Fides News - English

AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Bishops’ commitment for the Jubilee: “Country, person, truth, justice, rule of law, freedom and peace”

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:25:00 +0100

Caracas - Venezuela continues to be in one of the worst economic and social crises in history. Currently, 82% of Venezuelans live in poverty and 53% in extreme poverty. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in the second half of the last decade 7.7 million Venezuelans left the country due to poverty, inequality and political repression, out of a total population of 28 million.

In this dramatic context, the Bishops appeal to everyone, a week after President Nicolas Maduro took office, to "put the common good above particular or party interests, to resist the temptation to remain indifferent to national events and persecution for political reasons" so that "each of us contributes, according to our abilities and responsibilities, to provide answers to the difficult situation we are experiencing today". The bishops want to work for "the land, the person, truth, justice, the rule of law, freedom and peace" during the Holy Year.

At the beginning of this Holy Year, the bishops reaffirmed their commitment "to accompany the Venezuelan people in their joys and sufferings and to contribute, through daily evangelizing actions, to ensuring respect for human dignity in this country."

Thirteen countries of the Organization of American States , meanwhile, have rejected the inauguration of Maduro as President of Venezuela due to a lack of democratic legitimacy. The Venezuelan president, who has been in power since 2013 and is in office for another six years, took office on January 10, 2025.

ASIA/INDONESIA - Militarization in West Papua: the disrupted life of indigenous peoples

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:17:48 +0100

Jayapura - The sudden occupation of forest areas and villages of indigenous peoples by the massive deployment of military units in the Indonesian region of Papua is becoming a constant that marks the life of an entire region with its human and natural heritage. This is what happened to the inhabitants of five villages in the Oksop district , who fled to other areas, such as the neighboring Oksibil district, at the end of November due to the deployment of military units. "The presence of the military in the Oksop district has caused fear and insecurity in the community. Various actions by the military, such as setting up posts in churches and using public facilities without permission, have further aggravated the situation," says Father Alexandro Rangga , Friar Minor and Director of the "Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation" Commission in Papua. According to the Franciscan Commission, 300 people have been displaced to other villages, while many are hiding in the forests. "The fundamental problem in Papua is the way in which the Indonesian central government pursues national projects with a military approach. In addition, the massive presence of the military also brings with it activities promoted by the military itself, with conflicts of interest and operations on the edge of legality," notes the Franciscan. As an official statement from the Diocese of Jayapura confirms, "the security situation in Oksop district remains unfavorable." Indeed, "the refugees are reluctant to return to their home villages because they are afraid." The presence of more and more troops - three troops were sent between January 13 and 15, 2025 alone - has increased tensions. "The displaced people have had traumatic experiences when they had to leave their homes," reports the Franciscan. In response to this emergency, the Church of Jayapura and the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission are calling on the government to "withdraw the armed forces from Oksop district and open a space for dialogue to find a peaceful solution" and, in the meantime, "provide adequate humanitarian assistance to the refugees." The path of dialogue, says the Franciscan, "is the only way to end the violence and create a sustainable peace in Papua." Assessing the overall situation, Father Rannga notes that "the situation has worsened in recent years." "Although the Indonesian government has moved from a 'security' approach to one that speaks of 'welfare' on a verbal level, in reality soldiers are still being deployed to carry out all kinds of programs on the ground," he explains. "This is worrying because people have already had a long and traumatic experience with the military. In total, there are between 60,000 and 100,000 internally displaced people in Papua, mainly from Maybrat, Kiwirok and Intan Jaya." In addition, the Indonesian government "has been creating food plantations in West Papua since 2020 without obtaining the consent of the indigenous peoples, who feel cheated of their land: they use the local authorities or the army to take over the land by force, and this approach leads to clashes and discontent," he continues. "As the Commission for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, we have drawn the attention of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to these problems: ancestral ownership of land, inequalities between indigenous Papuans and migrants, access to health and education facilities," said the religious. Tensions in the area date back to the controversial 1969 referendum that incorporated Papua into the Republic of Indonesia, inaugurating a long period of progressive impoverishment and marginalization of the indigenous Papuans. The rise of separatist armed groups , the armed wing of the Papua Liberation Movement) sparked a low-intensity conflict that forced thousands of people to flee and further complicated life in a region already characterized by underdevelopment. In addition, projects to exploit Papua's enormous natural wealth do not benefit the indigenous population, who instead bear the negative impacts such as land destruction, contamination of water sources and the resulting health problems. In the meantime, the internal migration program promoted by Jakarta changed the demographic composition of Papua, weakening the socioeconomic status of indigenous Papuans and limiting their employment opportunities. Locals complain that they have "become foreigners in their own country".

