Fides News - English

Between political neo-messianisms and Augustinian realism: scholars and analysts revisit Leo XIV’s teaching on international politics and Global scenarios

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:26:40 +0200

Rome – One year after the election of Pope Leo XIV, a public lecture at the Pontifical Gregorian University has offered one of the first comprehensive readings of his pontificate in the field of international politics and Holy See diplomacy. Organized within the “Rome Summer Seminar on Religion and Global Politics” by the Sinderesi School and hosted by the Alberto Hurtado Centre for Faith and Culture, the evening combined historical reconstruction and theological political analysis, while carefully avoiding partisan alignments.
Introducing the event, Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization and coordinator of the Sinderesi School, recalled that “a little more than one year after his election, it seemed especially fitting to pause and reflect on the impact of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV within the context of global politics” and to ask what “shape the Petrine ministry is taking under Pope Leo XIV in the face of the profound transformations occurring within international politics.” He stressed that the Holy See is called to exercise “a mission of safeguarding those fundamental human and spiritual values without which human coexistence will neither improve nor bring good to future generations.”
The main lecture was given by historian Massimo Faggioli, who situated Leo XIV’s first year in the context of a rapidly deteriorating international order. He recalled a sequence of crises between January and February 2026 – from the military operation in Venezuela to threats against Greenland and Cuba, followed by armed action against Iran and renewed conflict in Lebanon – as the moment when “we have seen something like a second beginning” of the pontificate regarding the pressing issues brought to the forefront by current global events.
At the heart of Faggioli’s analysis was Leo XIV’s insistence on multilateralism. Quoting the Pope’s address to the diplomatic corps on 9 January, he noted that “a diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force by either individuals or groups of allies.” In that same speech, Leo XIV warned that “the principle established after World War II, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined,” and that peace is increasingly sought “through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion,” gravely threatening the rule of law.
Faggioli then drew attention to the Pope’s seemingly unusual, very brief visit to the Principality of Monaco. He quoted a long interview by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who underlined the significance the Holy See attaches to small states as “natural guardians of multilateralism.” According to Parolin, “for small states, the rule of law is not a burden but the greatest guarantee of survival and freedom,” and today international influence “is no longer measured solely by military force, but by moral credibility and the ability to act as neutral bridges for reconciliation.” For Faggioli, this interpretation transforms what might appear as a protocol visit into a programmatic gesture in favour of a “Pax Vaticana” distinct both from the ancient Pax Romana and the modern Pax Americana.
The lecture also examined Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on artificial intelligence and the human person. Faggioli noted that its reception by “unusual interlocutors of the Catholic Church” shows that the Holy See “locates its voice in this race for AI, which is mostly a race between the United States and China.” At the same time, he suggested that the encyclical reveals “a certain kind of loneliness of the Holy See in addressing issues which once would have been addressed by the international or the socialist parties,” to the point that “in a very strange way, the Catholic Church, in its international nature, is really the last ‘International’.”
From a European perspective, Faggioli identified Leo XIV’s recent trip to Spain and his address to the Cortes as a kind of “grand opening” of the pontificate towards the continent, with “many echoes of Pope Benedict XVI’s speech to the Bundestag.” In a time when Europe can feel “orphaned or worse threatened by the all time ally, the United States”.
In the discussion that followed, which also saw the participation of Professor Michael Driessen of John Cabot University and Dr. Antonella Piccinin of the
Notre Dame University, political theorist Fabio Petito placed Magnifica Humanitas within a broader search for a “new multilateralism.” In his view, the document signals that the Holy See wishes to “give weight and centrality to a re articulation of human dignity in the global governance of the world to come.” He suggested that any future world order that is both just and peaceful will have to move beyond a simple “balance of power” between major states and be grounded instead in a renewed ius gentium, “a new cross cultural ius gentium,” capable of integrating the perspectives of emerging civilizations and religious traditions.
Another panelist, professor Adrian Pabst, highlighted the theological foundations of Leo XIV’s approach, contrasting a secular “realism” that assumes a violent state of nature with the Augustinian vision of history. For Augustine and for Leo XIV, he argued, realism consists in “trying to see how we can transform the earthly city more in the direction of the City of God,” guided by the ordo amoris, the “order of love.” In this perspective, political and legal structures are called to be infused by charity: “the realism that Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessors, puts forward is an order not based on power, not based purely on law, but actually on love.”
Participants raised questions about the Pope’s recent statements on the inadequacy of traditional “just war” categories, his consistent advocacy of non violence and disarmament, and his repeated offer of the Holy See as a neutral venue for dialogue in ongoing conflicts. Without entering into partisan disputes, several speakers underlined that such initiatives presuppose both a clear moral stance and a patient diplomatic neutrality, in accordance with the diplomatic tradition of the Holy See.
Concluding the evening, Faggioli suggested that the first year of Leo XIV’s pontificate has already revealed “an ideal of what I would call a Pax Vaticana,” rooted in multilateralism, in the rule of law and in an explicitly theological reading of politics. At the same time, he warned that “we are really in a new era, in a new age,” marked by the resurgence of “political messianisms” and new forms of religious nationalism. In such a context, he added, “ignorance is the last thing that can save us—ignorance of theology, of what it means and so on,” and initiatives of study and dialogue between faith and global politics remain relevant.

