world news
Amid fears of decriminalization of abortion in Brazil, pro-life cause ‘stronger than ever’
Pro-life activists demonstrated in dozens of Brazilian cities Oct. 8 to celebrate the country’s Day of the Unborn Child and protest against the decriminalization of abortion, a possibility that was being analyzed by the Supreme Court in September.
War defeats human dignity, avoids finding solution, Vatican cardinal says
Terrorism, violence, barbarism and extremism undermine the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
Hamas attack a catastrophe of ‘biblical dimensions,’ says Israeli ambassador
The shock of the surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israel, in which hundreds were killed, wounded or kidnapped, has left a traumatic mark on Israeli citizens, said the country’s ambassador to the Vatican.
Synodal spirituality is at ‘heart of church’s renewal,’ cardinal says
The Divine Liturgy, presided over by Melkite Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi, was celebrated in the Byzantine rite at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, as synod participants were about to begin the assembly’s second module, focusing on the theme of communion and the question, “How can we be more fully a sign and instrument of union with God and of the unity of all humanity?”
Earthquake kills 2000 in Afghanistan – a Taliban-run country with virtually no presence of church aid agencies
he death toll in one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike Afghanistan in two decades has risen to 2,000, Taliban officials confirmed on Oct. 8.
Mary shows Christians they are all brothers, sisters, pope says
Mary is not only an “advocate,” helping Christians in need, she also is a “facilitator,” who helps them recognize that as her children, they are all brothers and sisters, Pope Francis said.
Synod call to communion can help a fractured world, theologian says
The Catholic Church is called to be an instrument of communion with God and unity among all people, but it requires grace and “learning to ‘bear with’ reality, gently, generously, lovingly and courageously for the peace and salvation of the whole world,” a theologian told the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Pope names first woman secretary of dicastery for religious
Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla will be secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Vatican announced Oct. 7.
U.S. bishops pray for peace following Hamas’ attack on Israel
Several U.S. bishops called for prayers for peace following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Jerusalem church leaders call for peace following deadly Hamas attack
Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem united in a call for peace and justice amid unfolding violence, following a surprise attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which has left around 600 Israelis dead, among them civilians and dozens of soldiers and police who were killed battling the Hamas fighters.