Fides News - English

AFRICA/SUDAN - Drones from the same manufacturer "battle" in Sudanese skies

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:48:06 +0200

Khartoum – Flights to and from Khartoum were suspended after drones attacked the capital's airport and other parts of the city on May 5. The airport, a hub for the distribution of humanitarian aid, was attacked by drones that Khartoum authorities said originated in Ethiopia. Sudanese authorities stated that the Turkish-made drones were purchased by the United Arab Emirates and sent to the Ethiopian airbase at Bahir Dar, from where they are used against Sudanese targets. In response to the attack, Khartoum recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa .
The United Arab Emirates, like Ethiopia, denied Sudanese accusations of involvement in the attack on Khartoum airport. Ethiopia, for its part, accused the Sudanese Armed Forces under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of supporting the TPLF rebels. The drone attack on Khartoum airport, which brought flight operations to a standstill, was condemned by several Arab countries , as well as by the Arab League and the Muslim World League. The United Nations also expressed concern about the attack. The United States and the European Union called for an end to the attacks. Turkey, which supports the Sudanese Armed Forces in their fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo , is one of the world's largest producers of combat drones. Turkish companies also supply their drones to the United Arab Emirates, which, as previously mentioned, is accused by the government in Khartoum of supplying drones to the RSF and using an Ethiopian base for attacks on Sudanese territory. Therefore, the video released by the Sudanese Armed Forces Command, showing a Turkish-made SAF drone shooting down a drone of the same model as the one used by the RSF, does not appear implausible.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Floods, cyclones and aid cuts worsen child malnutrition

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:27:20 +0200

Maputo – Mozambique is suffering not only from violence, insecurity, crime, and political instability, but also from a food crisis of "enormous proportions." A recent study by the United Nations Children's Fund shows that an estimated 100,000 children under the age of five will require treatment for severe acute malnutrition this year. Meanwhile, the situation for internally displaced persons in Cabo Delgado and other areas is critical. "Mozambique is facing a food crisis of enormous proportions and has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. Acute malnutrition remains a serious problem, affecting 4% of children, including severe cases that are immediately life-threatening," the UN agency stated.

The emergency is exacerbated by cuts in development aid, which directly impact the supply of nutritional supplements, medicines, and the necessary logistics for vital nutrition and health programs to those most affected. “Mozambique is among the 22 priority countries for the supply of ready-to-use therapeutic food and currently has an 18% deficit in the financial resources needed to meet all anticipated needs,” according to the document sent to Fides.
Furthermore, the UN relief agency already raised the alarm on April 17 about the numerous difficulties in supporting one million flood victims in Mozambique , half of whom are children and urgently require water, sanitation, healthcare, nutrition, education, child protection, and financial assistance.

ASIA/INDIA - Legislative elections, the Bishops: "Respect and firmly defend the Indian Constitution"

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:20:37 +0200

New Delhi - The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India issued an appeal "for the integrity of the Constitution and inclusive governance in India" following the parliamentary elections in the Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. In a statement sent to Fides, the CBCI, which comprises approximately 300 bishops of the three rites represented in the country , expressed its hope for a peaceful and successful conclusion to the parliamentary elections and appealed to the newly elected politicians "to resolutely respect and protect the Indian Constitution, regardless of their political affiliation." “We urge the new leaders to govern transparently and prioritize inclusive policies,” the statement reads. “It is essential that the parties forming the government prioritize their mandate to improving the lives of the poor, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and minorities. True development of a nation is only achieved when the fruits of progress reach the most vulnerable members of our society.”
The text continues: “The Catholic Church in India reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working with the government in the continued development of the nation. Through our educational, health, and social service institutions, we remain resolutely committed to the common good, peace, and prosperity of all citizens.” Cardinal Anthony Poola, Chairman of the CBCI, emphasized this commitment to the nation's common good: “The true measure of a vibrant democracy lies not only in the successful conduct of elections, but also in the unwavering dedication of elected representatives to the most vulnerable members of society. We call upon the new governments to work closely with all institutions to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable India.” “We pray that the elected representatives may be guided by wisdom, justice, and deep compassion as they embark on this important path of public service and governance,” the bishops concluded in their statement.
“We pray that the elected representatives will be guided by wisdom, justice, and deep compassion on their important journey in public service and governance,” the bishops concluded. The results of the May 4 elections, held in the states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Puducherry Territory, resulted in a clear victory for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In West Bengal, the BJP surpassed the absolute majority of 148 seats—a success that observers described as "historic." In Puducherry, the government also remained in the hands of the National Democratic Alliance , the BJP-led coalition. In Assam, a northeastern Indian state bordering Bangladesh, the BJP will begin its second consecutive term.
In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, two southern states, voters opted for the opposition: In Kerala, a Congress-led coalition won, securing an absolute majority in parliament with 95 seats; In Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Vettri Kazhagam , a party founded by Vijay, a famous Tamil actor and a "new man" in politics, emerged victorious. John Dayal, a Catholic journalist and analyst, told Fides: “These results paint a picture of the state of Indian democracy ahead of the 2029 national elections. The BJP’s power in India is growing: of the 28 states, 22 are governed by either the BJP or its coalition partners; the same applies for two of the three union territories. This is a level of political and cultural dominance that India has not seen for 50 years.” “We are also witnessing the progressive decline of regional parties,” he continued, “which have historically played a significant role.” “This vote raises crucial questions about pluralism, debate, and shifting of political forces that are the essence of democracy,” he noted. Dayal further notes: “For non-Hindu religious communities, especially Muslims and Christians, the concern is how much space BJP governments will give to Hindu extremist groups that use violence in society, particularly against minorities.”

