Global Church News

Hampton Court Vespers mark first Catholic service since Reformation

Feb 09, 2016

English Cardinal Vincent Nichols will preside at Vespers in the Chapel Royal of Hampton Court Palace on Tuesday, for the first Catholic service to be held there in over 450 years.
Notes on the Russian patriarch and Russian Church the Pope will meet

Feb 09, 2016

Patriarch Kirill was one of the youngest bishops in the history of the Russian Church, since he received the episcopal ordination eight months before the age of thirty, despite the fact that ecclesiastical canons prescribe the age of 30 as the minimum age for the episcopate.
For Nuncio in Damascus, Pope's efforts on Syria to be admired, but peace needs a miracle

Feb 09, 2016

At the end of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis said that a "political solution" was needed to end the war in Syria. In his address, the pontiff also called for "the necessary aid" for the civilian population "to ensure their survival and dignity."
Macau’s new bishop stresses unity with God, as well as the mission in a gambling city and China

Feb 09, 2016

Stephen Lee Bun-sang began his episcopal ministry on January 23 in a ceremony in the Igreja da Se, Macau’s cathedral.
Beijing tightens control on religious beliefs

Feb 09, 2016

Religious groups must promote Chinese culture and become more compatible with socialism, top Politburo official Yu Zhengsheng has told faith leaders, as Beijing circulated orders for retired party cadres to shun all religious activity.
Bangladesh Catholic church, convent attacked, desecrated

Feb 09, 2016

A Catholic parish and convent were attacked, vandalized and looted in southwestern Bangladesh.
A papal visit without the usual sniping

Feb 09, 2016

As Mexico prepares to receive history’s first Latin American pope, there’s something new in the air here in terms of church/state relations. For lack of a better word, call it “normality.”
Jakarta Chinese Catholics told to renew themselves

Feb 09, 2016

Ethnic Chinese Catholics in Jakarta were urged to promote peace among their families and others, during Mass at a Central Jakarta church to celebrate Lunar New Year.
Choking the cultural, environmental heritage of Goa

Feb 09, 2016

The mysterious death of a firebrand former Blessed Sacrament priest, Bismarque Dias, whose body in November was found floating in a river of Goa state, is still fresh in the minds of local people.
Dalit Indians planning march for equal rights

Feb 09, 2016

Dalit Christians in India are planning a march to demand equal rights, including reservation in educational institutions and government jobs.