hope too."

ASIA/HOLY LAND - Ecumenical group "A Jerusalem Voice for Justice": SOS for Gaza, which is dying amid hunger and forced displacement

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:25:45 +0200

Jerusalem - After more than a year and a half of death and destruction, "the moment we now find ourselves in is terrifying." The people of Gaza are "the first victims" of a merciless war. Even those who raise their voices to denounce the brutality of the violence suffered by Palestinians in Gaza now are left "feeling hopeless, paralyzed by despair and unable to help. Exhausted!" And yet, one must continue to try to "cast the nets," as the Apostles did according to the Gospel of John, after spending the whole night without catching anything. This is the exhortation of the members of the ecumenical group "A Jerusalem Voice for Justice," in a new appeal released on the occasion of the Solemnity of Pentecost. As Christians of the Holy Land, they once again sound the alarm "about the recent unprecedented escalation in the Israeli war on Gaza," and invite everyone to be filled "with the energy of the resurrection and of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost" to continue "fighting for life and freedom for our brothers and sisters in Gaza and everywhere else in Palestine/Israel."

In its message, the ecumenical group once again denounces that "in the past weeks, the situation has progressively deteriorated: in addition to the close to 55 000 dead and over 120 000 wounded, starvation and famine are being experienced . Hospitals and other civilian facilities are almost completely shut down."
The distribution of humanitarian aid is also under Israeli control and is managed exclusively by a US supported agency, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation . According to a statement released by “A Jerusalem Voice for Justice,” on May 16, GHF Executive Director Jake Woods “declared that he refused to “be part of anything that forcibly dislocates or displaces the Palestinian population.” On May 25, 2025, he resigned after calling for Israel to allow in aid through all possible channels.

The current system of aid distribution, marked by difficulties in reaching the distribution points and the continued killings of Gazans making their way to these points raise, according to the ecumenical group, “the likelihood that the GHF is a cover for Israeli military operations.” The United Nations and numerous international NGOs, the document also states, “have recognized that this “distribution of aid” is an escalation of the war. They know full well that to participate in such “distribution” would mean being complicit in using food assistance as part of a war strategy, explicitly prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.”

The ecumenical reflection group "A Jerusalem Voice for Justice," which emerged spontaneously in response to the new outbreak of violence and terror in the Holy Land, aims to share and offer insights into the facts and processes that touch and torment the lives of peoples in the land of Jesus. Its members include His Beatitude Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah; His Grace Lutheran Bishop of the Holy Land Munib Younan; His Excellency Greek Orthodox Bishop Attallah Hanna; coordinator of the Sabeel Ecumenical Center Sawsan Bitar; Palestinian theologian John Munayer; Jesuit Father David Neuhaus; and Father Frans Bouwen of the Missionaries of Africa.

VATICAN - Pentecost, Pope Leo: The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to proclaim God's works to everyone

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 15:47:59 +0200

Vatican City - "The Church must always become anew what she already is. She must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race. In her, there cannot be those who are neglected or disdained. In the Church there are only free men and women, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ." Pope Leo XVI quoted his predecessor Benedict XVI to emphasize that the Church's mission can only be fulfilled if she allows herself to be constantly animated and renewed by the action of the Holy Spirit. He said this today, Sunday, June 8, during the Solemnity of Pentecost, during which he presided over the Eucharistic liturgy celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica before a crowd of at least 80,000 faithful, including Romans and pilgrims who had come to the city for the Jubilee of movements, associations, and new communities.

