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Pope Leo invites Bishops gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences to be an ever greater sign of God's presence in their various countries, as they discuss the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia.
As the Church celebrates the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Marion Nguyen, OSB, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “The Treasure Hidden Twice."
Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, looks at the key role local churches play in carrying forward the synodal journey as he addresses participants at the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In an interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, reflects on the fruits of the FABC Plenary Assembly, highlighting faith, the protection of human dignity, and an urgent pastoral response to migration as shared priorities for the Church across Asia.
In a letter signed by the Executive Director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Bishops urge the state’s governor Ron DeSantis to stay the executions of two men, stressing that their crimes “are gravely evil”, yet “it is possible both to uphold justice and to exercise mercy.”
On Thursday afternoon delegates to the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) present the results of their table discussions and agree that the Church in the continent is called to be a bridge builder and renew its missionary vocation in the face of the world's challenges.
Kenya’s Bishop of Embu Diocese and Vice Chair of the Commission for Youth at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Peter Kemani, says young people in the AMECEA region are seeking answers, inclusion, involvement and want to participate as serious collaborators, including in the Church’s leadership structures.
Ten years ago, on 26 July 2016, Father Jacques Hamel, pastor of the parish of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in northern France, was murdered while celebrating Mass. Two terrorists who had pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State slit his throat. One member of the congregation who was attending Mass was also seriously injured.
In a telegram marking the Italian President's 85th birthday, Pope Leo XIV assures Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, of his prayers and entrusts him to the protection of the country's patron saints, Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena.
Intensifying attacks by the Israeli military have killed and injured dozens of Palestinians in the last week.
One month after devastating earthquakes struck northern and central Venezuela, the country's bishops call for a reconstruction process free from negligence, corruption and political interests, while urging solidarity with survivors and thanking rescuers, volunteers and Pope Leo XIV for their closeness.
At the end of his six-day mission to Ukraine, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher reflects on the resilience of a people "willing to suffer for freedom and peace." Speaking to Vatican Media, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States recalls those who have "lost everything," reiterates the Holy See's commitment to humanitarian efforts and peace, and says Pope Leo XIV takes seriously the invitation to visit Ukraine when the time and circumstances can be "as fruitful as possible."