ASIA/THAILAND - Appointment of bishop of Chiang Mai

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:09:45 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Peter Suphot Roeksujarit, of the clergy of the archdiocese of Bangkok, until now director of the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Centre in Sampran and episcopal vicar for the staff of the archdiocese of Bangkok, as bishop of the diocese of Chiang Mai.
Msgr. Peter Suphot Roeksujarit was born on 2 November 1961 in Ayutthaya, in the archdiocese of Bangkok. He studied philosophy and theology at the Lux Mundi National Major Seminary in Sampran.
He was ordained a priest on 3 June 1990 for the clergy of the archdiocese of Bangkok.
After ordination, he studied social communication at the Centre International de recherche et de comunication audiovisuelle “Expression de la foi” in Lyon, France , and went on to hold the offices of director of the Catholic Media Department of the archdiocese of Bangkok and parish priest of Saint Louis in Bangkok and of Saint Raphael in Bangkok . He is currently director of the Baan Phu Waan National Pastoral Centre in Sampran , episcopal vicar for the staff of the archdiocese of Bangkok, and chaplain of the Carmelite Sisters in Sampran.

“The mission is Jesus”. Leo XIV and the first steps of his "missionary magisterium"

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:05:17 +0200

by Gianni Valente

Rome – “Move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified.” With these words, the day after his election as Bishop of Rome, Leo XIV reminded the cardinals who had elected him of what he called “an indispensable commitment for all those in the Church who exercise a ministry of authority.”
At the end of the first year of his pontificate, these words aptly illuminate one of the defining characteristics of his magisterium as the successor of Peter: its missionary aspect.

In both Leo XIV and Pope Francis, references to the missionary nature of the Church and the call for a renewed missionary spirit can be found in homilies and catecheses, in speeches and messages.

Pope Leo XIV emphatically and consistently reminds us of the fundamental dynamics that shape the apostolic mission entrusted to the Church. He recognizes and describes the contexts and conditions under which the apostolic mission is to unfold in the present day. Specifically, he identifies the urgent practical needs and priorities that must be addressed so that “missionary calls” do not degenerate into rhetorical abstractions that burden the lives of the baptized.

The Attraction of Christ

Pope Leo XIV reminds us: “The mission is Jesus. He is Risen — thus, he is living and he precedes us. None of us is called to substitute him.” .

The Bishop of Rome repeatedly emphasizes that missionary zeal does not arise spontaneously, but can only unfold freely in an encounter with Christ. Thus, the encounters of the first disciples with the Risen Jesus forever demonstrate the simple yet mysterious dynamic through which the experience of salvation can be passed from heart to heart: "After meeting Jesus, Andrew could not help but share with his brother what he had found." .

“It is the Holy Spirit,” Pope Leo recalled, “that sends us to continue the work of Christ in the world’s peripheries, marked at times by war, injustice and suffering.” .
Repeating an expression dear to Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, the current Bishop of Rome reaffirms that one cannot become a Christian through cultural pressure, proselytism, or marketing strategies, but solely through "attraction". What Saint Augustine called "Delectatio Victrix," the victorious delight. "In fact, it is not the Church that attracts, but Christ; and if a Christian or an ecclesial community attracts, it is because through that “channel” flows the lifeblood of Charity that cascades from the Heart of the Savior." For: "We belong to him, we are his community, and he can continue to draw others to himself through us." "The mission of the disciples and of the whole Church is the continuation of Christ's mission through the Holy Spirit." .

The Mission of the “Young Churches”

In his Magisterium, Leo XIV—far from rigid abstractions—realistically identifies the conditions and contexts in which one can bear witness to Christ today. The Pope drew attention to the story of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, the young patron saint of the Congolese laity, who was tortured and killed by a European landowner during the colonial era, to remind us that today “the ancient Churches of the North of the world receive this witness from young Churches, which urges us to walk together towards the Kingdom of God,” and “Africa, in particular, asks for this conversion, and it does so by giving us many young witnesses of faith” .

Pope Leo XIV observed that a “new missionary age” opens up in the history of the Church and emphasizes that mission today is no longer solely associated with the word “depart”, the going out to distant lands that did not know the Gospel or were experiencing poverty, today the frontiers of the missions are no longer geographical, because poverty, suffering and the desire for a greater hope have made their way to us.” Therefore, it is necessary “to seek a renewed missionary cooperation among the Churches” and “in the communities of ancient Christian tradition, such as those of the West, the presence of many brothers and sisters from the world’s South should be welcomed as an opportunity, through an exchange that renews the face of the Church” .
With the same Christian realism, the Successor of Peter expresses his gratitude to “today’s ad gentes missionaries,” because despite adversity and human limitations, “they continue to give themselves joyfully, because they know that Christ himself, and his Gospel, are the greatest treasures we can offer,” and at the same time emphasizes: “The world still needs these courageous witnesses of Christ, and ecclesial communities still need new missionary vocations.” .

Inculturation does not “sacralize” any culture.

All missionary who depart to other lands, as Leo XIV stated, “are called to live with respect within the culture they encounter, directing to the good all that is found true and worthy, and bringing there the prophetic message of the Gospel.” .