ASIA/HOLY LAND - Parish priest Romanelli: the ceasefire in Gaza is a breath of fresh air. But the post-war period will be terrible

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:38:41 +0100

Gaza - "The news of the ceasefire has sparked joy. Now we are all waiting for Sunday, when the ceasefire could begin, even if here in Gaza we know that it will be a difficult road," said the parish priest of the Latin Catholic parish of the Holy Family, Father Gabriel Romanelli, in response to the announcement of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was welcomed by the parishioners and throughout the Gaza Strip as "a breath of fresh air and a glimmer of hope". At the same time, the Argentine missionary, who belongs to the Institute of the Incarnate Word, confirmed to Fides that "yesterday and today there were dozens of dead and hundreds of injured". There is "still death, destruction and fear" that continue to mark everyday life.

Since the announcement of the agreement last Wednesday, more than a hundred people have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip. The agreement announced by Qatar and the United States provides for a first phase of six weeks in which 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. This first phase is intended to set the course for a definitive peace.

The final signing of the agreement by Israel is still pending the decisions of the Security Cabinet and the government summits that began today. At least two ministers have threatened to leave the majority of the government if the "ceasefire" in Gaza is accepted. According to some Israeli media, the Israeli government will not make its final position clear until Saturday evening. Meanwhile, the Latin parish remains an oasis and a refuge amid the ongoing collective distress of the people of Gaza: "Every day," says Father Romanelli, "we spend three or four hours in church praying: Lauds, Rosary, Vespers, Mass. There is a Bible study group that reads the letter of the Apostle James and there are still meetings with young people and adults. And with the help of the whole Church, especially the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Order of Malta, we are giving comfort to thousands of civilians, families who have nothing to eat". When the ceasefire begins, adds Father Gabriel, "we can begin to think about the consequences of the war. They will be terrible. With God's help, we will try to continue to do as much good as we can".

AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - Tensions between Juba and Khartoum after the massacres of South Sudanese in Wad Madani

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:09:17 +0100

Juba - Yesterday, January 16, riots broke out in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, where demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the massacre of South Sudanese in neighboring Sudan.
Some criminals took advantage of the chaos to loot shops belonging to Sudanese citizens and attack the Sudanese embassy, where a diplomat was killed. The police fired into the air to disperse the crowd. The news of the massacre of civilians, including South Sudanese citizens, after the capture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese Armed Forces has caused unrest. Wad Madani, the capital of Jazira State , was recaptured by the SAF on 11 January from Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries who had taken it in December 2023. South Sudanese anger has been fuelled by videos circulating on the internet showing atrocities committed by SAF soldiers against South Sudanese and Sudanese from Western Sudan. The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned the Sudanese ambassador to protest the “loss of lives of innocent citizens”. The government in Khartoum has stated that it has set up a commission of inquiry into the massacres committed in Wad Madani. According to the Sudanese ambassador in Juba, the human rights violations were not committed by regular soldiers, but by a militia affiliated with the army. A SAF spokesman admits that there have been “violations committed by some individuals.” At the time of its capture by the SAF in December 2023, Wad Madani, located south of the capital Khartoum, was considered a relatively safe area, so thousands of people fleeing fighting in other parts of Sudan had found refuge there, and had thus been trapped in the city for more than a year. Its recapture by the SAF marked a major step in the Sudanese conflict, marked by persistent human rights violations by all factions on the ground. The US government has imposed sanctions on both the head of the RSF, Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa, and the commander of the SAF, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, for crimes committed against civilians. Ahmad Abdalla, a Sudanese-Ukrainian citizen and official of the Defence Industries System , and of Portex Trade Limited, a Hong Kong-based company controlled by Abdalla, has also been sanctioned for violating the UN arms embargo on Sudanese factions.

AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Diocesan Mission in San Roque: "God fixes everything, it is the experience of being missionaries"

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:56:07 +0100

San Roque - More than 70 missionaries, including entire families, are participating in the Diocesan Mission 2025 of the Diocese of San Roque of Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, which is taking place in the area called El Impenetrable, in Chaco. El Impenetrable owes its name to its difficult access due to the harsh nature that characterizes the mountain making it difficult to reach and above all to the scarcity of water.

This year there are five different mission centers through which the volunteers are traveling. "It is complicated to organize everything to get to these places and even more difficult to say goodbye to their inhabitants. However, upon arrival, we feel how God fixes everything," the missionaries said in a local note. "It saddens us to have to say goodbye to the families we have met and with whom we have shared many moments during these days. We would like to stay longer but we know that everything has an end. That is the experience of being missionaries.

The diocesan mission in Impenetrable was launched more than 30 years ago with the aim of reaching out to families who, due to geographical distance, belong to the most remote areas of the diocese of San Roque. Unfortunately, in some localities in this vast area in the north of the diocese, priests can only celebrate the sacraments two or three times a year and there are very few catechists to serve the numerous communities.

