Latest information on religion, church, politics that revolves around us
On his visit to Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV thanks islanders and migrants alike for the solidarity that has made the Mediterranean outpost a sign of fraternity and hope amid contemporary migration challenges.
During Mass on the island of Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV condemns the brutal treatment of migrants and refugees and the loss of life at sea, urging the world to concretely and compassionately respond to the "enormity of suffering." During his pastoral visit, the Pope also visits the "Gateway to Europe," a monument symbolizing hope for migrants arriving by sea, as well as a cemetery where many who lost their lives on the Mediterranean are buried.
Pope Leo expresses his prayers for all Americans in a letter he sent to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, which falls today, July 4th, 2026, with the hope that "the Spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future."
As the Church celebrates the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Edmund Power reflects on the theme: “Gentle and lowly in heart.”
Pope Leo XIV lands in the southern Italian island of Lampedusa on Saturday morning, beginning his pastoral visit to this territory known for being a landing point for migrants travelling from Africa to Europe by sea.
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to travel to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, a series of poignant and deeply symbolic events and gestures will reflect the enduring legacy of Pope Francis’ historic visit and his urgent call to reject indifference and to recognise migrants and refugees as our brothers and sisters.
Accepting the prestigious Liberty Medal from the U.S. National Constitution Center for his lifelong commitment to promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world, Pope Leo XIV addressed those gathered in Philadelphia from Rome, praying that the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States would be an occasion for a solemn recommitment to the fundamental ideals on which the country was founded, especially life and freedom.
Sister Philomena W. Jappah, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family, argues that "in Liberia, education is far more than the transmission of knowledge; it is a ministry of evangelization, healing, hope, and nation-building." Her daily work lies at the intersection of faith, education, and social transformation.
Thirty-five newly appointed leaders of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) conclude a two-week formation programme in Nemi, near Rome, with a renewed commitment to exercise leadership in a synodal spirit, placing God's mission at the centre of their service.
The National Executive Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission at the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Fr. Peter Debo, recently facilitated a two-day joint workshop for the Diocese of Kabale and the Archdiocese of Mbarara. The formation workshop was held under the theme: “Growing Together in Faith: Strengthening Catholic Identity through Local Faith Groups.”
Thousands of people have been displaced in the new outbreak of armed violence in Haiti in the Artibonite and West departments, increasing the severity of the emergency on humanitarian aid, disrupting healthcare services and increasing forced returns. Despite these challenges, the local church communities continue to sustain education, pastoral outreach, and humanitarian activities.
Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lampedusa, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) advocate Amaya Valcárcel says his concern for migrants and for often overlooked crises such as Myanmar and Sudan serves as a powerful reminder of the innocent victims of conflict and displacement, and calls the world to place human dignity and solidarity at the centre of its response.