The Pope repeatedly emphasizes that so-called “inculturation” is “an intrinsic requirement of the Church’s mission”: Inculturating the Gospel means “following the same path that God has travelled” and “entering with respect and love into the concrete history of peoples so that Christ can be truly known, loved and welcomed from within their own human and cultural experience.” At the same time, Pope Leo emphasized that inculturation “does not equate to a sacralization of cultures or their adoption as a decisive interpretative framework for the Gospel message, nor can it be reduced to a relativistic accommodation or a superficial adaptation of the Christian message, since no culture, however valuable it may be, can simply be identified with Revelation or become the ultimate criterion of faith. To legitimize everything that is culturally given or to justify practices, worldviews or structures that contradict the Gospel and the dignity of the person would be to ignore that every culture — like every human reality — must be enlightened and transformed by the grace that flows from the Paschal mystery of Christ” .

Relaunching the suggestions of the Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”

In his first year as Pope, Leo XIV did not develop any new theories or strategies that he might have enriched with his many years of personal experience in Peru, far from his homeland. Instead, Pope Leo chose to revisit and highlight the key themes and insights of the missionary impulses of his predecessors as Bishops of Rome.

In his recent letter to the Cardinals , Leo XIV reaffirmed the contributions of members of the College of Cardinals who, at the Extraordinary Consistory in January, had noted that Pope Francis's Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" continues to be "a significant point of reference in ensuring that such boldness is not weighed down or stifled by organizational excesses."

Among the practical suggestions Leo XIV reiterated in his letter to the Cardinals, he recalled the need to "relaunch Evangelii Gaudium through an honest assessment of what has actually been embraced over the years and what, by contrast, remains unfamiliar or unimplemented." The Pope emphasized the need to pay particular attention to "the necessary reforms of the processes of Christian initiation" and "to the need to reassess the effectiveness of ecclesial communication, including at the level of the Holy See, from a more explicitly missionary perspective."

“The small flock and the grain of incense”

In his missionary teaching, Leo XIV, in the first year of his pontificate, also described specific contexts in which the apostolic work of ecclesial communities takes place. He affirmed that even though the Church recognizes itself as a “minority,” she is called “to live with confident courage, as a small flock bringing hope to all, mindful that the aim of mission is not its own survival, but the communication of the love with which God loves the world” .
Among the most evocative images chosen by the successor of Peter to describe the mission entrusted to the Church is the one he presented to the small Church in Algeria: “Your presence in this country is like incense: a glowing grain that spreads fragrance because it gives glory to the Lord and joy and comfort to so many brothers and sisters. This incense is a small, precious element that does not draw attention to itself, but invites us to turn our hearts to God, encouraging one another to persevere amid the difficulties of the present time.” .

ASIA/SRI LANKA - Appointment of the New Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:57:09 +0200

Vatican City – On March 31, 2026, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , has appointed, Father Nayagam Roy Clarence, of the Diocese of Kandy, as Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Sri Lanka, for a five-year period .
The new Director of the PMS was born in 1977 and ordained in 2006. He obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Theology in Rome, and subsequently obtained an advanced master's degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium .
He was assistant parish priest in Nawalapitiya and at Kandy Cathedral and parish priest in Gampola , Ampitiya and Ragala .
He has held the following pastoral roles: Diocesan Director of the Apostolate of Migrants , of the Laity and Family, and of Interreligious Dialogue , Director of the National Catholic Commission for the Laity , Chaplain for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul , Chaplain for Sri Lankan Migrants in the United Arab Emirates , and Lecturer at the Ampitiya National Seminary in Kandy .

ASIA/INDIA - Deputy Secretary of the Bishops' Conference: Early Motherhood: “Indian Civilization honors the sanctity of life”

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:32:27 +0200

New Delhi – “We are pleased with this positive outcome in the case of the 15-year-old pregnant girl, as she did not have an abortion. We hope that she and the child remain in good health and we guarantee them our full psychological and moral support,” Fr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , told Fides. This refers to the case of the 15-year-old girl's early pregnancy, for which the Supreme Court of India, at the request of the girl's parents, had issued an order for the voluntary termination of the pregnancy of a 30-week-old fetus. The Catholic Church in India had expressed its anguish, pleading for the child, a fully viable fetus, to be saved, raising the issue of the rights of the unborn .
According to information sent to Fides, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, through labor induction, assisted in the birth of the premature baby, weighing approximately 1.4 kg, who is now in the neonatal intensive care unit. The mother is in areasonably good health and will soon be discharged from the hospital. The newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit on life support and is at high risk of suffering significant and permanent long-term disabilities, such as blindness, deafness, and neurodevelopmental delays. “We can say that, in this case, the lives of the child and the mother have been saved, but the underlying issue remains and will continue to be raised in the future, given the numerous cases of unwanted pregnancies, particularly those involving minors,” the deputy secretary of the CBCI told Fides.
The Supreme Court has called on policymakers to amend the law regulating abortion in India to address these cases. Often, the families of young women only learn of the pregnancy when the fetus is already several weeks along, beyond the legal limit for abortion . The family is left with no option but to seek legal authorization, and the Court has confirmed that it is up to the girls' parents to make an “informed choice” about a possible abortion, considering that “unwanted pregnancies can be a burden and a trauma for the minor.” In cases of early motherhood, one can speak of "child rape," and "the victim will forever bear a scar and trauma," the Chief Justice stated. Regarding this matter, lawyers, doctors, and Catholic bishops have pointed out the "serious legal and ethical implications" of the issue. Bishop Mathew Koyickal reminded everyone: "India is a civilization, not simply a state." The moral wisdom contained in ancient Indian scriptural and philosophical traditions speaks with unequivocal authority about the sanctity of life in the womb. The Indian Church invokes this shared civil heritage today to affirm that the protection of unborn life is not the monopoly of a single religious tradition, but the common heritage of all the Indian people." In this regard, he continued: "We call upon Parliament to revise the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 in order to establish clear and enforceable legal protections for unborn but fully viable children." The first duty of the State is the protection of human life. The law must never become an instrument of violence against the most defenseless members of the human family. The priest clarifies: “Our position on the sanctity of life does not imply indifference to human suffering. Rather, it arises from the deepest respect for the dignity of every human person, whether born or unborn. The suffering of one person—such as that of a young mother—is not alleviated by the deliberate destruction of another. This is the perennial wisdom of the Church, confirmed both by natural law and by the moral tradition of every great civilization that respects and honors the sanctity of life.”