In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on the various borders that the Spirit helps to cross and break down. The experience to look to, the Bishop of Rome suggests, is always that of the apostles, in whose lives the Spirit accomplished "something extraordinary." Following Jesus’ death, "they had retreated behind closed doors, in fear and sadness." Then they encounter the risen Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who "overcomes their fear, shatters their inner chains, heals their wounds, anoints them with strength and grants them the courage to go out to all and to proclaim God’s mighty works."
The Holy Spirit, the Pontiff recalled, "must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race." "He is the Gift that opens our lives to love," which "breaks down our hardness of heart, our narrowness of mind, our selfishness, the fears that enchain us and the narcissism that makes us think only of ourselves."
The Spirit "opens borders in our relationship with others. Jesus tells us that this Gift is the love between him and the Father that comes to dwell within us. We then become capable of opening our hearts to our brothers and sisters, overcoming our rigidity, moving beyond our fear of those who are different, and mastering the passions that stir within," including the hidden dangers that contaminate relationships. "I think too, with great pain," the Pope added, "of those cases where relationships are marked by an unhealthy desire for domination, an attitude that often leads to violence, as is shown, tragically, by numerous recent cases of femicide."

The Holy Spirit," the Successor of Peter continued, "also opens borders between peoples. At Pentecost, the Apostles spoke the languages of those they met, and the confusion of Babel was finally resolved by the harmony brought about by the Spirit. Whenever God’s “breath” unites our hearts and makes us view others as our brothers and sisters, differences no longer become an occasion for division and conflict but rather a shared patrimony from which we can all draw, and which sets us all on journey together, in fraternity." However, "our world today," Pope Leo emphasized, quoting Pope Francis, "there is so much discord, such great division. We are all ‘connected’, yet find ourselves disconnected from one another, anesthetized by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude." And of all this, "the wars plaguing our world are a tragic sign of this. Let us invoke the Spirit of love and peace," the Pontiff continued, "so that he may open borders, break down walls, dispel hatred and help us to live as children of our one Father who is in heaven." Still in St. Peter's Square, on the afternoon of Saturday, June 7, Pope Leo XIV presided over the Pentecost Vigil with tens of thousands of members of movements, associations, and new communities who had come to Rome to participate in their Jubilee event. "Evangelization," the Pontiff said in his homily during the Vigil, "is not our attempt to conquer the world, but the infinite grace that radiates from lives transformed by the Kingdom of God. It is the way of the Beatitudes, a path that we tread together, between the “already” and the “not yet,” hungering and thirsting for justice, poor in spirit, merciful, meek, pure of heart, men and women of peace." And "Jesus himself chose this path – the Pope added - to follow it, we have no need of powerful patrons, worldly compromises, or emotional strategies. Evangelization is always God’s work. If at times it takes place through us, it is thanks to the bonds that it makes possible. So be deeply attached to each of the particular Churches and parish communities in which you cultivate and exercise your charisms."

On the morning of Friday, June 6, Pope Leo met in the Clementine Hall with the "moderators" of the associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities who participated in the meeting organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. In his address on that occasion, Pope Leo recalled, among other things, that "the Christian life is not lived in isolation, as a kind of intellectual or sentimental experience, confined to the mind and the heart. It is lived with others, in a group and in community, because the risen Christ is present wherever disciples gather in his name."

Addressing the "moderators of associations, movements, and new communities," Pope Leo also recalled that "everything in the Church is understood in reference to grace: the institution exists so that grace may always be offered, and charisms are given so that this grace may be received and bear fruit. Without charisms," the Pontiff added, "there is a risk that Christ’s grace, offered in abundance, may not find good soil to receive it. That is the reason why God raises up charisms: to awaken in hearts a desire to encounter Christ and a thirst for the divine life that he offers us. In a word, grace."