ASIA/INDIA - Devotion and pilgrimages: Holy Year for tea pickers on the hills of West Bengal

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:03:39 +0100

Darjeeling - They are the farmers in the plantations that produce one of the most appreciated black teas in the world: in the hilly district of Darjeeling, a strip of land that is part of the Indian state of West Bengal, wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, the approximately 40,000 Catholics are mainly Adivasi who work as pickers and processors of the leaves in the 87 production areas of the delicious drink, spread over an area of 19,000 hectares. "In the 60 parishes of the diocese of Darjeeling, as well as in Catholic schools, we began reciting the Jubilee prayer six months ago, as a spiritual preparation for the Holy Year. Now the joy of these people, very simple and humble, to live the Jubilee with deep devotion and a pilgrimage to the cathedral of the diocese, the Jubilee Church, is palpable," explains to Fides Father C.M. Paul, Salesian of Don Bosco, professor at the Salesian College of Siliguri, founder and director of a Salesian Radio, a community radio that addresses the local public, with the aim of reaching out to the inhabitants of rural villages. "Groups of faithful organize themselves, traveling up to 60 km, to go to church and confess, participate in the Eucharist, pray for the Pope, receive the plenary indulgence," he explains. In the diocese, a picturesque district of northern Bengal, religious orders such as the Jesuits and the Salesians have historically been present, mainly engaged in education and youth ministry. The local faithful still remember the arrival of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Her work at the service of the destitute and abandoned elderly is still continued today by the Missionary Sisters of Charity: a mission of compassion towards all, at the service of wounded and excluded humanity. Their example is a testimony of faith that draws people to the Gospel of Christ. The Catholic community of Darjeeling runs colleges, primary and secondary schools, vocational training institutes, several welfare centers, orphanages and kindergartens, homes for the elderly and destitute. The services rendered to humanity have made the Catholic community appreciated by all, in a region where more than 1.5 million inhabitants of different ethnic groups belonging to different religious affiliations live: Hindus, Nepalese, Bengalese, Bhutanese, Sikhs, Tibetans.
"In families, there is often the coexistence of people of different religions, Catholics, Hindus and others. There is an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual goodwill. Our faithful live the Jubilee as a precious opportunity for spiritual renewal, conversion, devotion: the faith of simple people evangelizes us," reports the Salesian.

ASIA/CHINA - Jubilee and 420 years of history: the church founded by Matteo Ricci celebrates its "Year of Grace"

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:48:06 +0100

Beijing – Supported by the light of faith lit 420 years ago by the Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci, the church of Beijing dedicated to the Immaculate Conception has inaugurated a special "Year of Grace". A special time in which participation, practices and celebrations related to the Jubilee of Hope 2025 are intertwined with those planned on the occasion of the 420 years since the foundation of the church, linked to the figure of Father Matteo Ricci.

On Tuesday, January 14, the community of the Church of the Immaculate began these celebrations with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, coinciding with the "Day of Saints" which is celebrated throughout the diocese of Beijing. On this day, the Blessed Odorico da Pordenone , Blessed James Zhou Wenmo and Venerable Matteo Ricci are remembered in particular, according to the indications of the pastoral vademecum "Pilgrims of Hope and Builders of Peace".

In his homily, Father Peter Zhao Jianmin highlighted the contribution of these three figures in the life of the diocese: "Father Ricci travelled tirelessly to bring the flame of faith to this land. His wisdom, courage and dedication have left a deep mark on all of us... Likewise, the testimonies of Blessed Odorico and Blessed James Zhou Wenmo have strengthened our faith and renewed our commitment to proclaim the Gospel."

The parish priest, Father Zhang Hongbo, officially announced the celebrations for the 420th anniversary of the founding of the church, which will include community and spiritual activities. All those present at the Eucharistic liturgy received a book on the life of Matteo Ricci and a manual for living the Jubilee of Hope to the full.

The initiative to celebrate a year dedicated to celebrating the founding of the Church aims to make known the history of the parish, so that everyone can find consolation and spiritual growth in recalling the events, the vicissitudes and the flourishing of gifts of grace and good works that have marked the path of this ecclesial community throughout its 420 years of history.

The opening of the Jubilee of Hope of the Diocese of Beijing took place on Saturday, December 28. All the priests, nuns and a multitude of lay people of the Diocese of Beijing had gathered in front of the cathedral square, dedicated to San Salvatore, where the ordinary bishop, Joseph Li Shan, and the coadjutor bishop, Matthew Zhen Xuebin, presided over the solemn celebration of the beginning of the Jubilee Year in the capital of the People's Republic of China. Everyone listened in silence to the public reading of long excerpts from “Spes non confundit”, the Papal Bull proclaiming the Jubilee. Then, in procession, everyone crossed the Holy Door singing the “Prayer of the Saints”.