AMERICA/BOLIVIA - The economic crisis fuels social tensions: Bishops call for dialogue and reconciliation

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:12:55 +0200

La Paz – Social unrest is escalating in Bolivia, manifesting itself in protests, economic hardship, and political tensions. In recent weeks, transport companies, unions, farmers, and indigenous organizations have promoted roadblocks and called for strikes in an effort to obtain answers to their demands for economic and structural change. The protests are taking place against a backdrop of high inflation, foreign currency shortages, and fuel supply problems – factors that have exacerbated social unrest.
This social unrest has a direct impact on daily life, particularly on food supplies and transportation, and hits the most vulnerable segments of the population. Meanwhile, leading representatives of the Bolivian Church have expressed their concern about the escalation of the conflict and emphasized the need for peaceful solutions to the root causes of the social unrest. In recent days, numerous bishops have repeatedly addressed this issue in homilies and press releases.
The Bishop of El Alto and Secretary General of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Giovani Arana, warned of the country's "conflict-ridden situation," characterized by social tensions and economic insecurity. In one of his homilies, he stated: "No structural reform can bear fruit without a change in attitudes, ethical principles, and the central importance of the human being." He emphasized the urgent need for dialogue between the authorities and the people.
The Bishop of Sucre and Vice President of the Episcopal Conference, Ricardo Centellas, focused his remarks on the social dimension of the crisis and, in light of the increasing fragmentation of the social fabric, called for fraternity and reconciliation. In his homily during Mass on Sunday, May 3, he declared: "We are in this world to support one another, not to destroy one another," adding that fraternity in Christ must be expressed in "solidarity, mercy, and compassion." Archbishop Percy Galván of La Paz, for his part, called for a “sincere dialogue” based on transparency and the pursuit of the common good. In a statement to the press, he urged setting aside political and ideological interests and emphasized the need for agreements that restore stability and social peace.
Bishop Renán Aguilera of Potosí highlighted the impact of the protest-related blockades on the poorest families, who have limited access to essential goods. “The most vulnerable suffer the most,” he declared, stressing the urgency of resuming dialogue and the Church’s role as a bridge in finding realistic and shared solutions. The President of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Bishop Aurelio Pesoa of the Apostolic Vicariate of El Beni, placed the country’s situation in the context of a broader reflection on social responsibility, pointing to problems such as fuel shortages, the health crisis, and corruption. He called for a societal transformation, declaring, “Authority must always serve the community, not the pursuit of profit.” Archbishop René Leigue of Santa Cruz questioned the effectiveness of blockades and strikes as means of crisis management, emphasizing that while the economy is important, it is not the country’s only problem. In a speech on May 3, he urged a greater focus on problems in healthcare, education, and the labor market, as well as other social emergencies such as violence and drug use among young people. “We must broaden our perspective, look beyond the obvious, and concentrate on this vast reality with all its problems,” he stated.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Attacks in Cabo Delgado: terrorist actions force more than 700 People to flee from Nangade

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:55:37 +0200

Nampula - Recent terrorist attacks and movements in the Nangade district, north of Cabo Delgado, have forced several families to flee their homes, affecting at least 776 people, including children. The data comes from the latest report by the International Organization for Migration , which indicates that those affected have left their homes in the villages of Machava, Samora Machel, Muangaza, and Nkonga.

According to the report, which was published by the local press and covers the period between April 17 and 25, some families have found refuge in the town of Mualela and other areas of the district. The report sent to Fides News Agency states that several residents have confirmed terrorist activity in the fields of Lijungo village and in the plains of the Nkonga community, with reports of food looting last week, but without violence. Furthermore, the report notes that two weeks ago, terrorists returned to villages in the Nangade district, where, in addition to the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces, Tanzanian armed forces have also been deployed as part of cooperation and good neighborly relations between the two countries.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - “In this Marian month, pray for the release of Father Asukawaye and his ten parishioners kidnapped in February”

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:49:18 +0200

Abuja – “I ask everyone to pray for the release of Father Nathaniel Asukawaye and ten parishioners who have been held captive since February 7, 2026,” said Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi of Kafanchan, Kaduna State, in an invitation to priests, religious, and laity of the diocese to pray for the release of the priest of the Holy Trinity Church in Karku, in the local government area of Kaura, Kaduna State. The priest and ten parishioners were kidnapped by armed men in the early morning of February 7, 2026 . At least three people were killed in the attack. In his message for the Marian month, Bishop Kundi also asked for prayers “for the conversion of the kidnappers.” “Father Asukawaye is still in captivity,” the diocese clarifies, recalling his Marian devotion. “Since Father Nathaniel is a chaplain of the Marian Society and coordinates the devotions in May and October, the bishop requests special prayers for his release and the conversion of his captors during this year’s May devotions.” Prayers are also requested for the unconditional release of other kidnapping victims, “especially those from our diocese.”