ASIA/INDIA - Appointment of bishop of Jullundur

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:33:53 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel, of the clergy of the diocese of Jullundur, India, until now bursar and parish priest in Phagwara, as bishop of the same diocese of Jullundur.
Msgr. Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel was born on 24 December 1962 in Kalaketty, in the diocese of Palai. He studied philosophy and theology at Saint Charles Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary in Nagpur.
He was ordained a priest on 1 May 1991 for the clergy of the diocese of Jullundur.
After ordination, he served as parish vicar of Saint Mary’s in Fatehgarh Churian, and visiting teacher at Saint John Vianney’s Minor Seminary in Amritsar , parish priest of Saint Joseph’s in Khasa , parish priest of Sacred Heart and deputy director of Saint Francis School in Amritsar , head of Saint Francis School, dean and parish priest of Saint Francis in Amritsar, and member of the diocesan Education Commission, the Presbyteral Council and the Diocesan Charismatic Team . He was awarded a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome , and went on to hold the roles of vice chancellor of the diocese of Jullundur, defender of the bond and director for catechesis , chancellor and judicial vicar of the diocese of Jullundur, lecturer at the Holy Trinity Regional Major Seminary in Jalandhar, member of the diocesan College of Consultors and the Governing Board of the major seminary , head of the Department of Theology at Christ the King Convent School in Kapurthala , chancellor and judicial vicar of the diocese of Jullundur, visiting lecturer at the Holy Trinity Regional Major Seminary in Jalandhar and at the MJ Formation House in Jalandhar Cantt. , director of Saint Pius X Convent School in Lambapind , rector and parish priest of Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Jalandhar Cantt., defender of the bond and promoter of justice . Since 2020 he has served as visiting lecturer at the major seminary and, since 2022, diocesan bursar, parish priest of Saint Joseph’s and director of Saint Joseph’s Convent School in Phagwara.

A study conference on the Spanish priest Juan Bautista Vives: He contributed to the creation of the "Collegio de Propaganda Fide"

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 09:32:34 +0200

Rome – Juan Bautista Vives, together with the Lucca-born priest Giovanni Leonardi and the Jesuit Martin de Funes, contributed to the creation of the "Collegio de Propaganda Fide," which was founded in 1627 by Pope Urbano VIII with the bull "Immortalis Dei Filius," from whom it also received the name "Collegio Urbano." Juan Bautista Vives, a native of Valencia, actively collaborated with Popes Gregory XV and Urbano VIII and was a member of the "Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide," the Dicastery of the Holy See established more than 400 years ago to support and coordinate the missionary work of the Catholic Church throughout the world. In Palazzo Ferratini, his Roman residence near the Spanish Steps, the "Collegio de Propaganda Fide" was founded with the goal of training missionaries spiritually, theologically, and culturally prepared to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.

On Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m., a conference dedicated to the figure of the Spanish priest will take place in the National Church of Spain . Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , will also participate in the conference, entitled "At the Service of the Universal Mission: Juan Bautista Vives, Founder of the Collegio de Propaganda Fide."

Juan Buatista Vives' "deeply ecclesial vision" and "his commitment," states the conference press release, "gave rise to a work that marked the history of modern evangelization."
The versatile Spanish priest was linked to King Philip III and also served as representative of the Spanish Inquisition in Rome and ambassador of the Kingdom of Kongo's first permanent embassy in the Eternal City. Thanks to his initiative, the remains of Popes Callistus III and Alexander VI were transferred to the Church of Santa Maria di Montserrat degli Spagnoli in the Regola district of Rome, where he is also buried.
At the study conference on Tuesday, June 10, Cardinal Tagle will be joined by Don Flavio Belluomini, archivist of the Propaganda Fide Historical Archives, and Don Francisco Juan Martínez Rojas of the Spanish Institute of Church History. The conference will be moderated by Pierantonio Piatti, Secretary of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences, the body sponsoring body of the conference.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies: "Despite great insecurity, we continue our mission"

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:59:52 +0200

Abuja - "Insecurity in Nigeria is becoming increasingly serious and widespread, but the Church continues its activities despite the difficulties," Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Nigeria, told Fides. In an interview with Fides, Fr. Zaku reflects on the difficult situation facing not only the Church but the entire Nigerian population due to the insecurity caused by the actions of numerous armed groups in various areas of the Federation: jihadists of the various factions born from the split of Boko Haram, gangs of Fulani herders, gangs of robbers and gangs dedicated to kidnapping.

