Global Church News
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Catholic Church in Kazakhstan: 'A small flock blessed by the blood of martyrs'
Jun 28, 2019
The Catholic community has about 150 thousand faithful; in the territory religious of 20 different nationalities reside, for a total of 120 priests and 130 nuns. The event that marked the rebirth of the Church after the Soviet persecutions was the apostolic visit of Pope John Paul II in 2001. Archbishop of Nur-Sultan: "We look to the future with hope".
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Against extradition: Hong Kong Justice and Peace invokes solidarity of Catholics worldwide and the G20
Jun 28, 2019
An independent investigation into police violence against protesters; the deletion of the definition of "revolt" for demonstrations that took place in the territory; the withdrawal of the extradition law.
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Priest in Tehran: Iranians in 'serious difficulties' because of US sanctions
Jun 28, 2019
Trump’s punitive measures are hitting all levels of society. Fr Ryan, a Chaldean clergyman, talks about economic and cultural problems that threaten the future. Emigration is a problem Christians and Muslims share. Christians feel isolated and ask for a prayer for the whole country.
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Pope announces themes for WYD 2020 - 2022
Jun 28, 2019
Announcing the themes for the next three World Youth Day celebrations, Pope Francis called on young men and women to meditate on the path of Christian life that God has called them to walk.
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The face of Indonesia’s moderate Islam nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
Jun 28, 2019
Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah are the main Islamic organizations in the country. They are crucial to stem the tide of religious extremism. Fr. Franz Magnis-Suseno, philosopher and priest: "Thanks to them, we have tolerance, peace and stability".
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Pope Francis launches Stop Cyberbullying Day telecast
Jun 28, 2019
The Cybersmile Foundation, in partnership with Scholas Occurrentes Foundation, announced that Pope Francis launched a special 24-hour live telecast from the Vatican on Stop Cyberbullying Day on Friday, June 21 — bringing together thought leaders from around the world to discuss all aspects of online civility.
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Crowd surround police HQ to say no to extradition law
Jun 28, 2019
Thousands gathered outside the Legislative Council (LegCo) early hours this morning. Joshua Wong called on people to march to police headquarters. The authorities set up a negotiating team to talk to protesters.
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Centenarian priest concelebrates birthday Mass with four sons, also priests
Jun 28, 2019
Father, priest, father of priests, centenarian, author, disciple of Padre Pio, Veteran of World War II … Perhaps we could think of Fr Probo Vaccarini as a sort of spiritual Forrest Gump: someone who has received all seven sacraments — some from his own children — and conferred most of them as well, and who has seen some of the most significant events and personalities of the 20th and 21st centuries first-hand.
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Sick forced from beds as government seizes all Catholic-run health services
Jun 28, 2019
Thousands of sick people across Eritrea are being deprived of vital medical care after the government seized three hospitals, two health centres and 16 clinics.
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Xi in North Korea to open a new chapter in relations with Pyongyang
Jun 28, 2019
On the eve of his state visit to North Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed June 19, to open a new chapter in Sino-North Korean relations.
Sunday Reflection
Jesus did not turn away from His mission
Today, Palm or Passion Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week, the high point of the Church’s year, climaxing in the Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.