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - The Eparch of Adigrat: appeal for mercy and the sanctity of the lives of 200 Ethiopians sentenced to death

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:28:01 +0200

Adigrat – "As the Shepherd of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, I lift my voice not only as a religious leader, but as a witness to the profound value of every human soul, created in the image and likeness of the Almighty." This is the heartfelt appeal that the Bishop of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, Tesfaselassie Medhin, addresses to all international humanitarian organizations and agencies responsible for safeguarding human dignity, for two hundred Ethiopians currently facing the death sentence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"Our faith teaches us that life is a gift from the Creator: sacred, inviolable, and deserving of protection from conception until its natural end," reads the note sent to Fides by the eparch. "While we respect the sovereignty of nations and the necessity of upholding the rule of law, we believe that justice is most powerful when it is tempered by mercy. The execution of these 200 individuals would represent an irreparable loss of life and an agonizing blow to the families left behind in Ethiopia, many of whom already endure the hardships of poverty and displacement."

We cannot remain silent while the lives of so many hang in the balance. We earnestly petition your esteemed organizations to engage in urgent, high-level dialogue with the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to seek a stay of execution and a commutation of these death sentences. Ensure that each of these individuals has been afforded the fullness of due process, including adequate legal representation and an understanding of the proceedings against them. Promote alternatives to capital punishment that allow for rehabilitation, repentance, and the possibility of redemption.”

“The cry of the poor and the marginalized must reach the ears of the international community,” Medhin emphasizes. “These 200 Ethiopians are not merely a number; they are children, parents, and siblings. Their lives have intrinsic worth that transcends any transgression. We pray that the hearts of those in power may be moved by the spirit of compassion. Together, let us work to ensure that the ‘culture of death’ is replaced by a ‘civilization of love’ and mercy. In this season of trial, we remain steadfast in our hope and our commitment to the sanctity of life.”

Many of the Ethiopians at risk are refugees who fled during the conflict in Tigray . On April 21, 2026, three Ethiopian migrants were executed in Saudi Arabia. Dozens of others are on death row in Khamis Mushait. The Eparch of Adigrat concludes his appeal by calling for immediate and decisive action in this grave matter.

AMERICA/HAITI - May and 'Flag Day' between pride and sorrow

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:41:22 +0200

Pourcine Pic Makaya – “This will be a truly unforgettable event. The children of the parish school are working diligently and with great enthusiasm on the preparations for the upcoming Flag Day, which we will celebrate on May 18,” reports Father Massimo Miraglio, MI, parish priest of Our Lady of Help in Pourcine Pic Makaya to Fides. “Following the May 1st celebrations, Labor and Agriculture Day, we continued the preparations for the national holiday with the parish school. In addition, a well-attended lecture by a young agronomist on the significance of this holiday in Haiti and worldwide took place. Finally, the students received coffee plants from the parish nursery.”

Although Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is mired in chaos, with armed groups controlling over 90% of the city and the government virtually withdrawing, leaving the population exposed to constant violence , May 18th holds great significance for the island. On May 18, 1803, Haitians achieved a triumphant victory in the revolution, leading to the world's only successful slave revolt, the abolition of slavery, and the birth of a nation. This is also the origin of the so-called "Flag Day," the national holiday that symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the birth of the world's first "Black Republic" founded by formerly enslaved people. Despite the Caribbean island is facing an ever-deepening crisis, with over a million people displaced and starving, the entire population proudly continues preparations for this event, which in recent years has also served as a reminder of the country's resilience.

AFRICA/SUDAN - Tensions with Ethiopia, Sudan recalls its ambassador to Addis Ababa

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:07:51 +0200

Khartoum – Following mutual accusations between Sudan and Ethiopia, Sudan recalled its ambassador from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The Sudanese government in Khartoum, on behalf of the Sudanese Armed Forces , accuses Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of being responsible for several drone attacks against targets in Sudan. An SAF spokesman stated that his government has evidence that drones have been carrying out attacks from Bahir Dar Airport in Ethiopia since March 1, 2026. The attacks reportedly targeted various areas, including the White Nile and Blue Nile states, as well as the North and South Kordofan regions.
On March 17, Sudanese air defenses intercepted one of the drones north of El-Obeid. Following the incident, experts analyzed the drone's data and contacted the manufacturer. According to the spokesperson, the analysis confirmed that the drone, serial number S88, belonged to the United Arab Emirates and that its control center was located on Ethiopian territory at Bahir Dar Airport. Flight data showed the drone's launch point and route through Sudanese airspace, where it attacked targets in Al-Kurmuk and other locations in Blue Nile State, as well as in North and South Kordofan. The drone attacks were reportedly carried out in support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces , which, according to the Sudanese Armed Forces , receive military assistance from Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the Sudanese accusations, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry rejected Sudan's claims in a statement, stating that the SAF supports the TPLF rebels in Tigray. “The Sudanese Armed Forces have also provided arms and financial support to these mercineries, thereby facilitating their incursions along Ethiopia's western frontier. The activities of TPLF mercinaries in Sudan are a matter of public record, and there is ample and credible evidence showing that Sudan is serving as a hub for various anti- Ethiopian forces. It is evident that these hostile actions, as well as the recent and earlier series of allegations by officials of Sudanese Armed Forces, are undertaken at the behest of external patrons seeking to advance their own nefarious agenda,” reads the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.

