Global Church News

Holy Land: Church of the Nativity reopens

May 27, 2020

The Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem is due to partly reopen on Tuesday, 26 May, after weeks of being closed as part of the emergency Covid-19 lockdown.
Day For Life receives Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis

May 27, 2020

Day for Life 2020 has been given an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. This year, the theme is Choose Life, which will focus on the dignity and worth of the unborn child and expectant mothers.
Novena for Pentecost: Day six, Wednesday

May 27, 2020

True goodness reflects the character of God and allows us, especially at times like these, to be comforted and find hope. Even at times like these, maybe especially at times like these, we still see so much goodness.
Cyclone Amphan kills 87, causes damages for 18 million people in Kolkata

May 27, 2020

About 60 per cent of trees have been uprooted; hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed. There is no electricity, water, food, sanitation. Roads are cut off. Many churches and convents have been affected. Caritas is working with the army in the relief and reconstruction efforts.
Police hunt vandals who attacked church replica in Kerala

May 27, 2020

Police in Kerala are searching for 50 members of a Hindu right-wing organization accused of vandalizing a replica of a church that had been erected for shooting a movie near a Hindu temple.
Card Sako: Pentecost and the strength to overcome the Covid-19 emergency

May 26, 2020

The closures imposed by the virus provide an opportunity for "meditation and reflection" on Christ's teachings to mature "in faith and vocation". The crisis is "violent" but "transitory" and humanity will emerge "stronger". The return to faith, the maturation of a domestic Church with the contribution of the Holy Spirit. From religious leaders the common commitment against extremism and violence.
Covid-19, Bethlehem’s Basilica of the Nativity reopens. Fewer restrictions in Iran and Saudi Arabia

May 26, 2020

Starting today, the Christian leaders announce the green light to entrances, for a maximum of 50 people. Respect for social distance and the obligation to wear personal protective equipment are fundamental. In the Islamic Republic, Shiite mosques and shrines reopen. Gradual easing also for the Saudis, who set the end of the lockdown on 21 June.
Stanley Ho, patriarch of Macau casinos, friend of China and the Church, has died

May 26, 2020

He was 98 years old. Nearly 20 casinos in the city were his, including Grande Lisboa. For China he is "a patriotic entrepreneur". He was also a benefactor of the Church, with a Vatican honor. He was among the drafters of Macau's Basic Law and adviser for Hong Kong.
Coronavirus: Tokyo declares the end of the emergency nationwide

May 26, 2020

It was still in effect in the capital and four other prefectures. For the government, the infections are under control. Schools and public places reopen. Economy in recession. Migrant workers most affected by the crisis. Premier Shinzo Abe: new stimulus of 850 billion euros.
Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre reopens but guidelines for public access still under review

May 26, 2020

Sunday clerics from the three Churches that manage the Holy Sepulchre were able to visit the church, which remains closed to the public. For the Custody of the Holy Land, the three Churches are working out the public safety guidelines, which will include a closed number, social distancing, and safety measures.