The blood-stained Breviary and other "Family Memories" of Father Amédée Benoît

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:05:27 +0200

by Marie-Lucile Kubacki

Lyon - "He died with the rosary in his hand, just as he had lived: a missionary totally given to others." With this evocative image, Father Benoît Campion summarizes for Fides the life of Father Amédée Benoît, a priest of the Paris Foreign Missions, born in Lyon in 1913 and died in Vietnam in 1954, among the people to whom he had been sent.
For many years, Father Campion served the Lyon parish from which Father Amédée came. Behind the image he chose, a life silently shaped by prayer, a sense of the Church, and a passion for the mission emerges.
Amédée Charles Benoît was born on the eve of the First World War, into a large family deeply marked by faith and parish life. During childhood and youth, they prayed together, attended Mass, and practiced concrete acts of charity. Even today, his family refers to him as a "contemporary": not a distant figure from an old album of yellowed photographs, but a surprisingly close uncle.
After completing his secondary education at the Saint-Joseph College, Amédée entered the major seminary of Issy-les-Moulineaux. Here, he gradually received orders until his priestly ordination in 1937, before being sent as vicar to Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or, in the diocese of Lyon.
For eight years, he dedicated himself to this parish ministry of proximity. Those who gathered the testimonies of the elderly, like Father Campion, retain the image of a priest immersed in prayer, attentive to people, available, and discreet. Yet little by little another calling matured within him: that of the mission "ad gentes."
In the aftermath of World War II, while so many lives had been disrupted and he himself was deported and imprisoned, he joined the Paris Foreign Missions, the spiritual family that will send hundreds of priests to Asia. "He was not seeking adventure, but fidelity to a very clear inner calling," Father Benoît Campion confides today, emphasizing how this decision also fits into a family history marked by generosity and dedication.
Assigned to the mission of Quy Nhon, in central Vietnam, Father Amédée left France in 1946. His missionary journey took him through several stages: Nha Trang, Binh-Cang to learn the language and culture, then Tourane, Tra Kiêu, and finally a small seminary near Phan Rang, where he worked as a teacher and bursar. He accepted the challenge of being a student among others, of learning a new language, customs, and allowed himself to be transformed.
His family remembers him living with great simplicity. "There were not many possessions, because as a religious man, he had little," observes his godson Bruno Benoît, recalling the suitcase that returned from Vietnam, almost empty of material possessions but rich in history.
But the political and military context became increasingly tense. In 1952, Father Amédée became responsible for the district of Tra Kiêu, which the war transformed into a fortified camp. The risks were real, attacks were possible, and travel was dangerous. Yet he never considered abandoning his post. His decision to remain among the Vietnamese people he loved and served became a spiritual reference point for his family. "One could say that he unites the family, raises its spiritual level, helps overcome trials, and communicates a joy for life," summarize Bruno and his cousin Marie-Ange, seeing in his pastoral attitude a lasting source of inspiration.
The memory of this missionary took root very early. Another niece, Dominique, recalls: "As a child, at the time of my First Communion, my mother had me write to Uncle Amédée, who had been in Vietnam for several years. I received his reply, handwritten on airmail paper, which I have always treasured. He died a year later. Since then, his memory has always been honored, more or less regularly." In these few lines from Asia, a bond was formed that the passing years never broke.
Over the decades, the family chose not to let this memory fade, to the point of recently considering founding an association dedicated to Father Amédée Benoît. Gatherings are organized, initially modest, then increasingly structured, starting with the great celebration of the Witnesses of the Faith, organized by Pope John Paul II for the Jubilee of the Year 2000, during which Father Amédée was remembered.
These meetings often take the form of large family reunions involving several generations and sometimes hundreds of participants. "These family gatherings are moments full of joy, a human joy certainly because we meet again as a very large family, but also a supernatural joy that surpasses us," Dominique confides. For Isabelle, the spiritual dimension is at the heart of these days: "We could not gather without starting with a Mass. Continuing with the spiritual dimension is simply evident."
At the heart of these gatherings are always the Eucharist, common prayer, the transmission of family history, and an atmosphere of simplicity. Bruno Benoît and Marie-Ange are happy to see that these gatherings, far from being reduced to nostalgia, "encourage participation in prayer groups and a connection to the Eucharist."
For them, the figure of Father Amédée "unites the family, raises the spiritual level, helps overcome trials, and communicates a joy for life." This joy, they say, is one of the most visible fruits of the discreet presence of this missionary uncle.
The chest preserved by the family, which is passed on to encourage prayer, bears tangible witness to this story. It contains, in particular, the breviary he carried at the moment of his death, brought back by the Lovers of the Holy Cross.
"It is the most important object for me," Dominique confides. "Out of respect, the sisters removed the blood-stained cover before giving it to the missionary's parents, so as not to further shock them."
"This breviary was a great support for my mother at the time of her death," she adds, demonstrating how this object became a means of communion between generations.
Isabelle confirms this: "The breviary is the object that touches us the most... It is a relic that we pass on to our family and friends." Around this core memory other signs have appeared: a missal preserved in the MEP museum, photographs, a booklet recounting his life, a theatrical play, a song, the beginnings of a children’s comic book, and even a small statue of his likeness placed in family nativity scenes.
Commemorative plaques recall his passage in several parishes, such as Saint-Didier.
All of this contributes, in Dominique's words, to a "spiritual and intangible heritage that is important to pass on." The final moments of Father Amédée’s life unfolded within a few hours amid turmoil. In July 1954, learning that a soldier from a nearby post had been seriously wounded, he immediately rode to his bedside to assist him. The next day, he decided to accompany the soldier’s body to Tra Kiêu to provide Christian burial.
As he followed the stretcher, he prayed the rosary. The small procession was suddenly targeted. An armed group opened fire, and the missionary was shot at close range. Hit in the chest, he died shortly thereafter, his rosary still clutched in his hand.
The Lovers of the Holy Cross and several parishioners recovered his body and buried him near the church among the people who had welcomed him and preserved his memory through commemorations and a beautiful painting created by a Vietnamese artist in Tra Kiêu, now an important Marian shrine. For his family, Father Amédée's death marked the fulfillment of a life completely given. "We are heirs to a spiritual and intangible heritage that is important to pass on," says Dominique. She adds: "In times of difficulty, I often invoke him: 'Uncle Amédée, come and help me!' And it works!"
Florence, a great-niece, recounts that when she spoke of "Uncle Amédée" to Vietnamese nuns, one of them replied that she already knew him and had prayed at his tomb: a discreet sign that his memory lives on in the country where he served and gave his life.
This fruitfulness extends beyond the family itself. Isabelle notes that there are “two nephews who are already priests and a great-nephew in the seminary." Father Amédée’s example prompts reflection on vocation in a context where it can no longer be taken for granted.
One visitor to Fourvière, Father Alexandre Rogala, whom Marie-Ange had introduced to Father Amédée, became a priest of the Paris Foreign Missions. He then left on a mission to Japan, as if the grace of the mission continued to discreetly nourish his spiritual family. "Many would like to be witnesses of the faith like him," Isabelle summarizes, aware that many spiritual fruits remain hidden "in the secret of hearts" and that "the future does not belong to us."
Another nephew, Father Étienne Frécon, Vicar General of the MEPs, received the chalice and paten.
Today, the memory of Father Amédée Benoît is expressed through prayer, gatherings, in the objects, but also places.
His icon, placed in the chapel of the House of Lorette in Lyon, where Pauline Jaricot lived, accompanied by a meditation booklet, recalls the major stages of his life: baptism, pilgrimages to Le Puy-en-Velay with the young Cœurs Vaillants, his departure for Asia, his parish life in Vietnam, and his violent death for remaining faithful to his mission.
This presence, alongside a great figure of mission and charity like Pauline, emphasizes the continuity of the same intuition, the response to Christ's call.
"It helps and guides the family, but above all protects it in a good spirit, the spirit of joy in living,” Isabelle confides. Between the hill of Fourvière in Lyon and the sanctuary of Tra Kiêu, between the family home and the Paris Foreign Missions Society, the life given by Father Amédée Benoît traces a luminous thread. His death in 1954, far from putting an end to his story, illuminates a life characterized by spiritual fruitfulness that spans generations and continues even today to encourage missionary vocations.
A life in the image of that open family chest, whose most precious treasure is that of a living faith.

ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Sued for supporting indigenous communities in the fight against mining: Church representatives express solidarity with Bishop of Bayombong

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:07:15 +0200

Bayombong – Priests, religious, and lay people from the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino participated today in a peaceful march and prayer service organized by the Commission for Social Action of the Diocese of Bayombong, in the center of the Philippine island of Luzon. They expressed their solidarity with Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong and Father Christian Dumangeng, both of whom were charged and convicted in a lawsuit concerning mining activities in the Kasibu area.
On June 23, a hearing was held at the Kasibu Municipal Court in the Philippine province of Nueva Vizcaya regarding a request for a preliminary injunction in the civil case against Bishop of Bayombong, Most Rev. Jose Elmer Mangalinao and other activists and environmentalists opposing a mining project in the area.
The civil suit was filed by Rosario Camma, who identified himself as the “chief of the Bugkalot-Ilongot indigenous community.” At its core, however, the case revolves around the barricades erected by local communities against the exploration activities of the North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation in the ancestral lands of the indigenous population. Although the mining company is not listed as a plaintiff, the dispute is directly related to the mining project it is promoting. The defendant's lawyer, Fidel Santos, described the proceedings as a potentially "legal measure to intimidate environmentalists and opponents of mining." In recent days, the court had already rejected a request for police intervention, thus allowing the peaceful barricades erected by the local communities against mineral exploration to remain in place, at least until the injunction is issued. The controversy centers on the protest of the Bugkalot-Ilongot indigenous communities, whose territories are affected by a mining project. Archbishop Mangalinao affirmed that the Church's presence alongside the local communities is based on a pastoral, not a political, responsibility. “As bishop of this diocese,” he explained, “I feel a responsibility to stand with the poor, to defend the most vulnerable, and to give a voice to those whose voices often go unheard. This is not a political duty, but a pastoral one.” The bishop explained the reasons for his visit: “I went there to accompany them and offer them comfort.” He led a prayer service and emphasized that the Church would continue to listen to “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” Meanwhile, numerous church and academic organizations expressed their solidarity with the Bishop of Bayombong. Saint Mary’s University of Bayombong expressed its unwavering support for the diocese and Bishop Mangalinao, reaffirming its commitment to the integral human development, the protection of creation, and the promotion of social justice. The university emphasized the need to pay special attention to indigenous peoples, recalling that the land is a gift from God and their ancestors and an essential part of their cultural and spiritual identity. The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines , which unites Catholic educational institutions in northern Luzon, also issued a statement expressing its support for the Bishop of Bayombong. The bishop's initiatives, CEAP stated, should not be interpreted as political acts, but rather as expressions of the Church's mission. "Solidarity with the poor, prayer with communities, and defense of God's creation are integral parts of the Gospel," the document reads. It also warns of the danger of legal instruments being misused to intimidate or silence those who advocate for environmental protection and the rights of local communities. CEAP reminds us that “caring for our common home” also encompasses human dignity, social justice, and the future of generations to come. It reaffirms its call for truth, justice, and the common good to prevail and emphasizes its commitment to educating young people who not only respect creation but also courageously protect it. Several representatives of the Philippine Church have expressed their support for the accused prelate. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan, praised Bishop Mangalinao, stating that the bishop “never lost the courage to defend what he considers vital for his people.” Archbishop Ricardo Baccay of Tuguegarao, President of the Episcopal Commission for Public Relations of the Catholic Church, also expressed his support for the accused prelate. The Philippine Bishops' Conference expressed its solidarity "with all those who courageously stand up for the protection of our common home" and recalled that caring for creation and all creatures is "a moral responsibility."