Can you describe the insecurity situation in Nigeria?
The situation is tense, and insecurity affects almost all areas of Nigeria. The government is doing its utmost to ensure everyone's safety, but this is not enough, as too many people are still affected by various forms of violence: murders, massacres, violent robberies, forced land occupations, and kidnappings. The Church, especially in areas like the Middle Belt, suffers numerous attacks on its structures . Added to this are the kidnappings of priests, men and women religious for ransom. Kidnapping is a phenomenon that affects all Nigerians; religious personnel are therefore not the primary target. Regarding violent attacks on church institutions, one of the most affected regions is Benue State in southeastern Nigeria, where the three dioceses of Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala are repeatedly victims of attacks by armed Fulani herders. The attacks are so serious that the president of the Association of Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests in the Diocese of Makurdi, Father Joseph Beba, issued a statement last week warning of the ongoing violence against the local population.
At least 50 people, including women and children, have lost their lives, and several homes have been destroyed. The security situation is so precarious that 15 parishes in the Diocese of Makurdi have been forced to close.

How is the Church experiencing these difficulties?
Apart from the most serious cases, such as in Benue State, the Church continues its activities. The people of Nigeria are deeply religious. Despite attacks and violence, the faithful continue to go to church. Looking at the areas affected by the attacks on social media, one might think that the faithful have stopped attending services, but they continue to go to Mass despite the precarious security situation. The Church is doing its best to assist and strengthen people living in uncertain situations.

Are the Pontifical Mission Societies able to work effectively?
The task of the Pontifical Mission Societies is to awaken missionary awareness among the faithful. In Nigeria, we have about fifty dioceses, and in each of them, there is a diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. And despite the difficulties already mentioned, the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies continues; I am thinking in particular of the Society for Holy Childhood. The words of St. Paul come to mind: "Nothing can separate us from the love of God." And with this awareness, we continue to work. Of course, we are taking precautions to reduce risks; for example, we conduct our activities during the day and avoid traveling on dangerous roads or to high-risk areas.

AMERICA/PERU - State and Church united to respond to the educational emergency in the Apostolic Vicariate of San Ramón

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:40:30 +0200

Oventeni - Approximately 120 students between the ages of 12 and 18 from the 48 indigenous Ashéninka communities in Gran Pajonal are hosted during the school year at the Oventeni student residence, in the province of Atalaya, within the Apostolic Vicariate of San Ramón. "We have two pavillons for girls and two for boys. The state pays for the cooks, the maintenance staff, and the educational assistants who spend most of their time with the children, as well as two psychologists," says Father Luis Alfonso Tapia Ibáñez, parish priest and coordinator of the 'Keshiki' student residence in the parish of San Pascual Bailón.
The teachers are appointed by the Apostolic Vicariate of San Ramón and employed by the state. “We form a big family. This is their second home,” the priest affirms. The residence provides adolescents with the opportunity to continue their studies and overcome extreme poverty, both material and educational. Gran Pajonal, located in the central Peruvian jungle, has approximately 38 primary schools. However, the long distances—between 4 and 10 hours on foot over difficult roads—prevent many students from accessing secondary education. Therefore, at the request of parents, a bilingual secondary school was created to promote the students' cultural identity. During the week, the adolescents reside there and return to their families at weekends."
"A large part of the Vicariate is inhabited by native communities made up mostly of children," emphasizes Gerardo Antón Zerdin, OFM, Bishop of San Ramón, in the latest bulletin of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood, which supports this initiative. "Childcare is a priority due to the poverty and enormous educational deficiencies faced by these remote communities in the Amazon," he adds. "The Vicariate directly administers five educational centers , and another fifteen schools are under the responsibility of religious congregations present in the Vicariate area." These schools are the result of a joint effort between the State and the Church and offer free education. Regular subjects are taught there and the activities of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood are promoted. However, students face serious risks, such as family instability, criminal gangs, drug use, and various forms of abuse, both within and outside the family environment. "The residence is a great opportunity for young people to get to know God, little by little, and become friends with Jesus at their own pace," explains Father Tapia Ibáñez, "it is a wonderful opportunity to hear about God, to get to know him little by little, and to become friends of Jesus, each in his own time. The first step is friendship and the example of life. As always, we approach the children and their parents to awaken in them an interest in the Church and the Gospel. Last year, 21 students requested baptism and prepared to receive it."