Furthermore, in accordance with the indications of the Bull “Spes non confundit” and also with those of the “Letter of Pope Francis for the remembrance in the particular Churches of their Saints, Blesseds, Venerables and Servants of God”, signed by the Bishop of Rome on November 9 , the Church of Beijing published the provisions and suggestions “Pilgrims of hope and peacemakers” to live the Jubilee Year intensely at the diocesan, parish and family level.

AFRICA/KENYA - Appointment of coadjutor bishop of Meru

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:33:06 +0100

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Jackson Murugara, I.M.C, until now parish priest and rector of the Consolata Shrine in the archdiocese of Nairobi, as coadjutor bishop of Meru, Kenya.
Msgr. Jackson Murugara, I.M.C., was born on 7 April 1970 in Kamanyaki, County of Tharaka-Nithi, in the diocese of Meru. After entering the Institute of the Consolata Missionaries, he completed his studies in philosophy at the Consolata Institute of Philosophy in Nairobi, and in theology at the Missionary Institute of London.
He gave his religious vows on 18 November 2000 and was ordained a priest on 15 August 2001, in the diocese of Meru.
After ordination, he held the roles of collaborator in the parishes of Kagaene and Mujwa, in the diocese of Meru , parish vicar of Chiga, in the archdiocese of Kisumu , and formator of postulants at the Consolata Seminary of Nairobi , He was awarded a licentiate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality “Teresianum” in Rome , and went on to serve as director of the Bethany House and Charity Home pastoral centres in the diocese of Muranga . Since 2018 he has been parish priest and rector of the Consolata Shrine in the archdiocese of Nairobi.

AFRICA/DR CONGO - At least 600 militiamen lay down their arms in Ituri

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:27:34 +0100

Kinshasa - In a significant step towards peace, at least 600 militiamen have decided to lay down their arms and join the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Program promoted by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The surrender took place on January 15 in Mabanga, Djugu territory, in the province of Ituri, in the east of the country.
The fighters belong to the Zaire self-defense group, also known as “Jeunesse/Zaïre”, which claims to defend the interests of the Hema community. This group has been at odds for years with the Lendu community, represented by CODECO . CODECO is also at the center of tensions over resources in the region . More than 200 civilian kits were donated by the DDR-S section of MONUSCO as part of its support for the P-DDRCS Program. The self-delivery of this group of militiamen belonging to Zaire takes place in the wake of the process initiated by the meeting held in Aru from 8 May to 2 June 2023 which led to the signing of a first memorandum of understanding by only four armed groups, but which is gradually expanding to others. The territory of Djugu is a strategic area due to its resources, including gold mines, and has been the scene of disputes between local and regional armed groups. Although tensions have remained latent for years, violence broke out again in December 2017 after a long period of relatively peaceful coexistence between the various ethnic groups.

VATICAN - Meeting on Blessed Paolo Manna at the Pontifical Urban College: "Go out of yourself" and follow and bear witness to Christ

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:54:09 +0100

Vatican City - He was a missionary in Burma , Superior General of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions and founder of the current Pontifical Missionary Union. These are the main biographical details of Blessed Paolo Manna, whose feast is celebrated today, Thursday 16 January, on the 152nd anniversary of his birth .
Born in Avellino, southern Italy, after completing his studies and being ordained a priest in Milan in 1894, at the age of only 22, Father Manna went to Burma , where he "sowed the seeds" of the Gospel among the Ghekkú tribe. In the 12 years of his missionary activity, he returned to Italy three times for serious health reasons ; In 1907, to his great regret, he stayed there for the last time before returning definitively to Italy. He had dreamed of mission among non-Christians and had to humbly accept his condition and his own limitations, entrusting his whole life to the work of redemption through which Christ himself mysteriously works in the lives of men and peoples. This aspect of his existence and experience will be the focus of a missionary prayer and reflection next Sunday, January 19, organized by the Pontifical Missionary Union , one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, in collaboration with the International Center for Missionary Animation and the Pontifical Urban College. At 6.30 p.m., solemn Sunday Vespers will be celebrated, followed by a panel discussion entitled "Father Manna and his going out of himself as a missionary of Christ the Hope" "In the life and thought of Blessed Paolo Manna, the going out of himself is shown in the docility to accept the Lord's inspirations, both in the missionary vocation when, as a young priest, he went and worked in Burma, and in the acceptance of the Lord's new inspirations to continue his missionary commitment in his homeland when his health no longer allowed him to follow his original vocation," says Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen , Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union. Father Anh Nhue underlines "the humility with which, at every moment of his life and in every situation, Blessed Father Manna listened to the Lord's will, accepted it and put it into practice. As Saint John Paul II said, Paul Manna is a shining example of apostolic boldness. Driven by ardent love for Christ, he founded a new Society [i.e. the Missionary Union], pointing to previously unknown possibilities and bold new horizons of mission " The speakers at the Round Table are Father Armando Nugnes, Rector of the Pontifical Urban College, Father Alessandro Brandi, Official of the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle and Director of CIAM, and Father Anh Nhue himself, who explains: "The round table is intended first and foremost to be a dialogue between all those who will take part in the initiative, especially because the chosen theme is an opportunity for everyone, especially for the seminarians of the Pontifical Urban College, to delve deeper into the theme of their current year of formation, 'Called to Hope': going out of oneself to be credible missionaries in the light of the life experience and thought of Blessed Manna". Finally, the evening of missionary reflection and prayer aims to enrich the concrete initiatives of the ongoing missionary formation launched by the Pontifical Missionary Union in collaboration with CIAM for priests, religious and faithful from all over the world, as well as for the pilgrims who will stay during the Holy Year in the Center named by Pope Paul VI after Blessed Paolo Manna.