AMERICA/COLOMBIA - The 9th edition of the Missionary Congress for children and adolescents is underway, with over 1,000 participants expected

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:53:11 +0200

Bogota – From June 25 to 28, children and young people from across Colombia will gather in the city of Valledupar for a great celebration of faith, communion, and mission. "On a Mission in the world with Jesus, with drum, guacharaca, and accordion" is the motto of the 9th edition of CONIAM, the National Missionary Childhood and Adolescence Congress, whose theme is: “United to the Heart of Jesus, We Proclaim the Joy of the Gospel to the World.”
More than 1,000 participants are expected, including children, teenagers, and animators. Inspired by the words of Jesus, “That they may all be one, so that the world may believe” , they will take part in days of formation, spirituality, celebration, cultural exchange, and missionary activities. The event aims to foster communion among the local Churches of Colombia and strengthen the charism of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood and Adolescence.
The Congress, organized by the Colombian Pontifical Mission Societies in collaboration with the Diocese of Valledupar and the Colombian Bishops’ Conference, will also be attended by bishops, diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and leaders of missionary pastoral care.
The choice of Valledupar as the host city allows the rich cultural heritage of the Colombian Caribbean region to be integrated with the evangelizing joy of missionary children and adolescents. The vallenato musical genre, represented by the symbols of the caja , the guacharaca , and the accordion, becomes an image of the joyful proclamation of the Gospel that participants wish to bring to all peoples.
“With this gathering,” states a press release issued by the Colombian Pontifical Mission Societies, “the Church in Colombia reaffirms its commitment to forming new generations of missionary disciples who, drawing on their own realities and cultural wealth, contribute to building a Church that is increasingly synodal, evangelizing, and open to the universal mission.”

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AMERICA/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - The “inter-congregational” mission of the nuns in the “bateyes” of Barahona amidst poverty, migration and fragility

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:03:56 +0200

Barahona – The Inter-congregational Missionary Community was founded in Haiti in 2010 at the initiative of the Latin American Conference of Women Religious and was later organized by the Ecuadorian Conference of Religious in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country. The Community currently carries out its pastoral work in Barahona, in the Dominican Republic. Its presence is situated within a context marked by structural poverty, Haitian migration, and the reality of the ‘bateyes’, agricultural settlements characterized by high social vulnerability. A distinctive element of this presence is its inter-congregational nature: the CIM was born from the collaboration of religious sisters from different congregations, united by a single missionary zeal.
Throughout its history, more than ten religious congregations have participated in this shared experience. This communion of charisms represents a concrete sign of unity in diversity and a significant ecclesial presence in the human and social peripheries, an expression of the richness of consecrated life in co-responsibility and shared service. It is an innovative and profoundly ecclesial missionary experience. The CIM is made up of the Comboni Missionaries, the Catholic Teachers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Mercedarian Missionaries of Barcelona, who work together on a shared project. Among them is Sister Rosa María del Socorro López Castañeda, a Comboni missionary with extensive experience in border areas. Her testimony, shared by her congregation, was shared with Fides News Agency through the Pontifical Mission Societies of Spain.
Originally from Mexico, the nun explains that her journey is closely linked to the evolution of the CIM, of which she was previously a member in Haiti. There, for seven years, she carried out pastoral work in contexts of extreme poverty and human mobility in the border areas, an experience that has shaped her understanding of missionary accompaniment.
The opening of the mission in Barahona represents the continuation of this journey begun in Haiti and aims to strengthen the pastoral presence in areas of particular vulnerability.
“I am in Barahona as a member of the CIM. It is the capital of the province of the same name, located very close to the border with Haiti, and therefore has a large Haitian migrant population. It is one of the most needy dioceses, both religiously and economically,” the missionary explains.
“As CIM, we work in Pueblo Nuevo, one of the poorest neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city, with high levels of unemployment, illiteracy, prostitution, and drug addiction, as well as a significant presence of Protestant communities, which generates a certain apathy toward the Catholic Church,” she adds. Her work focuses on supporting elderly people in situations of abandonment and on social pastoral care. She also leads workshops on natural medicine and phytotherapy workshops in parishes and ‘bateyes’ in Barahona and San Pedro de Macorís, aimed especially at women in vulnerable situations.
The missionary describes the ‘bateyes’ as settlements located around agricultural plantations historically linked to the sugar industry, where Dominican families of Haitian origin and Haitian migrants live in precarious conditions with limited access to basic services. “It is one of the hardest, most demanding, and most dangerous missions in the Dominican Republic,” she emphasizes. Through the workshops, she explains, “we seek to strengthen self-esteem and local organization, promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities in the healthcare sector, in order to foster peace, justice, and new models of organization and local economy.” Furthermore, through the use of medicinal plants, “participants learn to make ointments, syrups, soaps, and shampoos.” Sister Rosa María also emphasizes the value of cultural exchange through the use of the mother tongue of the people she accompanies, which she learned during her years of service in Haiti: “When I speak Haitian Creole, they start to sing and clap,” she recounts. The missionary summarizes her work in these territories: “There is still much to do and much to accomplish. We try to be a face of hope and compassion for these ‘bateyes’, like that of God the Father and Mother. I trust in what Saint Daniel Comboni desired: ‘souls are saved through prayer and sacrifice.’”

AFRICA/SUDAN - Bishop Kussala: “The loss of Father Youhanna Al-Amin is a painful wound for the entire Church”

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:37:46 +0200

Khartoum – “The violent death of a priest while faithfully serving God's people is a tragedy that touches the very heart of the Church,” wrote Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan in his message of condolence for the death of Father Youhanna Al-Amin, who was violently killed on June 19 in Kauda in the Nuba Mountains .

“Father Youhanna was not simply a parish priest,” Bishop Kussala emphasized. “He was a shepherd, a servant of hope, a messenger of peace, and a witness to the Gospel. His loss is a painful wound for the Diocese of El Obeid, for the Church in Sudan, and for all of us who believe in the sacred dignity of every human life.”

“As bishops of Sudan and South Sudan, united in the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference, we stand together in solidarity with the Diocese of El Obeid and with all those who mourn the death of Fr. Yuhana Al Amin,” Archbishop Kussala continued.

The Bishop of Tombura-Yambio emphasizes that the murder of Father Youhanna “reminds us of the immense sacrifices that priests, religious, catechists, and lay faithful continue to make in places marked by conflict and insecurity. It also reminds us that the mission of the Church is often carried out in difficult circumstances, where servants of God remain close to their people despite dangers and uncertainties.” For this reason, Bishop Kussala says, “The witness of Fr. Yuhana speaks eloquently of pastoral dedication, courage, and faithfulness to Christ and His people.”

With regard to the difficult situation in the Nuba Mountains, where the murdered priest had served for decades, Bishop Kussala emphasizes: “The Church has remained close to the people of the Nuba Mountains throughout their many trials.” “Her mission has always been to accompany the suffering, heal wounds, promote reconciliation, defend human dignity, and proclaim hope. Even in the darkest moments, the Church continues to be a sign that God has not abandoned His people,” he concludes.

EUROPE/BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Appointment of the new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:56:07 +0200

Sarajevo - Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , appointed Father Dubravko Turalija, a priest of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna, as Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a five-year term on April 30, 2026.
A priest of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna and a university professor, Father Dubravko Turalija was born in 1977 in Livno. He attended primary school in Kupres, then the Minor Seminary and classical high school in Dubrovnik, Pazin, and Zadar from 1991 to 1995.
Father Turalija studied theology at the Vrhbosna Catholic Faculty of Theology in Boi, on the island of Brae, during the war years, and then in Sarajevo after the war .
Ordained a priest in 2002, the new director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Bosnia and Herzegovina served as parish vicar in Sarajevo and, since 2005, has been the personal secretary to Cardinal Vinko Puljic.
In 2005, he began his biblical studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 2009, he studied Greek in Athens and began a doctorate in biblical studies and Semitic Languages at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., which he completed in 2014.
Since 2015, he has taught at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Sarajevo. He is the author of numerous studies and academic articles, has participated in various national and international conferences, and has led many spiritual retreats for priests, men and women religious.

AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Call for dialogue against xenophobia and intimidation of foreign-led churches

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:41:44 +0200

Cape Town – “Let our churches at all levels host and support honest dialogue that brings together local residents, foreign nationals and their organized formations, businesspeople and their organized formations, and the authorities.” With these words, Archbishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of Cape Town, president of the South African Council of Churches , called for dialogue to address the wave of xenophobia that has been targeting foreign communities in South Africa for weeks .
This violence and intimidation are not even sparing foreign-led churches active in the country, as denounced by the SACC, the ecumenical body that unites the main South African Christian denominations.
According to the Council, cases of verbal abuse, intimidating graffiti on church walls, and, in isolated instances, threats of physical violence against foreigners belonging to church communities receiving foreign donations have been reported. While not mentioning specific incidents, the SACC emphasizes that this behavior is reminiscent of past situations in which NGOs affiliated with foreign countries have suffered similar reactions. The body further reaffirms that all religious groups, regardless of their funding sources, are entitled to the same legal protections.
In his call for dialogue, Bishop Sipuka stresses that the debate must be based on listening to “the genuine grievances of communities, it must call wrongdoers of every nationality to account and it must also confront businesses that employ foreign nationals to pay them less and to evade fair wages and labour obligations.”
“The church believes that real grievances deserve to be heard, but that no grievance can justify violence, intimidation, vigilantism or the targeting of innocent people on the basis of their nationality,” the Archbishop added.
Archbishop Sipuka also encouraged sister councils of churches across the Southern African Development Community region to engage in dialogue, “recognizing that migration is a regional challenge requiring regional solidarity, cooperation and understanding.”
African Diaspora Forum spokesperson Bongani Mkwananzi, stated that “the ADF rejects xenophobic ultimatums and any attempt to target people simply because they are foreign nationals.” At the same time, he admitted that “we cannot ignore the growing public concern regarding the proliferation of certain so-called prophets, clandestine churches, and religious organizations that seem more interested in exploiting vulnerable people.” “Anyone, regardless of nationality, who exploits and deceives innocent people will be held accountable before the law,” Mkwananzi concluded.

AFRICA/SUDAN - Father Youhanna Al-Amin, parish priest in Kaduna in the Nuba Mountains, murdered

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:09:15 +0200

Khartoum – Father Youhanna Al-Amin, parish priest in Kaduna in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan for over thirty years, was killed for remaining with the parishioners entrusted to his pastoral care.

According to reports from Aid to the Church in Need, which first published the news, the priest was murdered on June 19, along with the caretaker and another person. Local sources cited by the organization, stated that the triple murder appears to have been an act of revenge against Father Youhanna, who had reported the theft of medicines stored in the parish and intended for the local population.

The online newspaper Sudan Now, citing local witnesses, reports that the crime was committed by members of a faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North . The newspaper provides further details about the two other victims: the parish warehouse manager, identified only as Yohanna, and the caretaker, identified as John Lama.

The triple murder occurred amid months of tension. Since March, internal conflicts between SPLM-N factions have erupted in several areas of the Nuba Mountains. This has led to the displacement of hundreds of civilians and a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation for the local population.

The violence stems from years of ongoing land disputes and disagreements over administrative boundaries in the Otoro area.

The SPLM-N leadership accuses a segment of the population of rebelling against the authority of the movement, which controls the region. Local community representatives, however, claim the movement is attempting to forcibly expropriate their land. Since Kauda is the main center of the Nuba Mountains, the city has become one of the epicentres of tensions.

The SPLM-N was founded in 2011, after South Sudan's independence. Many Nuba fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army remained in the north of the country and continued fighting against the Sudanese government over the marginalization of non-Arabic-speaking populations, land rights, and the political exclusion of peripheral regions.

In 2017, the movement split into two main factions: the SPLM-N, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which is primarily active in the Nuba Mountains, and the SPLM-N, led by Malik Agar, with a stronger presence in the Blue Nile region.

ASIA/CHINA - In the "market city" of Yiwu, Father's Day becomes an occasion to proclaim the Gospel

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:59:45 +0200

Yiwu – An unexpected event has brought joy and comfort to the Catholic community of Yiwu in its missionary zeal: the heartfelt words of fathers from various countries, who expressed their gratitude to the Church community for the thoughtfulness shown on Father's Day, celebrated on Sunday, June 21.

These fathers are from Colombia, India, Korea, and several African countries. They are Catholic businesspeople, workers, and merchants who are in China for work. They are young people living far from their families with small children, as well as elderly fathers, some over eighty years old. During their time in China, they actively participate and contribute significantly to the life and growth of the Catholic community in the international market city of Yiwu, a city rich in humanity and closeness. Together with the priests and faithful of the local Church, they share the experience of belonging to a common home and walking together in faith, hope, and charity.

In the parish dedicated to St. Joseph, consecrated and inaugurated on March 18, 2025, by Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou, foreign fathers, along with other migrant fathers from various Chinese provinces, celebrated the traditional Chinese family festival, Dragon Boat Festival, on June 17. Many of them prepared "Zongzi," a typical sweet dish for this festival, together. Then, yesterday, they participated in the solemn Eucharistic liturgy, receiving a fan with an image of St. Joseph at the end of Mass.

In the particular context of Yiwu, marked by a strong presence of foreign workers and entrepreneurs, their shared participation in the parish's daily activities offers continuous opportunities to experience a communion that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Thus, in Yiwu, on June 22, under the guidance of parish priest Chang Zhengguo and the new Parish Pastoral Council, Father's Day provided an opportunity to experience the integration of different cultures with traditional Chinese culture. This integration occurs harmoniously thanks to the shared faith in Christ. Father's Day was also celebrated in various parts of China by godfathers and priests, who are called to exercise their ministry with a paternal spirit. The Bishop of Shanghai, Joseph Shen Bin, wrote on his social media account: “Today is Father's Day. I remember to strive every day to be a good shepherd.”

An unexpected event delighted the Catholic community of Yiwu and reaffirmed its commitment to proclaiming the Gospel: On Father's Day this Sunday, June 21, fathers from around the world thanked the parish for the kindness shown to them. They come from Colombia, India, Korea, and various African countries. They are Catholic entrepreneurs, workers, and merchants who are in China for work. Young people living far from their families, with small children or elderly fathers, some even over eighty. During their stay in China, they make a valuable contribution to the life and growth of the Catholic community in the international market city of Yiwu. Together with the priests and parishioners of the local church, they spoke about the experience of a shared home and the common path of faith, hope, and charity. In the parish dedicated to Saint Joseph, which was consecrated on March 18, 2025, by Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou, foreign fathers joined other working fathers from various Chinese provinces to celebrate the traditional Chinese family festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, on June 17. Many of them prepared "zongzi," a typical sweet dish of the festival, together. The following day, they participated in the solemn Eucharist together and received a fan with an image of Saint Joseph as a gift at the end of the Mass. In the particular context of Yiwu, characterized by the strong presence of foreign workers and entrepreneurs, participating in parish life together offers a recurring opportunity to experience a community that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Thus, Father's Day in the Yiwu parish, under the leadership of Father Chang Zhengguo and the new parish council, also provided an opportunity to witness the integration of diverse cultures within traditional Chinese culture. This harmonious integration is due to their shared faith in Christ. Father's Day was also celebrated in other parts of China by godparents and priests who carry out their ministry with fatherly devotion. Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai wrote on his social media account: “Today is Father's Day. This reminds me to strive every day to be a good shepherd.”

ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Pope's visit to Korea: An Opportunity to renew inter-Korean dialogue

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:22:19 +0200

Seoul – Following the official invitation extended to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027, “I also asked him to consider a stop in the Demilitarized Zone and, if possible, a visit to North Korea. The Pope said he would take these proposals into consideration,” stated South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung in a statement released by the media of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea after his return from a visit to Europe, during which he met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Expectations are therefore growing that the Pope's 2027 visit to Korea could become a catalyst for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.
According to Father Jeong Su-yong, vice president of the National Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul, “If a papal visit to the North were to take place, the positive impact on peace on the Korean Peninsula could be far greater than we can imagine. At the same time, I believe it would be even more important for us to put aside hostility, set aside suspicions, and cultivate a heart of mutual respect for the sake of peace and improved inter-Korean relations, just as the Pope is working for peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Father Park Chang-il, president of the NGO Peace3000, notes: “It seems that North Korea is following the Vatican’s initiatives with interest. They are aware of World Youth Day and know that it will be held in Seoul next year.” In this context, North Korea could send a positive message to the international community: “From North Korea’s perspective, I wonder what would happen if the North Korean government took the initiative and the Pope’s visit to the North materialized. I think it could create a good image and have a positive influence on the international community. North Korea has much to gain from a potential papal visit.” The idea of a papal visit to North Korea has already been pursued by previous administrations. In 2018, the government of then-President Moon Jae-in advocated a visit by Pope Francis to North Korea, hoping it could “give a boost to peace on the Korean Peninsula.” As part of the ongoing commitment to reconciliation in Korea, the Committee for National Reconciliation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea has promoted a “special novena for reconciliation and national unity” from June 17 to 25, which the faithful in all dioceses are observing. A delegation of nine Korean bishops recently visited Panmunjom, the famous Armistice Village located within the Demilitarized Zone on the border between the two Koreas, the exact spot where North and South Korean soldiers face each other just meters apart. On the visit, organized by the Committee for National Reconciliation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, the bishops toured the Joint Security Area and the DMZ, visiting symbolic sites of the peninsula's division. The bishops entered the "House of Freedom," which faces the North Korean side of the border, and looking north, blessed the land, pausing in prayer "that the winds of peace may once again blow across this land where a history of confrontation and dialogue coexist." They then continued their meditation and prayer for reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Archbishop Arshad: "The peace agreement between the US and Iran is a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East and the world"

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:37:17 +0200

Islamabad – “The peace agreement between the US and Iran, which we hope will be respected by all parties involved, is more than a political solution: it embodies humanity’s capacity for reconciliation and the triumph of dialogue over destruction. It is a beacon of hope for peace in the Middle East and the world,” said Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, President of the National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference, regarding Pakistan’s role as mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran. Before being appointed Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in 2017, Archbishop Arshad studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome and was the first Pakistani priest to serve in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. Following his service at the Vatican nunciatures in Malta, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Madagascar, the Archbishop has developed a particular understanding of the mechanisms of diplomacy and international mediation. From the perspective of his current post in Pakistan, Archbishop Arshad welcomes the peace agreement signed on June 17, 2026, between the United States and Iran as a “historic milestone in international diplomacy and a beacon of hope for world peace.” Expressing the sentiments of Catholics and the entire Pakistani people, the Prelate thanks the Pakistani government and military leadership “for their constructive role in supporting the negotiations.”

According to Archbishop Arshad, the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran proves that “dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual understanding can overcome confrontation and conflict.” The prelate described the agreement as “an act of courage, responsibility, and moral strength,” emphasizing that it could usher in a new era of stability not only for the Middle East but for the entire international community.
In his statement sent to Fides, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation for Pakistan, which played a mediating role in the talks that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding: “Pakistan has demonstrated its ability to act as a bridge between nations and as a responsible member of the international community,” he stated, highlighting its contribution to de-escalation and building a climate of trust between the parties. The agreement, which is also supported by other regional actors, paves the way for negotiations on sensitive issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, the easing of sanctions, and the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The reopening of this strategically important passage, the Archbishop said, is a key element: “A peaceful and secure Strait of Hormuz will help restore confidence in the markets, reduce pressure on oil prices, and support the global economy, especially in developing countries and among the most vulnerable populations,” he explained.
Archbishop Arshad welcomed the agreement but emphasized that its concrete implementation is the greatest challenge: “The agreement must not remain merely a signed document, but must form the basis for lasting peace and stability,” Archbishop Arshad stated. He expressed his hope for “sincerity, accountability, and continued diplomatic engagement between the parties so that the process yields concrete results, reduces the risk of new escalations, and fosters broader international cooperation.” Furthermore, he highlighted the exemplary value of the agreement for other conflict zones: “This agreement shows us that disputes must be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, not war. It can and should become a model for other regions of the world.”

As the head of a faith community that frequently engages in dialogue with other religious leaders, Archbishop Arshad emphatically underscores the spiritual dimension of peacebuilding: “Peace,” he reminds us, “is not merely a political condition, but a sacred gift and a sacred responsibility that must be preserved through justice and dialogue.” The prelate recalls the prayer initiatives launched by Pakistani Catholic communities in Islamabad, Lahore, and elsewhere during the negotiations. Last April, Pakistani believers participated in a “prayer marathon for peace” to provide spiritual support for the start of the talks. This spiritual mobilization complemented Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, because, as Archbishop Arshad states, “material and spiritual action go hand in hand.” “We now pray that this agreement will mark a turning point, a new beginning for the Middle East, and a renewed symbol of hope for the entire world,” the Archbishop concluded. In the coming months, the international community’s attention will focus on the implementation of the commitments made by the parties. For Archbishop Arshad, the true success of the agreement lies in its ability to “guarantee lasting peace, security for civilians, and new opportunities for development and cooperation among peoples.”

AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - The city of Rii-Yubu, consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, proclaims to the nation and the world that faith, love, and hope are stronger than distance, hardship, and fear

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:19:59 +0200

Rii-Yubu – Thousands of faithful participated in a solemn procession stretching nearly three kilometres through the city of Rii-Yubu, known as Source-Yubu City, before culminating at the newly established convent of the Adoration Sisters. It was a historic moment during which the Bishop of the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, solemnly consecrated the town, its people, families, institutions, and future to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Recounting the intensity of the day to Fides News Agency, Bishop Hiiboro emphasized how the streets of Rii-Yubu became a living testimony of faith, prayer, unity, and hope as Christians publicly entrusted their lives and their future to the loving Heart of Christ. "This consecration carries profound significance because Rii-Yubu occupies one of the most strategic yet vulnerable locations in South Sudan," the prelate remarked.

Situated along the long border between South Sudan and the Central African Republic, the area has experienced decades of challenges associated with cross-border insecurity, armed conflict, displacement, and underdevelopment. Even today, it remains one of the most remote regions of the country, connected by a road often regarded as among the most difficult in South Sudan. The remoteness of the region has limited access to government services, investment opportunities, and development initiatives, making daily life a struggle for many families.

“Yet, despite these challenges, the people of Rii-Yubu have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, faith, and determination,” added Bishop Hiiboro. “The city has become a place of refuge and hospitality, welcoming refugees fleeing instability in the Central African Republic and internally displaced persons from Tombura and neighbouring communities. In a region marked by uncertainty, Rii-Yubu has remained a sanctuary of hope.”

Throughout these years, the Catholic Church has stood as one of the most dependable institutions serving the people. Through the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and its partners, the Church has provided education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, livelihoods support, peacebuilding programmes, pastoral care, and social services. "Where others have found it difficult to reach, the Church has remained present, walking with the people in their struggles and aspirations," Hiiboro explains.

The prelate also highlighted the Catholic heritage of Rii-Yubu, calling it "a source of inspiration." The city is blessed with two parishes that form the spiritual heart of the community. Ave Maria Parish, founded in 1923, is among the oldest Catholic missions in South Sudan and has served the people faithfully for more than a century. St. Thomas Parish, canonically erected in 2011, reflects the continued growth and vitality of the Church's mission in the region. "Together, these parishes have nurtured generations of believers and contributed immensely to the spiritual and social transformation of the area."

Rii-Yubu is also home to what many consider one of the most beautiful, spacious, and architecturally impressive church buildings in South Sudan. Rising prominently above the landscape, the magnificent church stands as a symbol of faith, perseverance, and the enduring presence of God among His people.

In a place often associated with remoteness and hardship, this remarkable house of worship proclaims a different story: a story of hope, beauty, dignity, and unwavering trust in divine providence. It has become not only a centre of worship but also a landmark of inspiration for the entire region.

