Pope receives Ivorian president (Exaudi)

Pope Francis has received Alassane Ouattara, the president of Côte d’Ivoire since 2010. In the Vatican statement that followed the September 17 audience, there was a brief reference to the “reconciliation process” in Côte d’Ivoire. The 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis erupted after a disputed presidential election. The West African nation of 28.1 million (map) is 42% […]

Church source warns of worsening situation in Tigray (Fides)

Ethiopian and Eritrean troops are fighting against a separatist coalition in the Tigray War, which began in 2020. A Church source warned that as Eritrean troops attempt to conquer the region, “the situation of the civilian population is dramatic” in “the worst offensive since the conflict [began].” “This devastating crisis is beyond all imagination, genocidal […]

Roll back abortions in VA hospitals, US bishops, military archdiocese urge (USCCB)

Commenting on a regulation that paves the way for abortion in veterans’ hospitals, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese for the Military Services said that “the interim final rule allows abortions, including elective abortions, in VA [Veterans Affairs] programs through nine months of pregnancy.” “In our view, there are at least […]

Pope: May we pray for and help those with Alzheimer’s disease (Vatican News)

“Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, a disease that affects so many people, who are often pushed to the margins of society because of this condition,” Pope Francis said on September 21, at the conclusion of his general audience. “Let us pray for those suffering from Alzheimer’s, for their families, and for those who lovingly care […]

In Haiti, radio hosts call for attacks on Catholic institutions (Fides)

Claiming that the Church is involved in arms trafficking, some radio hosts in Haiti have called for attacks on Catholic institutions, the Fides news agency reported. The Church “is not involved in the arms trade,” the Caribbean nation’s bishops said in response. “Stop sowing confusion among the population. Defamation and slander are serious sins.” “The […]

Senior German bishop mishandled abuse cases, says report (Pillar)

Bishop Franz-Josef Bode, 71, has led the Diocese of Osnabrück since 1995. He has served as deputy chairman of the German bishops’ conference since 2017. “In the first decades of his term of office, Bishop Bode repeatedly left accused persons in their offices, even those whose danger could hardly be doubted, or appointed them to […]

Renew commitment to nuclear test ban, Vatican Secretary of State urges (Holy See Mission)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, addressed participants in a UN meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The treaty, ratified by 175 nations, will not enter into force until eight additional nations, including China and the United States, ratify it. “The Holy See deplores any resumption of […]