Link correlati :Poster

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Christmas in the Catholic community of Robe: “Recognizing the flesh of Christ in the most vulnerable brothers and sisters”

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:35:22 +0100

Robe - “The Christmas season here in Ethiopia ends with the Feast of Timkat, the Ethiopian Orthodox Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which in the theology and ecclesial practice of the Orthodox Church has a much greater meaning than the feast of Christmas itself, unlike our Catholic tradition,” reports Father Emanuele Ciccia, of the Villaregia Missionary Community of the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe, at the end of the Christmas season.
“In the triad of feasts of the revelation of the Word of Christmas, Epiphany and Baptism, the latter undoubtedly places more emphasis on divinity,” continues Father Emanuele, “while for us Catholics the emphasis is on the flesh of Christ, hence the poverty of the manger, the simplicity of the night of Bethlehem, the humility of the manger”. “On Christmas night, the Apostolic Prefect, Father Angelo Antolini, presided over the Mass and opened the Holy Door of the Church of Robe, our cathedral in the small, minority prefecture,” he reports. “We experienced Christmas as Pope Francis would say: ‘By touching the flesh of Christ.’ Although Christmas was celebrated on January 7, during the week of December 24-25, 2024, when the Catholic world celebrated the birth of Jesus, we were in the East Bale Zone, around seven to eight hours from Robe, working with the Women and Children’s Office of some provinces in the East Bale Zone to raise awareness of traditional practices that are harmful to women, including female genital mutilation and early marriage: this is evangelization for us! Whatever violates the dignity of the human person is for us a privileged space for the proclamation of the Gospel... and it concerns us!” “This was Christmas for us,” concludes the missionary, “to recognize the Lord Jesus and his flesh in the most vulnerable people... the Catholic community must affirm the inviolable dignity of the human person in the action of evangelization.”

ASIA/SRI LANKA - A priest from Colombo: in the face of rice shortage, "the government should adopt measures in the interest of the poor"

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:20:47 +0100

Colombo - Faced with difficulties and the crisis that is also affecting the staple food of the population, rice, it is necessary to "look for solutions that are not ideological, but purely in the interest and for the benefit of the population, especially the poorest and the less well-off: this is the task of the government," Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando told Fides. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, director of the Sinhala-language Catholic weekly "Gnartha Pradeepaya" , speaks about an issue that is currently dominating the island nation, the lack of rice. "In some regions of the country, such as the south, there is a shortage of red rice . There are various reasons for this: the impact of the drop in production that has already affected the country since 2022; Problems in the distribution chain from producers to traders; the existence of mechanisms that border on speculation because there are a few large producers who then determine the price of the product at retail; general inflation in the country," explains the Catholic priest. But rice, says Father Fernando, "is not a product like any other," but the staple food of every family. "That is why it is important that the government intervene with measures to regulate prices and ensure proper distribution in the markets," he demands.
Last December, the Sri Lankan government imported a total of 70,000 tons of rice from India to address what the authorities called an "artificial shortage" and agreed to take action against the main rice traders. The new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected in September 2024, agreed to an import programme to meet the increasingly urgent needs of ordinary people, especially the poorer sections of the population, despite having said during his campaign that he was against rice imports and insisted on the country's self-sufficiency. In terms of production volumes, observers say, the country is self-sufficient on paper, but factors such as weather conditions or policies such as the ban on pesticides and fertilizers enacted in 2021 must be taken into account. That is why "it is always important to have emergency solutions ready," advocates Rajan Philps, columnist for the Colombo Telegraph newspaper, calling on the current government to "set up a comprehensive database covering rice production and the milling industry as well as the distribution system for the rice sector at all levels as soon as possible." Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's economic and political crisis in 2022 had begun precisely because of the severe food shortages that led to protests and forced then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. In a social situation where many families are still struggling to make a living in economic difficulties, "the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has launched several initiatives and projects of solidarity and closeness to the poorest for the Jubilee Year," says Father Cyril Gamini Fernando. "Our Holy Year will be a Jubilee with the poor," he concludes.