AFRICA/EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Funeral Mass for Vicar General of Malabo, whose death was remembered by Pope Leo XIV, to be held on May 7

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:23:21 +0200

Malabo – The funeral Mass for Father Fortunato Nsue Esono, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Malabo, will be held on May 7. The priest was found dead on April 17 in the parish of Our Lady of Bisila, under circumstances that initially raised suspicions. The priest was found lying on the floor of his home with a head injury.

The announcement of the funeral comes after the publication of the autopsy results, performed on April 29 at the Sipopo hospital by Egyptian specialists. “The medical report confirmed that the cause of death was an acute myocardial infarction, a consequence of a pre-existing heart condition,” the Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea stated. Experts added that “the incident caused a sudden loss of consciousness and a subsequent fall, ruling out any signs of violence or third-party involvement.”

In his homily at the Mass concluding his visit to Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV remembered the deceased priest, who was involved in preparing the apostolic journey to the country, urging people to face their grief with faith and not to draw hasty comments or conclusions, adding that full light will be shed on the circumstances of his death .

To dispel any doubts, the local government commissioned a forensic investigation by a team of Egyptian pathologists, who confirmed that the death was due to natural causes. No signs of aggression or toxic substances were found.

The posthumous tribute began with three days of prayer at the parish of Our Lady of Bisila. The celebrations will continue on May 6 with the opening of the chapel of rest, where the body will lie in state until dawn to allow the faithful, family, and clergy to pay their last respects.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on May 7 at 11:00 a.m. local time in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Malabo. The ceremony, which will be attended by ecclesiastical and civil authorities, will precede the burial.

According to the biography released by the local Episcopal Conference, Father Fortunato Nsue Esono was born on March 1, 1986, in the Monte Carmelo neighborhood of Mongomo, the son of Francisco Esono and Carmen Ayiambeng. His vocation manifested itself early as an altar server at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He studied at the St. Paul VI Minor Seminary in Ebibeyín and, since September 2005, continued his higher studies at the La Purísima Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Bata. He was ordained a deacon on November 19, 2011, and received priestly ordination on May 7, 2012, in the Ebibeyín Cathedral. After serving as parish priest in Mokom , he moved to Spain to pursue a doctorate in Biblical Theology at the University of Navarra , writing his dissertation on the temptations of Jesus. Upon his return to Equatorial Guinea, he was incardinated in the Archdiocese of Malabo, where he held various positions in the curia until his appointment as vicar general last August.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - A week of prayers of reparation following the desecration of the Adoration Chapel in a parish in Owerri

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:06:58 +0200

Abuja – At least one person suspected of desecrating the adoration chapel of St. Mulumba Parish in the Archdiocese of Owerri, in southeastern Nigeria, has been identified, according to Nigerian press reports, though no name has been released. The identification was facilitated by the analysis of surveillance videos. According to a statement by Father Patrick C. Mbarah, Chancellor and Secretary of the Archdiocese of Owerri, the desecration occurred in the early morning hours of April 29. Unknown persons opened some parts of the roof of the building, jumped into the Chapel of Adoration through the ceiling and made away with the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Following the attack, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri has scheduled a week of prayer of reparation at St. Mulumba Parish in Owerri. The prayers are scheduled daily from May 1 to 8, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m . Archbishop Ugorji called upon the priests of the Archdiocese of Owerri to adhere strictly to all the norms and directives regarding Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration to avoid any future occurrence.

Leo XIV's Message for World Mission Day 2026 at the Center of an Online Missionary Formation Course in French

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:35:32 +0200

Vatican City – The Pope's message for the upcoming 100th World Mission Day, which will be celebrated on October 18, 2026, is the focus of an online training program for missionary formation. The program begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, in French and will be offered in other languages in the coming months.

"One in Christ, united in mission" is the title of the papal message. These words recall the motto of Pope Leo XIV, "In Illo uno unum" , based on a sermon by Saint Augustine. The papal message for World Mission Day was published on Sunday, January 25, the commemoration of the Conversion of Saint Paul, the great missionary and "Apostle to the Gentiles."

The 100th World Mission Day is celebrated on Sunday, October 18

The French-language training program on the papal message is a joint project of the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union and the National Directions of the Pontifical Mission Societies in French-speaking African countries.

The training program comprises four online conferences, each taking place from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. . A link to participate via the Zoom platform will be sent to you for each conference.

The event tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, will begin with an introductory address by Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, a Conventual Franciscan and Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union. Following this, Nicolas Lhernould, Archbishop of Tunis, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Tunisia will speak. The first online conference is entitled “The Message of Pope Leo in the context of today’s mission.” Three further events will follow, exploring the Pope's message from different perspectives. Another conference, scheduled for Friday, June 12, is entitled "One in Christ: Spiritual and missionary deepening." On Friday, July 20, the training program continues with a conference on "United in Mission: How can we live and implement the Pope's impulses in concrete terms?" The final conference, entitled "Mission of Love: Following Christ and the Saints," will take place on Friday, September 11.

