Global Church News

No Christmas midnight Masses in Netherlands this year

Dec 03, 2021

Catholic bishops in the Netherlands have decided to cancel Christmas midnight Masses once again this year as a precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Parolin calls out EU directive against ‘Christmas’ language

Dec 03, 2021

On the first Monday of Advent, it was revealed that the European Union was attempting to ban the use of the word “Christmas” in an internal dossier promoting “an inclusive communication.”
Asian bishops mourn death of former official from India

Dec 03, 2021

The Catholic Church in Asia mourned the death of an Indian priest who, it says, played a significant role in evangelisation and transformed the lives of many in the region.
Filipino priest honoured with Dutch rights award

Dec 03, 2021

Society of Divine Word priest Fr Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva, a staunch critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has been honoured with the prestigious Human Rights Tulip Award by the Dutch government.
Myanmar junta rebuffed as UN seat denied

Dec 03, 2021

Myanmar’s junta, which continues its reign of terror against civilians, has suffered a setback to gaining international recognition after the United Nations delayed a decision on the rightful representatives of the conflict-torn nation.
Designer picks simple fabric, Cypriot symbols for Pope’s vestments

Dec 03, 2021

The Lebanese designer for Pope Francis’ vestments for Mass in Cyprus chose simple fabric and symbols that figure prominently in the island nation.
Pope praises Cyprus as an open and welcoming nation

Dec 03, 2021

Pope Francis meets with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades, local Authorities, Civil Society, and the Diplomatic Corps, praising the island nation as "a crossroads of civilizations."
Pope calls on Cypriot Church to welcome change and diversity with patience

Dec 03, 2021

In the first official discourse of his Apostolic visit to Cyprus and Greece, Pope Francis addresses Bishops, Priests, Men and Women Religious, and Catechists, inviting them to be patient as they go forth in a spirit of fraternity, forgiveness, mercy, and openness.
Pope comes to listen to the heartbeat of the Cypriot Maronite community

Dec 03, 2021

Antonis Skoullos, the press coordinator for the Pope’s visit to the Maronite community of Cyprus, reflects on the Holy Father’s visit and underlines the hope and encouragement Pope Francis brings for the faithful of the island.
Pope arrives in Cyprus on 1st leg of Apostolic Journey

Dec 03, 2021

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.