VATICAN - Foreign debt, a burden that oppresses the poorest Countries

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:17:04 +0200

Vatican City - There are 48 States that spend more on interest payments than on education or healthcare. This is according to the report "A World of Debt" by the UN Trade and Development . Debt service, i.e., the payment of interest on loans received, thus has a major impact on the lives of the poorest countries, as the funds allocated to education, healthcare, and subsidies for the purchase of basic goods and fuel are cut. The protests that took place in Nigeria and Kenya in 2024, primarily among young people, are closely linked to this debt mechanism. In order to pay the interest and reduce their countries' overall debt, the Kenyan and Nigerian governments had presented financial laws that provided for tax increases and subsidy cuts. During his audience with participants in the conference "Debt Crisis in the Global South" organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on June 5, 2024, Pope Francis said: "In the wake of mismanaged globalization, and in wake of the pandemic and wars, we find ourselves faced with a debt crisis that mainly affects the countries of the global South, causing misery and distress, and depriving millions of people of the possibility of a dignified future." The Pope expressed hope that the Holy Year 2025 will pave the way for "a bold and creative new international financial architecture." The UNCTAD report agrees with Pope Francis when he states: "The global financial architecture is no longer able to meet the needs of the world in the 21st century. This is a major challenge for sustainable development." Therefore, creativity and courage are needed to overcome a financial structure that further widens the gap between rich and poor. According to the UNCTAD report, "Developing countries struggle with an international financial architecture whose deeply entrenched asymmetries exacerbate the impact of successive crises on sustainable development. This system exacerbates their debt burden by limiting their access to finance for sustainable development and forcing them to borrow from more costly external sources." Recent events have exacerbated this challenge. Rising global interest rates since 2022 have further strained developing countries' public finances. High interest payments outpace growth in basic public spending such as health, education, and climate change mitigation. In developing countries, home to 3.3 billion people, one in three countries spends more on interest payments than on these key areas of human development. "Debt service for public external debt totaled USD 365 billion in 2022, corresponding to 6.3% of export earnings. By comparison, the 1953 London Agreement on German war debt limited the share of export earnings that could be spent on servicing external debt to 5% to avoid undermining the recovery," states the UNCTAD report, highlighting the different treatment of poorer countries today. It notes, in particular, that 61% of developing countries' debt is held by private creditors who are subject to little political constraint when demanding interest payments. For this reason, the call Pope Francis made on December 16, 2024, during a meeting with representatives of the banking sector, resonates strongly: "The imminent Jubilee reminds us of the need to forgive debts. It is the condition for fostering hope and future in the life of many people, especially the poor. I encourage you to sow hope. Do not tire of accompanying and keeping the level of social justice high."

ASIA/SRI LANKA - Tourism is experiencing a robust recovery: the country sees the light at the end of the tunnel

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:53:00 +0200

Colombo - "Tourism in Sri Lanka is experiencing a robust recovery. This is a benefit for the entire country: we are showing the beauty of our island. We see that the general trend in the country's economy and society is now positive. It will take some time to fully overcome the crisis of the last three years, but there are encouraging prospects," Fr. Basel Fernando, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Sri Lanka, told Fides. According to official figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the country will welcome a record number of visitors in 2025: 250,000 visitors in January alone, a new record, and in May 2025, tourism grew by 20% compared to the previous year. In the first five months of 2025, the authority predicts that total visitors exceed the 1 million mark, with a forecast of more than 2 million compared to the previous year. Father Fernando notes to Fides: "We are in a phase of recovery and hope, which is evident at the political, social, and economic levels," Father Fernando continued. "The new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected last fall, has a large majority in parliament; the people supported him primarily to stop corruption. The serious crisis we have plunged into was also due to corruption, with its roots in past mismanagement," he noted. "Now," he continued, "the country is saving money, there is no waste of public funds, and there is more prudence." In addition, "the government has allocated a larger share of the budget to areas such as education and poverty reduction: the poor are receiving greater attention, and thanks to the gradual economic recovery, inflation is under control and the purchasing power of wages is stable. All these social and economic developments create a positive climate and give people real hope for greater prosperity." Hope, however, according to the National Director, "also shapes the spiritual sphere, the inner being of every person: we see this in the Catholic community when we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope," he says. "We are here at the level of an inner and spiritual renewal: we are rediscovering hope in our hearts so that we can transmit hope beyond the Church to society, working for peace, justice, goodness, and the witness of charity. It is a time of inner renewal, but then the effects of this hope are felt in our relationships with our neighbors, externally. Let us remember the Jubilee of the Year 2000 and renew the commitment we made at the beginning of the new millennium: to proclaim the Gospel to all creation."
Father Fernando concludes: "The renewal of the Church and of humanity begins with each individual, with the personal conversion of each person, with closeness and personal fidelity to Christ. Here in Sri Lanka, we feel the effects of secularization in the Church and in society as well. The Jubilee, therefore, begins with the transformation of the heart of each person."