"The consecration of Source-Yubu City to the Sacred Heart of Jesus therefore represents far more than a religious ceremony," explains Bishop Hiiboro. "It is a spiritual proclamation that Christ remains present among His people, especially in places marked by hardship and isolation. It is a declaration that no community is forgotten by God and that His love reaches even the most distant frontiers of the world."

The bishop recalled how this devotion to the Sacred Heart has inspired Catholic communities for generations. Families, parishes, schools, dioceses, and entire communities have entrusted themselves to the Sacred Heart as a source of mercy, protection, healing, reconciliation, and hope. "For Rii-Yubu, this consecration marks the beginning of a renewed chapter," he continued. "It is an act of entrusting the future of the community to Jesus Christ. It is a prayer for healing from the wounds of violence and displacement. It is a commitment to strengthen families, promote reconciliation, and protect the most vulnerable, and inspire a future built on peace, justice, and integral human development.”

The newly established convent of the Adoration Sisters stands as a visible sign of this hope. Through their ministry of prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and service, they will help strengthen the spiritual foundations of the community and bring the light of Christ to future generations.

The three-kilometre procession was not merely a march through the city; it was a pilgrimage of hope and a declaration that Christ walks with His people. Standing at the frontier between nations, Source-Yubu City is called to become more than a border town. It is called to be a bridge of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and human dignity among peoples and nations. Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rii-Yubu now looks toward the future with renewed confidence, trusting that the Heart of Christ will guide, protect, and bless its people for generations to come.
“From its century-old Catholic heritage to its magnificent church standing proudly on South Sudan's frontier, from its welcoming embrace of refugees and displaced families to its unwavering faith in God, Rii-Yubu stands today as a beacon of hope,” concludes the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio.
“Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Source-Yubu City proclaims to the nation and the world that faith, love, and hope are stronger than distance, hardship, and fear.”

Refugees and displaced persons, the figures of a “globalized suffering” that the Pope removes from the conspiracy of silence

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:12:55 +0200

by Cosimo Graziani

Geneva – During his recent apostolic journey to Spain, especially during the final stop in the Canary Islands, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Catholic Church's concern regarding migration flows and forced displacement, one of the globalization-related phenomena with the greatest impact on the lives of countless people worldwide.

During his time in the Spanish autonomous community most affected by this daily tragedy, Pope Leo XIV met with both migrants and reception workers: “Welcoming migrants cannot be secondary or delegated solely to a few volunteers,” declared the Bishop of Rome, in a land where the passage from the Gospel of Luke in which Christ tells Peter that he will become a “fisher of men” takes on a “literal and painful” meaning. “The Church,” he added, “has read this verse as an image of her mission.”

Also today, Sunday, June 21, after reciting the Angelus prayer from the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV recalled the recent celebration of World Refugee Day, promoted by the United Nations, “on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Convention relating to the status of refugees, which was adopted to protect those who are persecuted and forced to leave their homeland, homes and families.” The Pope expressed his hope “that the spirit that inspired the drafting of this important international instrument may also continue to enlighten the consciences of national leaders today. No one,” he added “can turn a blind eye to those who are seeking protection and safety. I also urge everyone to welcome those who are victims of persecution so that they may live in peace, with dignity, and look to the future with hope.”

During the same days that the Pope was making his appeals during his apostolic journey to Spain, the United Nations Refugee Agency published its 2025 data on the global situation of refugees and asylum seekers.

According to the statistics released, 41.6 million refugees were recorded last year, a 3% decrease compared to the previous year. These figures fell thanks to the return to their respective countries of refugees and internally displaced persons who had previously fled Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. This trend is slightly contrary to that of recent years, which had shown a slow but steady increase since at least 2015. Despite the overall decrease, 5.4 million people were forced to flee their countries as refugees in the last year.

More than a third of the world's refugees are concentrated in just six countries: Colombia, Germany, Turkey, Uganda, Iran, and Chad. Of particular concern are the prolonged conditions of suffering and emergency in which displaced persons and refugees live: according to statistics, 26% of the total are in a country poorer than their country of origin, and around 70% have been living in precarious conditions for more than five years.

Further aggravating the reception situation are the statistics on relocation: in 2025, the total number of refugees whose asylum applications were accepted decreased by more than half, from almost 189,000 people in 2024 to only 81,000 refugees received in 2025.

Globally, the number of internally displaced persons within a country also decreased, although it remains alarmingly high: 67.7 million people, concentrated mainly in five countries .

The UN agency also provides figures for the number of stateless people worldwide, concentrated mainly in Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, Thailand, and Myanmar: four and a half million people in total. Among the factors influencing the number of refugees globally are conflicts like the one in Sudan and crisis situations such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo , Syria, and Afghanistan. The Sudan crisis is the most severe globally: the number of refugees from that country grew by 35% in 2025, reaching 2.4 million. The number of internally displaced persons is also very high: 9.1 million people. The situation in the DRC appears more contradictory: last year, almost four million people were internally displaced, but at the same time, 3.6 million people returned to their homes in North and South Kivu. For those who have returned, the problem has been facing a situation of complete insecurity, amidst the presence of armed groups, particularly the M23.

Insecurity also affects the lives of displaced people in Syria. Although there are almost five million refugees, as many as 1.9 million Syrians have returned to their homes, but these returns are in addition to the millions of Syrians who still need humanitarian assistance. In comparison to Syria, Afghanistan has registered an even higher number of returns: 2.9 million people. These are not voluntary returns, but forced repatriations, a consequence of changes in the migration policies of the countries that previously hosted them.

VATICAN/ANGELUS - Pope Leo XIV: "The strength of any apostolate, beyond techniques and tools, comes from the work of the Holy Spirit within us"

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:37:46 +0200

Vatican City – The proclamation of the Gospel of Christ "is first and foremost a sharing of a personal encounter with him, which is unique to each of us." And "the strength of any apostolate, in fact — beyond techniques and tools — comes from the work of the Holy Spirit within us and from the authenticity of our response." Pope Leo XIV reminded the pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square this Sunday, June 21 of this during the Angelus prayer.

The Pope recalled the fundamental dynamic of all apostolic activity, drawing inspiration from the passage in the Gospel of Matthew that was read during the Sunday liturgy, in which Jesus sends his disciples out on a mission and addresses them with this exhortation: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.”

Pope Leo added: “Saint Thomas Aquinas spoke of preaching as passing on to others what we have contemplated: “contemplata aliis tradere” .” And “contemplation,” the Pope emphasized, is not “is an exclusive experience, reserved only for a few saints or for monks and hermits.” Rather, it is an experience that everyone is capable of “by striving to set aside, amidst the commitments of our daily lives, quiet moments in which to enter into silence before God, to listen to his voice, to entrust our joys and concerns to him and to review our lives with him.”

Saint Matthew, the Bishop of Rome continued, “wrote for communities whose lives were not easy. They had to face hostility and persecution, as so many Christians still do today in various parts of the world. The temptation to become discouraged and to let weariness or fear get the better of them was great.” Then as now, in the face of difficulties and conflicts, “we must deepen the roots of our faith and our mission in an intimate relationship with him.” This, the successor of Peter continued, “gives us the strength not to despair, but to continue to share with everyone, in every circumstance, his message of hope, love and peace. The world greatly needs it!”

The Pontificate of Leo XIV and Global Politics: A lecture by Massimo Faggioli at the Gregorian University

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:10:50 +0200

Rome – On Monday, June 22, the inaugural session of the “Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics 2026,” an international academic initiative dedicated to the relationship between religion and global politics, will be held at the Pontifical Gregorian University. This program, organized as part of a collaboration involving the Gregorian University, the University of Notre Dame, and the Sinderesi Foundation, brings together students, researchers, and experts called to reflect on the major balances of the contemporary world.

The inaugural session, free admission, will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Room F007 of Palazzo Frascara. The opening addresses will be delivered by Father Dariusz Kowalczyk, President of the Collegium Maximum of the Gregorian University, and by Monsignor Samuele Sangalli, Coordinator of the Sinderesi School.

