Fides News - English

ASIA/INDIA - Three Kuki Baptist Pastors killed in Manipur

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:19:34 +0200

Imphal –In an ambush against a convoy of Kuki Baptist Christians in the Indian state of Manipur, three Baptist pastors were brutally murdered and others were wounded. The attack occurred on May 13 at around 10:00 a.m. against the backdrop of the extremely unstable situation in Manipur, a state in northeastern India. A civil war is raging there between the Kuki and Meitei ethnic groups . In recent months, the state's third ethnic group, the Naga, has also become involved in the conflict. According to the United Christian Forum of North East India , the ambush of the Baptist Church took place on the road between Kangpokpi and Lamka as the delegation was returning from a church meeting. According to the Kuki community, the attack was carried out by an armed Naga group. The investigation is ongoing. Pastor Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association , as well as Pastors V. Kaigoulun and Paogou, were killed in the attack. Four other pastors and the two drivers were among those seriously injured.
Following the incident, law enforcement officers immediately blocked the area along National Highway 2, a major road connecting Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the country, while fears of a new escalation of inter-community clashes.
“This brutal and inhumane act of violence has claimed the lives of innocent servants of God who dedicated their lives to peace, community service, and the spiritual well-being of their communities,” said Allen Brooks, spokesperson for UCFNEI. He added that he was “deeply shocked, saddened, and dismayed.” “These religious leaders,” Brooks continued, “were neither fighters nor politicians, but spiritual guides and pillars of hope, reconciliation, and moral guidance in a region long scarred by conflict.” “This cold-blooded ambush of servants of God demonstrates such profound malice and inhumanity that it shakes the conscience of every civilized person,” a statement from UCFNEI read.
“The murder of Baptist pastors from the Kuki community,” the statement continues, “is not simply an attack on individuals or a tribe, but an attack on the Christian faith, the sanctity of life, and the foundation of fraternity in Northeast India. No political or ethnic conflict can ever justify the killing of unarmed pastors and church workers in public streets.” The Forum calls on the governments of Manipur and the Federation to launch a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure their swift punishment. It also calls for urgent intervention “to promote reconciliation and dialogue between the communities and prevent further escalation of violence,” while simultaneously “ensuring the protection of vulnerable Christian communities and religious leaders in the region.”
The Forum calls on the governments of Manipur and the Federation to launch a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure their swift punishment. “We call upon all Christian denominations, civil society organizations, and people of goodwill in Northeast India and the rest of the country to unite in prayer, fasting, and peaceful advocacy for justice. May this tragedy not further divide us, but rather strengthen our resolve to combat violence in the name of Christ, who said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid’ ,” the statement concludes.

At Urbaniana University, the spotlight is on the relevance of "Contextual Theology," at the service of the mission

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:01:29 +0200

Rome – In his opening address at the Pontifical Urbaniana University on May 12, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, spoke about the doctrine of just war in his contribution to the discussion on contextual theology. “Let’s consider, for example, the doctrine of just war. It is true that this doctrine contains elements that are still relevant today. The problem is that there are now Catholic groups in politics who, encouraged by priests, use this doctrine to justify all wars as forms of ‘legitimate defense.’ Starting from a supposedly urgent need for defense, they relativize or interpret the requirements for a just war very broadly. This demonstrates the need to adapt this doctrine to the current context, to rethink it, and to make it more precise and meaningful,” he explained.

Contextual theology as a space for discernment

Contextual theology can help to rethink classical categories and avoid their instrumental use, thus appearing as an instrument of theological discernment rather than a breeding ground for relativism. The Study Day entitled “Milestones of Contextual Theology Today” following the welcome address by the Rector, Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, primarily used this compelling example to examine the significance of this “fundamentally contextual theology,” to which Pope Francis had explicitly called in his motu proprio “Ad theologiam promovendam.” Professor Steve Bevans, another high-ranking guest at the conference, described it as a “true magisterial turning point.”

To illustrate the topic, Cardinal Fernandez also drew on his personal experience and recalled an important episode. In a 2007 article, he defended the Salvadoran Jesuit priest Jon Sobrino, a figure of liberation theology, against whose writings the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had issued a Notification. The subject was a statement by Sobrino that, in Latin American theological reflection, the poor constitute a theological point of reference that shapes the reflection from the very beginning. The Notification opposed this approach, stating that “the fundamental theological point of reference can only be the faith of the Church,” but concluded, above all, that “other starting points for theological work carry the risk of being arbitrary and ultimately distorting its content.”

