Global Church News
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Iran test-fires ballistic missiles on ocean targets
Jan 23, 2021
Missiles were fired during an exercise in the country’s central desert region and follow the testing of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and new drones.
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The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity unites all the Churches in Lahore
Jan 22, 2021
Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw said that the Holy Spirit will guide us to be one and will open our hearts and minds so that we can love, respect and support each other.
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There's no vaccine for all at the moment: A picture of the difficulties
Jan 22, 2021
In 2021, not enough people will be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Over 15 billion doses will be needed to immunize the world. China and India plan to help poor countries, but only after their own citizens. Developing countries face logistical problems. The UN has its work cut out.
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Thirty dead and 70 wounded in twin Baghdad attack: Pope, Bishop Warduni express sorrow
Jan 22, 2021
Two suicide bombers hit an open-air market in central Baghdad. Several seriously injured people were taken to hospitals in the capital, which had not experienced such violence for a while. No one has yet claimed responsibility but fingers point to the Islamic State group. “[W] did not expect it,” said Baghdad’s auxiliary bishop. Pope Francis sent his condolences.
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Online celebrations for Christian unity in Vasai and Mumbai
Jan 22, 2021
Due to the pandemic, many meetings took place with very few people but with live streaming. Bishop Machado of Vasai stressed “prayer and commitment to reconciliation and unity among the Churches, in the human family and in creation.”
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Gallagher: Dialogue for a world free of nuclear weapons
Jan 22, 2021
The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States speaks with Vatican Media about the Holy See's commitment to the TPNW that goes into force on January 22: "International peace and security cannot be based on the threat of mutual destruction".
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Dalits’ Bishop to pray for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, urges them not to forget people left behind
Jan 22, 2021
Mgr Sarat Chandra Nayak, bishop of Berhampur (Odisha), send his greetings to the new president and vice president of the United States. Hehopes that Harris, who hails from high caste family, will not forget to look at the destitute and downtrodden as well. The bishop asks both of them to bring light to “the darker sides” of India and the world.
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Pope at Audience: Christian unity achieved only through God’s grace
Jan 21, 2021
In his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reminds Christians that unity is achieved only with the grace of God, and not through our own force of will.
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USCCB President on Biden Inauguration: My prayers are with new President
Jan 21, 2021
Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issues a statement on Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States, saying he looks forward “to working with President Biden and his administration.”
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History’s greatest inaugural speeches
Jan 21, 2021
Having been a resident of Washington for 10 years, I was privileged to witness three presidential inaugurations. Despite the fact that the ceremonies were for representatives of different political parties, and the fact that one was a reelection, the same excitement permeated the air for each of them.
Sunday Reflection
Our lives should reflect the Spirit
Reflecting on our Sunday Readings with Fr Philip Tay, OCD