At the heart of this public session will be the opening lecture by Professor Massimo Faggioli of Trinity College Dublin, on the theme: “Pope Leo XIV and Global Politics: From the 2025 Conclave to Magnifica Humanitas.” His presentation aims to offer a reflection on the place of the Holy See in the current international context, emphasizing in particular its vocation in the service of peace, dialogue, and multilateralism.

Faggioli’s contribution will shed light on the role of the Holy See as a “potential guardian of multilateralism” and as one of the “neutral bridges” at the service of reconciliation, in a historical moment marked by profound geopolitical tensions. This reflection will also examine the specific nature of the Holy See's actions, which differ from those of power, as well as the unique contribution of the Vatican City to the pontificate's mission of peace, in view of the centenary of its founding in 2029.

The conference will be followed by a roundtable discussion with Michael Driessen, Fabio Petito, Adrian Pabst, and Antonella Piccinin, renowned experts in the field of relations between religion, society, and international politics. The entire program aims to provide a space for high-quality dialogue on contemporary challenges, highlighting the contribution of the Catholic tradition to a culture of encounter and peace.

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Father Channan: "The Catholic Church is committed to interreligious dialogue, social formation, and the promotion of peace"

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:18:46 +0200

Lahore – "The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Pakistan's Christians are a people of hope: we continue to spread the message of peace, human dignity, and justice that Jesus Christ entrusted to us," said Father James Channan, Dominican and director of the Peace Center in Lahore, in an interview with Fides, calling for the urgent need to make the Social Doctrine of the Church known and applied in a context marked by religious pluralism, social inequalities, and challenges to religious freedom. Although the Catholic Church comprises only 1.37% of Pakistan's population, it continues to play a significant role in promoting peace, interreligious dialogue, human rights, and the formation of conscience, according to Father Channan.
Pakistan has over 230 million inhabitants and is a predominantly Muslim country , while the number of Christians is approximately 3.3 million. “As a minority community, we are often subjected to discrimination and sometimes persecution because of our faith,” notes Father Channan, who points to the high illiteracy rate within the Christian community, estimated at 65 to 80 percent. Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church continues to make “a significant contribution to Pakistani society through schools, vocational training centers, pastoral care facilities, and educational programs that promote human dignity, equal civil rights, and religious freedom.” According to the priest, these institutions “represent concrete ways to build a more inclusive society that respects differences.” Interreligious dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims, is a central concern of the Church, especially in Pakistan. In this context, the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference established the National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism. This organization promotes seminars, meetings, and initiatives nationwide, creating opportunities for exchange and cooperation between members of different religions. As Father Channan emphasizes, the Dominican Order plays a crucial role in this context with its Ibn-e-Mariam Center for Peace in Lahore, inaugurated in 2010 by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. The center, commonly known as the ‘Peace Center’, organizes training programs, conferences, and activities throughout the year, particularly for young people and families, "with the aim of fostering a culture of encounter, peace, and harmonious coexistence," he explains.
Father Channan notes that "in recent years, civil institutions have also increasingly focused on this issue and established commissions for interreligious harmony at the federal and provincial levels." "Nevertheless," he observes, "it remains essential to strengthen dialogue, especially at the local level, where tensions and misunderstandings between different communities frequently arise." Father Channan Father Channon places the situation in Pakistan within the broader Asian context, reminding us that Asia is home to almost 60% of the world's population and some 415 million Christians, representing 8% of the continent's population. "In a context characterized by extraordinary religious, cultural, and ethnic pluralism, the Church's social teaching is a valuable resource for promoting good governance, responsible leadership, and integral human development," he observes. Referring to the Church's Magisterium, from Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum" to Pope John Paul II's "Centesimus Annus," Father Channon emphasizes that "the economic, social, and technological progress that characterizes Asian societies is inextricably linked to moral responsibility and respect for human dignity." He stresses the importance of including believers of all faiths in this discussion. “In Asia, religious pluralism is not a theory, but a lived reality for millions of people,” the priest observes. For this reason, he concludes, “it is necessary to intensify educational initiatives, publications, seminars, and shared activities between Christians, Muslims, and members of other religions, including through increased financial support for church organizations working in this field.”

Cardinal Chow: "Sinicization" requires reflection based on knowledge, not rejection based on ignorance

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:54:36 +0200

by Marta Zhao

Chengdu – Reflection based on an understanding of the “Sinicization of religions” is far more constructive than rejection based on ignorance. This is how Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, described the key criteria for addressing the issue of “Sinicization,” which is also relevant to ecclesiastical developments in the People’s Republic of China. He made this statement during a visit to Sichuan Province, in mainland China, before traveling to Rome to participate in the “Ad Limina Apostulorum” visit with the bishops of Hong Kong and Macau. The bishops of Hong Kong, along with the bishops of Macau, were received in audience by Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, June 18.

Peter Choy Wai-man, Vicar General of the Diocese of Hong Kong, visited Sichuan Province with Cardinal Chow and later shared his impressions in the diocesan weekly newspaper KungKaoPo. “I was able to gain a deeper understanding,” said Bishop Choy, “of how the Church in Sichuan is practicing ‘Sinicization’… It should therefore be seen not as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to the faith in contemporary China.”

Cardinal Choy led an eleven-member delegation on his trip to Sichuan, which spent a week in the province in early June. The participants met with five of the province’s bishops and concelebrated Mass with them. The trip also included a visit to the Sichuan Provincial Catholic Philosophical-Theological Seminary, meetings with priests, nuns, seminarians, and lay people, and provided a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the situation of the local Church.

All members of the delegation affirmed that young seminarians, priests, and nuns represent a source of hope for the local Church. Cardinal Chow, after his visit to the seminary, affirmed: “Young people are truly the hope of the Church and the country; we must care for them and form them carefully.” This trip, he added, “offered us numerous opportunities to better understand the ‘Sinicization of religions’ in the Church. A reflection based on knowledge is far more constructive than a rejection based on ignorance. These experiences provide a valuable foundation for continued dialogue and exchange. This is also an essential prerequisite for achieving unity in diversity.” Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing also stated that the trip allowed him to gain firsthand insight into the situation in Sichuan’s five dioceses and the implementation of the national religious policy. “We have established friendships with five bishops, which will foster future exchange between the churches… What impressed me most was meeting so many young priests, nuns, and seminarians. They all approach their vocation with enthusiasm. In them, one can see the grace of God and the hope of the Church.”

Vicar Peter Choy emphasizes in this context: “On the one hand, I had the opportunity to speak with the five bishops of Sichuan, who belong to the first generation of theologically trained clergy after the reform and opening-up policies. They grew up in difficult years marked by scarcity of resources, and their unwavering faith inspires great admiration. On the other hand, I was able to better understand how the Church in Sichuan is implementing the ‘Sinicization of religions.’ Although it reflects a political orientation of the entire Chinese society, its application has many points of contact with the inculturation process that the Church has always pursued. It should therefore not be seen as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to the faith in contemporary China.”

Tam Chi-man, president of the Lay Association, Father Franco Bellati, regional superior of PIME for Hong Kong, Sister Teresa Chong Chun-yi of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, Vicar General Dominic Kam Po-wai, Father Leo Liu Ya-lun, assistant to the diocesan treasurer, Wong Chin-to, permanent deacon, and Vicar Chan Wing-chiu also expressed their joy at the opportunities for shared prayer, exchange, and dialogue that arose during the trip. All described the journey as an experience of strong communion, “which allowed us to see God’s work in the Church in China.”

AMERICA/ARGENTINA - The Diocese of La Rioja, one month away from the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of the 4 blesseds

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:31:27 +0200

La Rioja – With the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of the four blesseds of La Rioja just a month away, the entire population is preparing to commemorate Bishop Enrique Angelelli, priests Carlos de Dios Murias and Gabriel Longueville, and layman, husband, and Father Wenceslao Pedernera, who gave their lives for the Gospel and for their brothers and sisters. During the period of the military regime, although they sought the common good, they were considered suspects and murdered. “The Church proclaimed them blessed in 2019, and this year, on the 50th anniversary of their martyrdom, we celebrate them by giving thanks for their lives dedicated to the service of others,” Bishop Dante Braida of the Diocese of La Rioja wrote to Fides.

The four Blesseds will be commemorated in various events taking place from July 17 to August 2, 2026. Among them, a Mass will be celebrated on July 17 in the Cathedral of La Rioja, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, followed by other celebrations in the places where these exemplary figures lost their lives violently.