In this context, the Cardinal emphasized: “For this reason, I argued in that article that while the faith of the Church is the fundamental starting point, the most important theological point of reference, but this does not preclude other complementary, non-alternative starting points that call into question any reflection ‘from the beginning.’
And in this sense, I proposed speaking of an ‘inevitable immediate context’ that is closely linked to the fundamental starting point, Revelation.”

When the Cardinal was appointed Rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina in 2010, this article provoked reservations in Rome and delayed the Vatican’s necessary “nihil obstat” for his appointment. Following an exchange with the Dicastery, he published a second text in 2011 in which he reaffirmed his convictions but clarified some passages, adding, among other things: “It is precisely the faith of the Church that provides the most solid and profound basis for seeing the poor as God sees them and for caring for their situation,” and that “no one recognizes attacks on the dignity of the marginalized better than those who are enlightened by the faith of the Church.” He further argued that the mere acceptance of the Church’s tradition could make us indifferent to the history in which God has placed us if we are not simultaneously open to what is happening around us: “That is why I re-proposed the expression 'unavoidable immediate context,' explaining that this context is unavoidable because ‘when a theologian reflects, he cannot completely ignore or disregard the painful situation suffered by the majority of God’s people in their place of residence,’ and that the context ‘invites those who receive Revelation to discover further aspects of its inexhaustible richness’.”

The Cardinal concluded his reflections by noting that “theological dialogue with context and every effort at inculturation must proceed from the heart of the Gospel, the kerygma, and not from peripheral truths. This initial proclamation is not found only at the beginning, when the Gospel first encounters a person. It is transversal; it must permeate all catechesis and all theology in all its themes as a central and constant thread . It is proclamation that awakens the experience of encountering the living Christ. From there springs every process of encountering the Gospel in the context of a specific place.”

Contextuality over time

Following Cardinal Fernández, the renowned missiologist Professor Stephen Bevans recalled that November 1, 2023, marked a milestone with the apostolic letter “Ad Theologiam Promovendam.” In it, Pope Francis calls for a paradigm shift toward a theology that is “fundamentally context-based.” Bevans also demonstrated how this orientation is rooted in the long history of theology. From the various biblical voices to the great syntheses of the Church Fathers Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, faith is always conceived based on concrete historical situations. The statement of the Council of Nicaea that the incarnate Word is "of the same substance as the Father" illustrates this dynamic: doctrine was able to incorporate the expressions and forms of thought of contemporary philosophy without betraying the faith. Bevans also sees Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum" as a context-based theology that arose in response to the effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Professor and Father Ambroise Atakpa, for his part, closely linked contextual theology and cultural pluralism. "Contextual theology and cultural pluralism are two sides of the same coin," he explained; the former is a consequence of the latter. He recalled the 1659 Instruction to missionaries in China and Indochina, which warned: “Nothing is more absurd than wanting to bring France, Spain, Italy, or any other part of Europe to China. It is not all of this that you must bring, but faith—a faith that neither rejects nor offends the way of life nor the customs of any people,” provided they do not contradict the Gospel.

In connection with the Second Vatican Council, he highlighted the text of the International Theological Commission, “The Unity of Faith and Theological Pluralism” . One of its theses states that “unity and plurality in the expression of faith find their ultimate ground in the mystery of Christ himself,” which “transcends the expressive possibilities of any historical epoch.” Another thesis states that “because of the universal and missionary nature of the Christian faith, the events and words revealed by God must be constantly reconsidered, reformulated, and lived out in every human culture,” while the Gospel leads each culture “to its fullness” and simultaneously subjects it to “creative critique.”

Five Continents in dialogue

The second part of the study day illustrated these perspectives with concrete examples through lectures by theologians from the institutes affiliated with the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Oceania, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In Oceania, theology is literally emerging from the rising sea level. Faced with the threat to islands like Kiribati and Tuvalu, “many live in fear of losing their fonua , which is so closely tied to their identity and sense of belonging,” explained Father Toutaiolepo, who had undertaken a twenty-hour flight to attend the conference. In this context, he emphasized, “theology becomes a prophetic voice that denounces injustice and advocates for environmental protection,” very much in the spirit of “Gaudium et Spes” and “Laudato Si’.”

In Latin America, Juan Antonio Prado recalled that liberation theology arose from the interplay of poverty and neoliberal politics. Ignacio Ellacuría spoke of the “poor of the earth” as the place where the truth of the Gospel is decided. Gustavo Gutiérrez stressed that “progress in liberation theology will not be possible unless the poor themselves do not find their hope,” starting from their own world and in their own terms.” From this perspective, the poor are not merely the object, but the subject of theological reflection.