VATICAN/GENERAL AUDIENCE - The Pope: The world is full of children who are “sacrificial victims” of abuse and exploitation

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:10:22 +0100

Vatican City - "Child abuse, of whatever nature, is a despicable act, it is a heinous act. It is not simply a blight on society, no, it is a crime! And it is a gross violation of God’s commandments. No child should be abused. Even one case is already too many".

Pope Francis chose strong words, already pronounced on other occasions, to denounce the atrocious scourge of child exploitation, during today's general audience, as part of the short cycle of catechisms on children, interrupting the path of reflection on the theme of hope that will accompany all the Wednesday appointments until the end of the Holy Year.

And if a week ago the Pontiff had focused on how, in his work, Jesus had repeatedly spoken of the importance of protecting, welcoming and loving the little ones , today he pointed out how in today's society "hundreds of millions of minors, despite not being of the minimum age to undergo the obligations of adulthood, are forced to work and many of them are slaves to trafficking for prostitution or pornography, and forced marriages". "And this is rather bitter", added the Pope, noting: "In our societies, unfortunately, there are many ways in which children are abused and mistreated".

For the Bishop of Rome, "it is necessary to awaken our consciences" and "to practice closeness and genuine solidarity with abused children and young people", creating, at the same time, "synergies" between organizations "to offer" these little ones who have seen their childhood taken away "opportunities and safe places in which to grow up serenely".

The Pope spoke of what happens in Latin America, where a special fruit called "arandano" is grown. It is a delicate berry and to be harvested "you need tender hands. And so they enslave children to harvest it".

Widespread poverty, the shortage of social support tools for families, the increased marginality in recent years along with unemployment and job insecurity are, in the words of the Pontiff, "factors that burden the youngest with the highest price to pay". And this is seen most in the metropolises, where the social divide and moral decay “bite”, there are children engaged in drug dealing and the most diverse illicit activities". These children become "sacrificial victims" and, sometimes, "tragically they are induced to become “executioners” of their peers, as well as damaging themselves, their dignity and humanity. And yet, when on the street, in the neighbourhood of the parish, and these lost lives present themselves before our eyes, we often look the other way".

It pains us to recognize the social injustice that drives two children, perhaps living in the same neighbourhood or apartment block, to take diametrically opposed paths and destinies because one of them was born into a disadvantaged family. An unacceptable human and social divide: between those who can dream and those who must succumb.

Pope Francis then recalled the story of little Loan, a 5-year-old boy who disappeared in June last year in the province of Corrientes, Argentina, and who is suspected of being the victim of a human trafficking network: "his whereabouts are unknown. And one of the theories is that he has been sent to have his organs removed, for transplants. And this happens, as you well know. This happens! Some return with a scar, others die. This is why today I would like to remember this boy Loan".

But Jesus, the Bishop of Rome emphasized. "wants us all free and happy. That is why He asks us to stop and listen to the suffering of the voiceless, the uneducated. Fighting exploitation, especially child exploitation, is the way to build a better future for the whole of society. And so, we can ask ourselves: what can I do?" The Pope suggested for example, to stop purchasing "products that involve child labour. How can we eat and dress, knowing that behind that food and those garments there are exploited children, who work instead of going to school? Awareness of what we purchase is a first act in order not to be complicit. Some will say that, as individuals, we cannot do much. True, but each one can be a drop that, together with many other drops, can become a sea. However, institutions, including church institutions, and companies must also be reminded of their responsibility: they can make a difference by shifting their investments to companies that do not use or permit child labour".

Finally, the Pope appealed to states and international organisations to "do more" and the exhortation to journalists "to do their part: they can help raise awareness of the problem and help find solutions". Do not be afraid, denounce, denounce these things".

In greeting the many pilgrims in Paul VI Hall, the Pontiff's thoughts went to Myanmar, where "a landslide the day before yesterday swept away houses and left victims, missing people and enormous damage. “I am close to the people affected by this disaster and I pray for those who have lost their lives and for their families. May these brothers and sisters, who are enduring such trials, not lack the support and solidarity of the international community".

Therefore, before the final blessing, the appeal for peace: "Let us pray for peace. War is always a defeat. And please let us also pray for the conversion of the hearts of the arms manufacturers, because with their products they help to kill…”, the Pope concluded.