In January 2026, Bishop Braida announced the opening of the diocesan Jubilee for the 50th anniversary of their martyrdom .
Brief biographies of the four blesseds from La Rioja are presented below.

Bishop Enrique Ángel Angelelli was born in Córdoba, Argentina, on July 17, 1923, and was ordained a priest in Rome on October 9, 1949. In 1951, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Upon returning to his hometown of Córdoba in September 1951, he served as assistant vicar at the parish of San José in the Alto Alberdi neighborhood, also assisting the sick at the Hospital Clínicas. He was appointed assistant Secretary of the Archbishop's Curia. In December 1960, he was appointed titular bishop of Listra and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Córdoba. Faced with the suffering and misery resulting from social injustices, he became a voice, in his homilies and public appearances, for solidarity campaigns to alleviate hunger and abandonment among the needy. During one of his episcopal activities, when invited to bless homes for workers at the Malagueño lime quarries, he emphasized to both employers and workers the value of commitment to "the suffering Christ incarnate in the workers," and chose to have lunch with them instead of in the area reserved for the employers. A longtime supporter of the work of priests and nuns committed to the poor, he participated in the debates of the Second Vatican Council in Rome, where in 1965, along with 42 other bishops, he signed the "Pact of the Catacombs," promoting a Church at the service of the poor. At the age of 45, on August 24, 1968, he assumed leadership of the Diocese of La Rioja. Valuing local history and culture, he strengthened popular piety, promoted the formation of peasant cooperatives, and encouraged the unionization of rural laborers, miners, and domestic workers. The persecution of the Church in La Rioja intensified after the establishment of the military dictatorship in March 1976, with harassment and arrests of priests, nuns, and laypeople, and even torture. The bishop was advised to leave La Rioja, but he refused, stating, "That's precisely what they want, for me to leave so the sheep will scatter." On August 4, 1976, Bishop Angelelli was murdered near Punta de Los Llanos while returning from Chamical to La Rioja. The court determined that the bishop's death was a "premeditated, cold-blooded homicide, foreseen by the victim." The investigations were suspended until their definitive reopening in 2006, which culminated in the conviction of some of those responsible in 2014.

Father Carlos de Dios Murias was born in the province of Córdoba on October 10, 1945. He was ordained a priest in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1972, by the Bishop of La Rioja, Enrique Angelelli, whom he had known since adolescence. In 1976, he was permanently assigned to pastoral service in the Diocese of La Rioja, where Bishop Angelelli appointed him assistant vicar of the parish of "El Salvador" in Chamical, alongside the French priest, Father Gabriel Longueville, who had arrived in that community in 1971. In his homilies, he denounced various injustices in Chamical, such as the precarious living conditions of the peasants, who received very low wages for their work. During the military dictatorship, Father Carlos continued preaching with firm conviction, fervently denouncing the injustices of that era. He was known for his courage in defending the poorest; he raised his voice forcefully and fearlessly in favor of the marginalized. After receiving threats, he stated in a homily: "They can silence the voice of this priest. They can silence the voice of the bishop, but they will never be able to silence the voice of the Gospel." On the night of July 18, 1976, Father Carlos and Father Gabriel were having dinner at the Sisters of St. Joseph's house when some unknown men arrived, carrying identification, claiming to be agents of the Federal Police. They asked Father Carlos to accompany them to the city of La Rioja under the pretext of testifying on behalf of some detainees from Chamical. Father Gabriel refused to let him go alone and said, "I'll go with you." However, instead of being taken to the capital, they were taken along National Route 38, 8 km from Chamical, where they were tortured and then riddled with bullets. Their bodies were found two days later by railway workers. Father Carlos was 30 years old and Father Gabriel was 45 when they were murdered.

Father Gabriel Longueville was born on March 18, 1931, in Étables, a small town in the Ardèche region of southern France. From a young age, he expressed his priestly vocation and in 1948 entered the major seminary in Viviers. In 1952, his formation was interrupted by the call to arms during the French colonial war against the Algerians who were fighting for independence. This harsh experience marked him deeply. In 1956, he returned to the seminary to complete his priestly formation and was ordained a priest on July 23, 1957. In 1968, he decided to respond to the call of Pope Pius XII, who in the encyclical Fidei Donum encouraged diocesan priests to commit themselves to missionary work in countries where the gift of faith was to be spread. On February 1, 1970, he arrived in Argentina, specifically in the Archdiocese of Corrientes, although he had previously spent three months in Cuernavaca, Mexico. In 1971, by mutual agreement with the Argentine head of the Episcopal Committee for France and Latin America, he moved to the Diocese of La Rioja, where he joined Bishop Angelelli's pastoral project. On May 7, 1971, he was appointed vicar of the parish of El Salvador in Chamical, La Rioja. The locals remember him as a simple, kind, and helpful man who visited his neighbors by bicycle, especially the poorest, which made him very beloved by all. As parish priest, he dedicated himself to getting to know the entire community, exploring every corner of the parish. On the night of July 18, 1976, Father Gabriel wanted to accompany his friend Father Carlos, who had been taken by unknown men claiming to be from the Federal Police, under the pretext of taking him to La Rioja to testify on behalf of some detainees from Chamical. Their bodies were found two days later in the Bajo de Lucas area, 8 km from the parish church, where they had been murdered. It is important to emphasize Father Gabriel's missionary spirit, which led him to leave his homeland to serve as a priest in places where there were very few. He was a man of profound dedication, constantly committed to his mission. He knew very well what was happening that night of July 18; he was fully aware of the situation. They had already received threats, and from the bottom of his heart, he firmly declared, "I am with you," according to the nuns who had hosted him for dinner that night, the night he was murdered along with his friend, Father Carlos.

Wenceslao Pedernera was born on September 28, 1936, in the province of San Luis. In 1961, he settled in Mendoza, where he worked as a day laborer on the "Gargantini" vineyards. Married and a father, in 1968 he became involved with the Church during the novena to Our Lady of Carrodilla. In 1972, along with his wife Ramona Cornejo, he participated in two formation courses in the Diocese of La Rioja. Thanks to his commitment and availability, at the end of 1973 he was appointed coordinator of the Catholic Action Rural Movement in Argentina for the Cuyo region. In 1974, they joined the community project “La Buena Estrella”, until Bishop Angelelli asked them to leave for security reasons. He moved with his family to a plot of land near the parish of Our Lady of Candelaria in Sañogasta. He and his wife served as catechists in “La Puntilla,” on the outskirts of Sañogasta, and collected clothing to distribute to those in need. Wenceslao continued to collaborate with the residents of Sañogasta; he was a great promoter of cooperative work among the farmers, teaching them how to plow, sow, dig irrigation canals, and harvest. He sought to put the Gospel message into practice by prioritizing the most vulnerable and committed himself to defending the rights of rural workers who, in his time, suffered exploitation at the hands of landowners. These landowners paid their laborers meager wages, very little money, and sometimes only a small portion of the harvest after long days of work. During the military dictatorship in Argentina, those who supported cooperatives were labeled as subversives, and for this reason, Wenceslao and his wife received threats that materialized in the early hours of the morning of
On July 25, 1976, someone knocked on his door. His wife, frightened, begged him not to open it, to which Wenceslao replied that it might be someone who needed help. He opened the door, and four hooded men shot him in front of his wife and daughters. Eyewitnesses recounted that among his last words to his daughters were: “Do not hate, forgive.”

EUROPE/CROATIA - Appointment of new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:13:29 +0200

Zagreb - On May 4, 2026, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , appointed Sister Ivana Gelo of the Congregation of the "Handmaids of Charity" as Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Croatia for a five-year term .
Sister Ivana Gelo was born on November 27, 1986, in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her education began in Split, where she completed secondary school with a specialization in economics and administration. Subsequently, she undertook higher theological studies, specializing in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where she obtained a licentiate in dogmatic theology in 2022. Within her religious community, Sister Ivana has held positions of great managerial and governance responsibility. From 2021 to 2024, she served as provincial treasurer in Split, and since 2023, she has served as general counselor of her Congregation. In parallel with her community duties, she carries out intense academic activity at an international level. Since 2022, she has taught at the Catholic University of Rwanda, and since 2024, she has been a professor of dogmatic theology at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Split.