However, Europe faces a different kind of crisis, observed Professor Giuseppe Busani. The Jesuit Christoph Theobald describes a “spiritual emptiness” in a context where, according to Busani, “an intense search for spirituality” is manifest, but one that is “uncertain and disoriented.” There is “a feeling without words, a premonition without concepts”: God is not denied, but rather “considered indifferently.” Echoing Elmar Salmann, Busani emphasizes that we have moved from an era in which “the spirit triumphed over the body, unity over diversity” to a world where diversity, the body, historicity, and emotion prevail, without anyone knowing “what to do with them theologically.” Hence the idea of no longer presenting Christianity as an “ideological truth” but as an “inviting motif,” where the mysteries of faith are more like “spaces and paths” than obstacles to be erected.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha recalled that in Asia, mission—in accordance with the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences—is understood as a “threefold dialogue” with the poor, with cultures, and with religions. Referring to the Anubhava-Vichāra-ācāra method, he cited Michael Amaladoss: “In the East, experience takes center stage. Practice is more important than theory; practice nourishes theory and sometimes challenges it.” He pointed out how Asian theologies strive for an inclusive language in which “reality is dialogical, holistic, and harmonious,” and in which they prefer to speak of the Absolute as “an Absolute within the Relative.”

Finally, in Africa, Father Michel Wenceslas Tiendrebéogo retraced the path of a "theology in a sub-Saharan context": from "adaptation" to "incarnation," then to liberation and reconstruction. African theologians sought in their own cultures images that could express Christ—“Ancestor,” “Elder brother,” “Master of Initiation,” “Healer,” “Leader”—and the option of the “Church as the family of God,” promoted by John Paul II, is, in his view, “the effective fruit of the dialogue between African theology and its context.”

A Theological Catholicity

In conclusion, the study day at the Pontifical Urbaniana University outlined a theological openness in which local theologies enter into a critical and fruitful dialogue. In his inaugural address, Cardinal Fernández warned against an intellectual blockage centered on “classical Roman theology” and “Northern European” theology: “Sometimes it takes a madman, someone who loves his country and his people with all his heart, and who can distinguish the Gospel from certain cultural layers that have settled there, without, however, identifying an essential part of its message. He must then reread it in light of the experiences of his people. The aim is to initiate something that we would describe not only as a ‘spiritual event’ but also as a ‘cultural and linguistic event’ that enables people to fully rediscover themselves in the message of the Gospel,” he explained.

Steve Bevans also recalled that, while contextual theologies are an imperative, they are only one stage in a process whose next phase could be a "new theological catholicity," in which local theologies enter into critical and fruitful dialogue with one another to mutually enrich one another. "Theology can flourish only if it is in contact with the peoples of the whole world, with the whole Church," he stated. "I believe that the more open we are to others, the more our contextual theologies will flourish in their specificity. Theologies should never isolate themselves from one another. Theologies can always learn from one another."

This long walk through contextual theology is crucial because it shows that reflection on mission and inculturation cannot be satisfied with empty phrases and slogans. Engaging with situations and contexts, which by no means leads to relativism or the sacralization of cultures, on the contrary, offers a more refined approach to the complexity of reality and the intelligence of faith – at the service of the mission.

EUROPE/BELGIUM - Confirmation of the Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:40:20 +0200

Vatican City - On May 5, 2026, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , confirmed Fr. Théogène Havugimana, of the diocese of Nyundo, Rwanda, as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Belgium for the five-year period 2026-2031 . EG

AFRICA/COTE I’IVOIRE - Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Abidjan

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:25:27 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Aguia Jean Martial Arnaud Kouamé, until now parish priest of Saint Ambroise Ma vigne, Ma Vie, as auxiliary bishop of the metropolitan archdiocese of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, assigning him the titular see of Sutunurca.
Msgr. Aguia Jean Martial Arnaud Kouamé was born on 26 March 1977 in Abidjan. He obtained a licentiate in philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Saint Paul VI University Seminary.
He was ordained a priest on 15 January 2005 for the metropolitan archdiocese of Abidjan.
After ordination, he first held the office of parish vicar of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan and of Saint François d’Assise de la Zinsel in Strasbourg . He obtained a licentiate in canon law and a master’s degree in philosophy and in history and philosophy of science at the University of Strasbourg, and went on to serve as parish vicar of Bonne Nouvelle in Hem and Saint Fiacre in Dunkerque . He was awarded a licentiate in moral theology at the University of Lille and a doctorate in Ethique, Option Ethique et Religion at the University of Strasbourg , and held the offices of parish vicar of Notre Dame du Chêne du Pays de Fleckenstein in Strasbourg , parish priest of Saint François Xavier d’Abobo, Abidjan , and parish priest of Saint Ambroise Ma vigne Ma Vie, Abidjan .

