International

Meeting in Yangon for their General Assembly, bishops in Myanmar express deep concern over the the escalation of fighting between the Tatmadaw and rebel forces and urge all parties to facilitate access to humanitarian relief .

Ugandan classrooms have reopened to end the world’s longest school closure, with Save the Children hosting “Catch-Up Clubs” to help schoolchildren make up for lost learning.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday cleared the Missionaries of Charity religious order to continue receiving foreign funds under FCRA rules.

UNESCO has also condemned the killing of a reporter in Myanmar last month, calling for a full investigation.

On World Braille Day, Sr. Veronica shares her story as a visually-impaired religious sister from Kenya, and describes how every challenge should be accepted as a portion of Christ's cross to be bourne in service to others.

The Vatican’s Fides News Agency releases its annual list of Catholic missionaries who died a violent death in 2021, with the majority bearing witness to their faith on the African continent.

Ethiopian bishops have focused their recent Plenary Assembly on the humanitarian crisis caused by the 13-month war in the country, calling on the faithful to pray for and foster peace. They have also pledged to raise US$2 million to support people in the crisis.

The Indian government has not renewed the licence allowing the Missionaries of Charity to receive foreign funding, citing “adverse inputs”.

The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We bring you the voices of religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations as they look to a future in which “No one is saved alone.”

Hungarian churches and charities are distributing support to thousands of impoverished children, including those who lost parents amid the raging coronavirus pandemic.

December 18th marks the United Nations International Migrants Day focusing on “Harnessing the potential of human mobility.” The Catholic Church's International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) supports projects around the world with that goal in mind.

In their Christmas and New Year’s message, Ghana’s Catholic Bishops appeal to politicians and citizens to prioritise mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance.

The official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has joined forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee to send aid to Afghanistan, where over 8 million people are on the brink of famine, and where over the next three months over one million children under the age of five risk dying.

Christians oppose new anti-conversion bill in India's Karnataka state amidst escalating anti-Christian attacks.

Canada offers C$40 billion to compensate Indigenous children and families in foster care for suffering discrimination.

In the Syrian city, the Christian presence dates back almost 2,000 years and is inculturated. Unfortunately, the conditions in the country are pushing many young people to leave for other destinations.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon focuses his Advent Message on the “repugnant violence” that has marred Myanmar since the military coup of 1 February, calling on the faithful not to lose hope.

Marking Human Rights Day, Caritas Africa and Caritas Europa urge European Union leaders to forge a stronger role for the EU in support of human rights.

In a Vatican Media interview, the daughter of Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who passed away in 2013, reflects on how her father, today, would be alongside the young people who are committed to social justice and against all forms of racism. 

Half of BBC’s 100 Women of the year are of Afghan origin who have been the targets of the Taliban. Among the others is Catholic nun Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng of Myanmar.

The past two months in Afghanistan have seen a 50% increase in cases of severe acute malnutrition among children. UNICEF warns that unless those children receive urgent aid they are at risk of dying.

St. Joseph’s School at Ganj Basoda in Madhya Pradesh state was vandalized on December 6, despite school authorities seeking police protection.

Pope Francis expresses his sorrow for the death and destruction caused by the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Indonesia.

Our Editorial Director says Pope Francis' visit on Sunday to the Greek island of Lesbos reminds Europe and the world that migrants and refugees are people fleeing war and poverty who must be looked in the eye and not exploited.

The Pope on Sunday visited the Reception and Identification Centre of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. While there, he heard the testimonies of migrants, and told those present migration is a humanitarian crisis that concerns everyone.

In the wake of Pope Francis’ visit to Cyprus, a local journalist expresses appreciation for the way the Apostolic Journey was covered in the press and for the message the Pope delivered to the EU nation.

At the start of his Apostolic Journey to Greece, Pope Francis addresses Greek authorities, leaders and diplomatic corps, and urges European leaders to pursue a new humanism which respects life as a right.

Pope Francis begins the third day of his 5-day Apostolic Journey, departing Cyprus for Greece on Saturday morning.

Pope Francis leaves Cyprus with a message of gratitude for hospitality received and prayers for peace for the nation, as Cypriots express their appreciation for the Pope's message of hope, peace, and unity.

Pope Francis is in Nicosia, kicking off the 35th Apostolic Journey abroad of his pontificate, December 2 to 6. After 2 days in Cyprus, he will proceed to Greece before flying back to Rome on Monday.