AFRICA/NIGERIA - Catholic priest kidnapped: He worked as a chaplain in Alaska and wanted to help Boko Haram victims in Nigeria

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:38:56 +0200

Abuja - "I was able to speak with Father Afina. He is well and in good health. We hope he can be released soon," said John Bogna Bakeni, Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri , to Fides. He confirmed the news reported by some newspapers in Fairbanks about the kidnapping of Father Alphonsus Afina, a Nigerian priest who served for years as a chaplain in the US diocese.
"Father Afina was kidnapped on the night of Sunday, June 1, near Gwoza, as he was returning to Maiduguri after celebrating Mass," Msgr. Bakeni reported. The kidnappers then contacted the Diocese of Maiduguri by phone and provided proof that Father Afina is alive. The area around Gwoza is relatively unsafe due to the presence of the two largest groups into which the Islamist Boko Haram has split. One is the "Jama'tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad" . The other, the "Islamic State West Africa Province" , has joined the Islamic State and become the "West Africa Province" .
The news of the Nigerian priest's kidnapping caused great distress in the US Diocese of Fairbanks, where Father Afina worked in the villages of the Seward Peninsula for six and a half years from 2017 to 2024. During his time in the American diocese, Father Afina took online courses to earn a degree in psychology and counseling, with theintention of founding a trauma center for Boko Haram victims upon his return to Nigeria.
On June 3, the Diocese of Fairbanks celebrated a Mass to pray for the priest's return to his family. More than 200 parishioners attended the Mass, and others watched the live broadcast from the villages where Father Afina served.

ASIA/INDIA - Amristar, a city sacred to the Sikhs, should become a "war-free zone"

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:25:39 +0200

New Delhi – Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhism, on the border between India and Pakistan and home to the famous Golden Temple, should be declared a "war-free zone" and be granted international protection following the example of the Vatican. This is Indian parliamentarian and Sikh Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa demanded of the Indian government. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to work with international bodies to initiate the appropriate recognition process for a city that presents itself as a symbolic place of peace for humanity.
The matter, according to an open letter, has "deep spiritual and national significance," because "the holy city of Amristar is not just a geographical location, but the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith and a beacon of love and peace for humanity." "Its sacred aura transcends religious boundaries, offering comfort, unity, and compassion in a world increasingly torn by conflict and division," he continued.
"For Sikhism, Amritsar has the same spiritual significance as Mecca has for Muslims and the Vatican has for Christians. Therefore, I humbly request that Amritsar's global spiritual significance be officially recognized and that appropriate international security mechanisms, similar to those that protect the Vatican, be adopted," he said.
Randhawa noted that "recent geopolitical tensions, particularly on the India-Pakistan front, have rekindled legitimate concerns about Amritsar's potential vulnerability in the event of a military conflict." "The appeal," the letter continues, "is not a request for political sovereignty , but rather a request for international spiritual recognition and permanent security protection. At a time marked by increasing global tensions and militarization, it is imperative that Amritsar be protected from the threat of war and violence, now and forever," the MP said. The politician recalled the universal teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib , which are based on peace, humility, and brotherhood and represent "a powerful moral force against the rising tide of militarism in the world." "While many global powers are increasingly inclined toward conflict, the Sikh ethos of 'Sarbat da Bhala' stands as one of humanity's last hopes for coexistence and peace," he noted. The concerns expressed by the Sikh community and civil society throughout India require a broader perspective, the MP continued, beyond regional circles and within an international framework, "to ensure the security and sanctity of this revered city under all circumstances." Requesting the support of other parliamentarians of all religions, Randhawa urged the Indian Prime Minister "to take the necessary diplomatic and legislative steps to declare Amritsar a 'war-free zone' and a place recognized and respected by all, as it carries a message of peace and harmony for all humanity."