AFRICA/CAMEROON - Bishops: "The tax burden is strangling the citizens"

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:19:53 +0100

Yaoundé - "The tax burden is strangling the country," say the Bishops of Cameroon in the message published at the end of their Plenary Assembly in Buea, in the south-west of the country.
"One of the causes of the discontent of the Cameroonians is undoubtedly the tax burden, which increases year after year to the detriment of the weakest sections of the population," emphasize the bishops. "It seems that taxes only exist for the so-called weakest in society, while the rich are not affected at all. We wonder if a country is built only through taxes," continue the bishops.
According to the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Economic and Budget Plan, Cameroon's tax burden is expected to rise from 13.6 percent of GDP in 2024 to a projected 14 percent in 2025, and then to 14.2 percent and 14.4 percent in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The purpose of tax levies should be to finance programs that benefit the community, but as the bishops point out, corruption means that taxpayers' money ends up in the hands of corrupt officials. This results in few public works being carried out and few services being provided to the population. "How do you explain that 2024 ended with only 446 km of paved roads and 228 km of improved roads?" ask the bishops. "If the annual budget allocated for road infrastructure were used wisely for this purpose, Cameroon would no longer suffer so much from the problem of bad roads." The same applies to the country's natural wealth: "Cameroon is recognized to be blessed with the wealth of its forests and waters, its soil, its subsoil, etc. On the other hand, we are witnessing the organized plundering of our economic assets. We are thinking in particular of the sale and disposal of mining and agricultural concessions through agreements signed here and there that are very questionable." The message ends with a glimmer of hope: "The current socio-economic situation of our country, however dramatic it is, must not discourage us. For God is with us. And because he is with us, nothing will be against us. We urge everyone to trust in a happier and more prosperous future for our country, based on appropriate social, economic and political institutions. To achieve this goal, we appeal to our individual and collective responsibility," the bishops concluded.

AFRICA/GHANA - Bishops call on new President to approve the Bill on family values

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:27:51 +0100

Accra - "What we want is that it is made into a law," said the President of the Episcopal Conference of Ghana and Bishop of Sunyani, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, during his meeting yesterday with President John Dramani Mahama, whom he asked to approve the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, a law described as an "anti-LGBTQ+ law" that aims to reaffirm traditional African family values in school education.
The bill was already approved by Parliament on February 28, 2024 and was awaiting approval by then President Nana Akufo-Addo to come into force. However, the latter did not do so because he had to wait for two Supreme Court rulings on whether the law was in accordance with the Constitution .
President Mahama, who took office on January 7 of this year, responded to the request of the President of the Bishops' Conference by stating that "all bills that are not passed before the end of the parliamentary term expire according to the current provisions. So this bill is practically dead". "I do not know what the supporters of the bill intend to do, but I think we should discuss it again so that when we decide to move forward with the bill, we move forward with consensus," stressed the new Head of State. The President added that in his opinion the new law should be a government initiative , but he also stressed that “if we teach our values in school, we do not need a law to enforce them”. During the meeting with the delegation of the Episcopal Conference, President Mahama thanked the Catholic Church for its contribution to education and health, as well as to the moral development of young people and their education.

VATICAN - Monsignor Gosbert appointed office head in the Dicastery for Evangelization

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:26:28 +0100

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Msgr. Gilbert Ndyamukama Gosbert, official of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and the new particular Churches, as office head in the same Curial Institution.
Monsignor Gosbert, 47, was born in Tanzania, was ordained in 2009 and has been an official at the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for the first evangelization and the new particular Churches, since 2015.
He completed his studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and obtained a bachelor's degree in theology, a doctorate in moral theology and a diploma in Church Management.
He was parish vicar of St. Paul's Parish in the Diocese of Kayanga , formator and moral theology professor at the St. Charles Lwanga Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam and parish administrator of the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, in Borgo Pineto, in the Diocese of Civita Castellana .

ASIA/MYANMAR - "Seek the Kingdom of God and His justice" in the war-torn Kachin state

