Northern Mozambique: jihadists trying to establish a caliphate, says bishop

Publication Note: The following article was prepared in June. Dates and references reflect the time of writing. Villagers in Cabo Delgado used to be united despite their religious diversity, but lately religion has become a dividing factor, reports Bishop António Juliasse. The jihadists who have been waging an insurgency in the northern province of Cabo …

“The priority now is to rebuild lives,” says archbishop of Caracas

Archbishop Raúl Biord of Caracas, Venezuela, says that the Church is accompanying the victims of the earthquakes while rescue efforts continue. As search and rescue efforts continue, following the devastating earthquakes that shook Venezuela, the Church has begun to deal with the great challenge of accompanying a deeply traumatized population. “For those who survived, it …

DR Congo: Crisis deepens as new terrorist front opens in the north

Despite the danger and the looming threat of famine, missionaries on the ground insist they will not abandon their flocks, since they are “living signs of God’s presence.” Hundreds of people have left everything and fled their villages as unknown terrorists ravage the countryside in the northern region of Upper Uele, in the Democratic Republic …

Indian Church calls for National Day of Prayer to protect its charitable work serving the poor

The Church’s vast charitable work in India could be at risk if lawmakers tighten the already restrictive law on foreign funding of NGOs. Christians all over India are preparing for a day of prayer on Sunday, June 28 due to their concern over proposed legislation that could have a negative impact on the Church’s charitable …

World Cup: persecution and religious discrimination in 14 of the competing nations

As 48 countries battle for the World Cup, religious freedom remains an elusive goal for one in every three nations competing. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has brought together 48 nations for the largest tournament in the competition’s history. As …

“Church has to be about more than feelings”

As secularism grows across the Caribbean and more young people drift away from the Church, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Saint Lucia believes Christians must rediscover a deeper and more resilient faith – one that goes beyond emotions and passing trends. The Caribbean islands that form the Antilles may seem like paradise most of the year, …

A New Momentum for Angolan Youth

Angola’s bishops hope the pope’s visit will inspire the country’s youth and help heal the past Pope Leo will visit Angola on April 18, as part of a trip to Africa which includes Algeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. Angola is a land of paradoxes; like many African nations, it is rich in natural resources, yet …

Another War in the Holy Land

“We have never faced anything like this,” says a Christian. With yet another blow to regional stability, many Christians in the Holy Land believe it is time to leave. Yet the Church’s mission remains unchanged: to bring hope and dignity to people in their daily lives. The director of the Development Office of the Latin …

Ukraine – At Christmas, hoping for God despite the threat of death

Catholics in a Ukrainian town live under constant threat of missiles and even have to pay to pray in a Church that was stolen from them by the Soviets at that time. But faith perseveres in Bila Tserkva. Fr. Lucas Perozzi has been serving as a missionary in Ukraine for 22 years (photo). Originally from …

Catechists in Mozambique: “We seek to rekindle the flame of hope”

Some parishes in northern Mozambique can encompass hundreds of communities, and priests and religious are not capable of reaching them all. Catechists are often on the front lines of the Church in the most difficult regions and circumstances. Around 300 families live in difficult conditions in the resettlement camp of Ntele, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. They …