Link to participate in the conference on Wednesday, May 5: from 12:30 to 2:00 pm :
https://zoom.us/j/95032376147?pwd=FEaaWvGcBoFAmu2vJO47bcd6aQCxt4.1
Meeting ID: 950 3237 6147
Passcode: 496429

ASIA/INDIA - Indian Bishops: "Even in the face of early motherhood, the right of unborn life must be protected"

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:01:44 +0200

New Delhi – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , a body of more than 300 Indian bishops from three rites – the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara – is calling for a review of the ruling that permits abortions from the 30th week of pregnancy onward. It expressed its “deepest dismay” at the Supreme Court’s decision authorizing the termination of a viable pregnancy at 30 weeks. This development, the bishops stated, “raises fundamental questions regarding constitutional law, medical ethics, and the fundamental right to life of the unborn child.”
The Court ordered the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi to terminate the pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl at 30 weeks, citing the difficulties of early motherhood. This directive “clearly contradicts the unanimous and categorical opinion of doctors and experts who have unequivocally stated that an abortion at this advanced stage is medically unacceptable,” the Indian bishops said. According to a statement from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , the medical commission proposed a safer and more humane alternative: postponing the birth by a few weeks to allow for a natural delivery. “This approach would significantly reduce the health risks for the minor and increase the likelihood of giving birth to a healthy child,” the statement continued. The state has, among other things, declared its willingness to assume responsibility for the child, including providing social and psychological support to the young mother and facilitating adoption proceedings.
Citing “established medical recommendations and ethical considerations,” the bishops point out that a fetus is generally considered viable outside the womb from the 30th week of pregnancy onward. “Ordering an intervention that could terminate such a life or cause serious harm raises grave concerns and violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life,” the statement reads. The bishops further explain: “Terminating a viable pregnancy, especially when safer alternatives exist, challenges the balance between personal autonomy and the protection of life. While patient autonomy is an important principle, it must not extend to ordering a medically contraindicated intervention. Judicial decisions in such sensitive medico-legal matters must be guided by scientific evidence and expert opinion.” The Supreme Court, as guardian of minors and those unable to protect their own interests, “has a duty to ensure the welfare of the child.” And in this case, the Catholic bishops emphasize: “The medical report clearly indicated a course of action that would protect both the minor and the unborn child. Deviating from this course of action casts doubt on the fulfillment of this responsibility.” The Indian bishops also cite the legal framework on abortion, which permits late-term procedures only in exceptional cases, such as serious risk to the mother or severe fetal abnormalities. "In the present case, the medical report indicates that continuing the pregnancy in the short term is safer and the fetus is healthy. This directive, therefore, appears to go beyond the scope of the existing legal framework." The Court's directive presents doctors with an ethical dilemma, as it compels them to perform a procedure that contradicts their professional judgment and ethical obligations. "Such coercion," the statement continues, "could negatively impact the integrity of medical practice and the willingness of experts to provide independent opinions in court proceedings." While acknowledging the social and psychological concerns associated with early motherhood, "these must be weighed against the certainty of physical harm and the impact on the right to life." “The proposed alternative solution, which includes state support and adoption,” it is emphasized again, “offers a compassionate and legally valid path that deserves thorough examination.” The bishops therefore call for “an immediate and urgent review of the case in order to save the life of an unborn child, protect constitutional principles, medical ethics, and the welfare of the child and the unborn child.” Father Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI and Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Delhi, explained to Fides: “The Church respects the dignity and well-being of every vulnerable person, including minors in crisis situations, with the utmost care and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to pastoral care, material and moral support. However, the minority of the biological parents can never, under any moral argument, constitute a valid justification for the deliberate termination of a child’s life at 30 weeks of gestation.” According to the Church’s moral judgment, authorizing, supporting, or carrying out such an act “is murder.” “The 1971 Abortion Act,” he affirms, “must never be interpreted or applied as a license to destroy human life at 30 weeks of gestation.” However, the Church’s moral judgment is that the abortion law of 1971 “must never be interpreted or applied as a license to destroy human life at 30 weeks of gestation.” “The protection of the unborn child,” reminds Fr. Mathew Koyickal, “is also clearly enshrined in the sacred scriptures of the Hindu tradition. Therefore, permitting the killing of a 30-week-old, fully developed, and living child in the womb violates even the most sacred and unanimous precepts of India’s civil, philosophical, and religious heritage.”
In this context, the Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India calls on all citizens of India “to stand up for the protection of unborn life, regardless of religion, language, or affiliation, and urges all state institutions to fulfill their constitutional and moral obligation to protect every human life from conception.”

ASIA/CHINA - Marian Month: Chinese Catholic Communities pray for world peace

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:23:22 +0200

Beijing – Prayer for peace is the focus of many processions, liturgical celebrations, and communal rosary prayers that are bringing together Catholic communities in all Chinese provinces these days.

Since the evening of April 30, liturgies and processions have been taking place in countless Catholic churches and shrines across mainland China.

From the Shrine of Sheshan near Shanghai to the Shrine of Housangyu in Beijing, from cathedrals to small village chapels, groups of Catholics large and small are gathering before the altar and statues of Mary to pray together for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Marian month of May.