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:57:15 +0100

Myitkyina - "The motto of the new Bishop of Myitkyina 'Quaerite autem primum regnum et iustitiam eius' is a clear call to all of us to redesign and rebuild our country. It is a reminder that the Kingdom of God can and must be present here and now, even in the face of challenges," said the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, on January 12, during the ordination of Bishop John Mung La Sam, MF, the new Bishop of the Diocese of Myitkyina, the capital of the Burmese state on the border between Myanmar and China, where the ethnic minority of the Kachin lives. He was referring to the contested area of Kachin State in northern Myanmar. The inhabitants of the state have been claiming for over 60 years of autonomy and have set up their own army, the "Kachin Independence Army". There are two Catholic dioceses in the Burmese state: the diocese of Myitkyina and the diocese of Banmaw . The episcopal ordination gave Cardinal Bo the opportunity to give an insight into the situation in the state torn apart by civil war: "The Kachin", said the cardinal in his homily, which Fides has received, "are faced with crises that are frightening in their scale and complexity: first of all, displacement and emigration in a country where entire communities have been uprooted by the conflict. Families live in camps and long for the stability of a home. The Catholic community itself is displaced and wanders with its people, like the Israelites in the desert". What is striking is "the despair of the youth". "Many young people in Kachin see no hope for the future. With limited educational and work opportunities, they are vulnerable to exploitation, dependency and despair," said Cardinal Bo. Serious problems are phenomena such as drug trafficking and the exploitation of people: "The evil of drug trafficking casts a dark shadow over our country, destroying lives and undermining communities. It is a silent war that destroys the weakest among us," said the Archbishop of Yangon. All these phenomena lead to a multidimensional crisis: "Poverty, social instability and the wounds of the ongoing conflict make survival a daily struggle for many. This crisis requires not only aid, but a systemic change based on justice and the dignity of every person." In this situation of suffering, said the Cardinal, "hope lies in seeking the Kingdom of God together." "The Gospel calls us to be workers in the harvest. The fields in Kachin are indeed abundant and the work is immense,” said Cardinal Bo, who told the young people: “Let the Bishop’s journey inspire you to overcome despair. Seek knowledge and integrity and become builders of a just and peaceful Kachin.” “Displaced families,” he continued, “can use their homes as places of prayer and love, where faith is nourished and shared even in the midst of hardship.” May the whole Church be “a refuge for the displaced,” “a voice for the voiceless and a source of healing and hope for the brokenhearted,” he hoped. Bishop John Mung La Sam will lead the people of God “on a synodal journey, a journey that we must undertake together. As the Body of Christ, we are called to unite in prayer, action and solidarity. Together we can confront the evils of our time and build a world that reflects the justice and peace of the Kingdom of God." "If we seek first the Kingdom of God and its justice, with hearts full of hope and hands ready to work, everything is possible," concluded Cardinal Bo.

OCEANIA/NEW CALEDONIA - Resignation and appointment of metropolitan archbishop of Nouméa

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:24:50 +0100

Vatican City - The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the metropolitan archdiocese of Nouméa, New Caledonia, presented by Archbishop Michel-Marie-Bernard Calvet, S.M.
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Susitino Sionepoe, S.M., of Wallis and Futuna, as metropolitan archbishop of Nouméa, New Caledonia.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Tensions remain high on the eve of the inauguration of the new President

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:21:48 +0100

Maputo - Today, January 14, the new Mozambican Parliament, which emerged from the general elections of October 9 , was inaugurated. However, the opposition parties, which contest the electoral result, stayed away from the inaugural session. The situation therefore remains tense ahead of tomorrow's inauguration of President Daniel Chapo, the candidate of FRELIMO , which has ruled since 1975 and whose victory was confirmed by the Constitutional Council on December 23. The candidate of the opposition PODEMOS , Venancio Mondlane, who came second in the election, had indeed lodged an objection, but the Constitutional Council rejected the request, although it acknowledged some discrepancies that, in its opinion, did not affect the validity of the result.
The Council therefore granted PODEMOS some additional deputies and changed the percentage of votes in favor of Mondlane from 20% to 25% .
Mondlane rejected the Council's decision, proclaiming himself "President" after he returned home from exile in South Africa on January 9 and some European countries. The disputed results sparked a wave of violence and protests across the country, which, according to several non-governmental organizations, left more than 300 dead and thousands injured. The PODEMOS candidate, meanwhile, said he was ready to die for the cause, also because of his strong religious convictions . To resolve the crisis, the formation of a national unity government with Mondlane as prime minister is being considered.

OCEANIA/MARSHALL ISLANDS - Resignation and appointment of prefect apostolic of the Marshall Islands

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:07:15 +0100

Vatican City - The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the apostolic prefecture of the Marshall Islands, Marshall Islands, presented by the Reverend Fr. Ariel A. Galido, M.S.C.
The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Tamati Alefosio Sefo, M.S.C., until now parish priest of Saint Peter Chanel in Samoa, as prefect apostolic of the same apostolic prefecture.
The Reverend Fr. Tamati Alefosio Sefo, M.S.C., was born on 28 April 1972 in Tafitoala Safata, Samoa. After his studies in philosophy and theology at the Pacific Regional Seminary, Suva, Fiji, he was ordained a priest on 27 November 2004.
After ordination, he first held the roles of interim parish priest of Saint Andrew in Faleula, Samoa , and parish priest of Saint Agnes in Samabula, Fiji . Following a course in formation at Marymount Mercy Centre, New South Wales, Australia , he went on to serve as formator and then director of formation of the M.S.C. , chalrman of the Chevalier Youth Trust Board , superior of the M.S.C.-Pacific Union , and M.S.C. provincial superior of the islands of the Pacific . Since 2023 he has been parish priest of Saint Peter Chanel in Samoa.