ASIA/BAHRAIN - Tolerance and peaceful coexistence are the key points of the meeting between Prince Salman and the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:00:50 +0200

Manama – “The Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, maintains a firm commitment to promoting the values of tolerance and the principles of peaceful coexistence, deeply rooted in our tradition of openness to all cultures and religions,” said His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, during a meeting held on June 4 at Riffa Palace with Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, accompanied by Father Saji Thomas, OFM cap., rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali.

Prince Salman emphasized that these fundamental values have been instrumental in Bahrain establishing itself as a model of intercultural coexistence and harmony. He also highlighted the Kingdom's constant commitment to promoting initiatives that strengthen the values of forgiveness and peace, and recalled with gratitude Pope Francis' historic visit to Bahrain in 2022 .

He also expressed his gratitude to Bishop Berardi for his efforts in promoting compassion and tolerance, wishing him success in his pastoral mission.

For his part, the Apostolic Vicar said he was honored for the opportunity of the meeting and praised Bahrain's cultural diversity and rich heritage, which continue to sustain and foster peaceful coexistence.

EUROPE/ITALY - Chinese Catholic community from across Italy celebrate the Day of Prayer for the Church in China in the Diocese of San Miniato

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:27:04 +0200

Santa Croce sull'Arno - A procession of hundreds of Chinese and Italian Catholics marched through the streets of Santa Croce sull'Arno, a town in the Italian province of Pisa, on Sunday, May 25, before participating in a joint Eucharistic celebration in the local parish church. The occasion was the celebrations held by the Tuscan town for the 16th World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.
In his 2007 letter to Chinese Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI suggested that May 24, "the day dedicated to the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians - venerated "with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai" - could become "an occasion for the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church in China".
The reigning Pontiff at the time established this date as the "Day of Prayer for the Church in China", to be celebrated in all Catholic communities worldwide. This year, Chinese Catholics living in Italy gathered at Santa Croce sull'Arno to celebrate the Day of Prayer together. They received a warm welcome from the Diocese of San Miniato and the local administration of the Tuscan municipality, which provided two elementary schools to accommodate the guests from Turin, Milan, Naples, Macerata, Padua, Rome, and Prato on May 24 and 25. With the support of the Bishop of San Miniato, Giovanni Paccosi, and the parish priest of Santa Croce, Don Donato Agostinelli, the Chinese priest Giovanni Yang Xiaogu, who serves as chaplain to the local Chinese parish, together with all the parishioners ensured that the Chinese guests, who had traveled from all over Italy, felt at home. "It is an important and beautiful thing that Chinese Catholics gather once a year to pray for their country and the spread of the faith in China's great history," Bishop Giovanni Paccosi told the local television station "Tele San Domenico."
“Without a doubt,” the bishop added, “our faith leads us to the dimension of the world, and the ‘division of languages of Babel’ regains its unity in Christ.”
"For Santa Croce sull'Arno," Mayor Roberto Giannoni told the same local television station, "it was an honor to welcome the Chinese Catholic community in Italy for this day of prayer. It was truly beautiful for us to have them all here and to spend these two days with them, because it is a sign of fraternity and communion. A sign that Santa Croce is always open to any event that can bring awareness and peace to the world." The spirit of fraternal communion characterized the moments spent together, from setting up the tents for accommodation to the Eucharist, from shared meals to cultural events. The packed program included moments of prayer and shared devotion, such as the procession and the recitation of the Rosary.