Marian devotion is deeply rooted in the faith of Chinese Catholics. They have always viewed participation in the prayers and liturgies of the Marian month as an opportunity and a sign of their connection with the universal Church and the Successors of Peter. In a time torn apart by wars that cause suffering for entire nations, believers in China are also praying for the preservation of communion and the restoration of peace everywhere.

In the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan in the Diocese of Shanghai, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin celebrated a solemn Mass on the afternoon of April 30 to open the Marian month. Faithful from all over mainland China and abroad participated, along with seminarians from the Sheshan Seminary.
In addition to praying for peace, the Bishop of Shanghai explained the true meaning of a pilgrimage: “It does not consist merely of walking a path or simply performing rites, but touches the depths of every person’s heart: With every step we take, we move away from worldliness and draw ever closer to the grace of God.” Therefore, he emphasized: “First and foremost, we must remain in daily prayer and nourish our lives with the Word of God. Second, we must follow the example of the Virgin Mary and bear witness to our faith through holiness. Finally, pilgrimage should be experienced as a means of inner renewal.”

On the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Wu Jianlin of Shanghai celebrated a solemn Mass in the Sheshan Basilica on May 1 and once again called upon all the faithful to pray for peace.
To mark the opening of the Marian month, the parish of Lucheng in the Diocese of Wenzhou announced the theme for the month: “Devotion to Mary: Spiritual deepening in service to the communion.” The parish of Qianku had already opened the Marian month on April 30 with a solemn procession and prayer vigil attended by thousands of faithful.

AFRICA/MALI - A possible “Syrian scenario” for Mali?

Mon, 04 May 2026 13:15:56 +0200

Bamako – Is a scenario similar to Syria emerging in Mali? That is, the action of a jihadist actor capable of uniting other opposition groups around him to replace the current military junta. The question arises after the series of joint offensives carried out on April 25 by Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin together with the Azawad Liberation Front . Several important cities in the country, particularly Bamako, Kati, Konna, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal, were the target of simultaneous and coordinated attacks. These assaults resulted in the deaths of military personnel and civilians, including the Minister of State, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Veterans Affairs, Lieutenant General Sadio Camara.
The two groups that carried out the attacks were, until recently, on opposing sides. JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, is the successor to the jihadist groups that expelled the Tuareg separatists from northern Mali in 2012. The FLA, formed from the merger of several separatist groups, was still fighting JNIM jihadists in 2014. Now, however, both are carrying out coordinated, simultaneous attacks, and in some cases, side by side with former enemies. Although the two groups are besieging the Malian capital, they do not appear capable of capturing it. Only a political agreement that includes a broad part of the opposition to the military junta could, by offering an alternative, create the conditions for real change. The fact that the Attorney General of the Bamako Military Court has announced the opening of an investigation against active-duty and reserve army officers for complicity in the planning and execution of the attacks seems to indicate the existence of contacts between jihadists, separatists, and some members of the junta.
The Attorney General's statement also mentions the involvement of several political figures, such as Dr. Oumar Mariko, a well-known left-wing opposition figure and co-founder of the African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence party, of which he is Secretary General. If the military court's accusations are confirmed, a broad political—more than military—alliance would be formed, aimed at offering an alternative to the junta, in which JNIM would play a central role due to its armed strength. This hypothesis is reinforced by the kidnapping in Bamako of one of the junta's main critics, lawyer Mountaga Tall, who had defended several military officers arrested in recent months on charges of "attempting to destabilize state institutions." This would be a similar, though not identical, scenario to that which occurred with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria at the end of 2024, where a jihadist group formerly affiliated with Al Qaeda overthrew the Assad regime and subsequently formed a government with limited inclusion of other political forces. Several unknowns remain in this scenario: the attitude of the Russian paramilitary group, the Africa Corps, which supports the Malian junta; the reaction of the other members of the Alliance of Sahel States ; and finally, the presence of the Islamic State, a jihadist organization that is a rival of Al-Qaeda and, therefore, of JNIM.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Bishop Osório Citora: “Solidarity with the people, the bishop, and the missionaries of the Diocese of Pemba”

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:42:31 +0200

Beira – “The Diocese of Quelimane learned with profound sadness the news of the attack and arson that affected the parish of St. Louis de Montfort in Meza on Thursday, April 30. The situation is very serious; people are frightened, and we are all united in prayer.” This is what Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane stated in a telephone conversation with Fides. These days, the bishop, a Consolata missionary, is in Beira for meetings with local staff in his capacity as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese, appointed by Pope Leo XIV on April 10, 2026.

Upon receiving news of the serious terrorist attack in which the parish of St. Louis de Montfort in Meza was destroyed, and in which at least 22 people were kidnapped by suspected terrorists from the district of Ancuabe, in the province of Cabo Delgado, Bishop Osório contacted António Juliasse, Bishop of Pemba, and Fathers Marc, André, and Florence, Piarist missionaries from Cameroon who work in the affected parish, to express his full solidarity.

“In this moment of pain and trial, we give thanks to God for the safety of the missionary staff, but we mourn with the Diocese of Pemba for the destruction of the House of the Lord, a monument of faith built in 1946, and all the damage caused,” Bishop Osório stated in his message. “You can count on our prayers, the solidarity of the Church of Quelimane, and our fraternal communion. May the Good Shepherd console this people and convert hearts hardened by hatred. We are united in the cross and in the hope of the Resurrection, as we denounce this terrorist violence and pray for peace for this martyred land.”