AFRICA/KENYA - Appointment of bishop of Wote

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:21:19 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, until now auxiliary bishop and apostolic administrator sede vacante of the diocese of Wote, Kenya, as bishop of the same see.
Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe was born on 26 November 1962 in Gatundu, and was ordained a priest on 18 June 1994.
He was appointed titular bishop of Thubunae in Numidia and auxiliary of Nairobi on 13 February 2024, receiving episcopal consecration on 6 April 2024. Subsequently, on 5 July 2025, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Wote and, on 16 September 2025, he was appointed apostolic administrator sede plena of the same diocese. Since 25 March 2026 he has served as apostolic administrator sede vacante of the diocese of Wote.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - After being kidnapped in February: Father Nathaniel Asuwaye is free

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:17:46 +0200

Abuja – Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, who was kidnapped on February 7, 2026, has been released . The Diocese of Kafanchan informed the faithful of this in a statement on May 12: “With deep gratitude to God, we announce the release of Father Nathaniel Asuwaye after three months of captivity.” “We are pleased to inform you,” the statement, sent to Fides, continues, “that Father Nathaniel is now safe and receiving the necessary medical care. His condition is stable, he is in good spirits, and he thanks you for your prayers and support.”
Father Nathaniel, parish priest of the Holy Trinity Church in Karku, Kaura County, Kaduna State, was kidnapped from his rectory in the early morning of February 7, along with ten parishioners, by armed men . At least three people were killed in the attack.
"After the kidnapping," the diocese recalls, "we called upon the faithful to pray for his release." "At the end of April, we dedicated the month of May to incessant prayers during our annual devotions and other prayers, especially during Holy Mass" . "God, who does not abandon those who bear his name and call upon him, has heard our prayers and granted Father Nathaniel's safe return," concludes the statement by Father Jacob Shanet, Diocesan Chancellor. There is currently no news about the fate of the ten other people who were kidnapped along with the priest. Following the release of Father Nathaniel, at least two other priests remain in the hands of kidnappers. These are Father Joseph Igweagu from the Diocese of Aguleri in Anambra State, who was kidnapped on October 12, 2022 , and Father Emmanuel Ezema from the Diocese of Zaria in Kaduna State, who was kidnapped on December 2, 2025 .

ASIA/CAMBODIA - Apostolic Prefect Figaredo: “To overcome the stalemate in the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, everyone must do their part”

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:42:33 +0200

Battambang – “We must not give in to indifference or hatred. It is necessary to explore peaceful solutions to resolve the conflict on the border with Thailand and try to restore full harmony and stability,” Bishop Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, a region affected by the presence of refugees following the armed conflict on the border between Thailand and Cambodia in 2015, told Fides. The two countries signed an armed truce in December 2025 and are currently in a state of diplomatic stalemate, regulated by a ceasefire. Large-scale fighting has stopped, but the borders remain closed and political tensions continue to be very high.
Bishop Figaredo, who is also president of Caritas Cambodia, is constantly striving to visit and encourage thousands of people displaced by the conflict. His presence in places and situations marked by hardship seeks to bear witness to closeness and solidarity, with material aid, but also to express God's love for the most vulnerable.
The Apostolic Prefect of Battambang has visited displaced families in recent days, bringing solidarity and comfort. Among them was a Christian family from Battambang who recently moved to temporary housing provided by the government in the Svay Chek district of Banteay Meanchey province, after their home was attacked and subsequently occupied by Thai soldiers. The bishop recounts: “I prayed with them, we read the Word of God, and I blessed their new home. This blessing was not only a wish for peace and well-being, but also a reminder that they remain under the constant and loving protection of the Lord.” Moreover, Bishop Figaredo hopes for the reopening of all border crossings, which were previously used by thousands of Cambodians and Thais for work. “But to achieve this, it is necessary to rebuild trust and understanding based on mutual respect. We urge politicians to abandon hate speech and focus on ways to resolve the dispute,” he states. “Both sides today could avoid dwelling on minor details or disagreements and instead look toward the greater good of their people: an end to the war and lasting peace,” he adds. “Growing nationalism in both countries has exacerbated the situation, using historical claims to garner domestic support,” he explains. The issue is not merely territorial. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodian sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple, but the surrounding area, approximately 4.6 square kilometers, remains in dispute. “In addition to territorial issues, the situation also involves politics and emotions,” he remarks. Factors such as “national sovereignty, governance, and historical legacies, as well as emotional aspects like nationalism, pride, and the delicate history between the two countries,” come into play. “In this situation,” the Prefect observes, “the role of civil society and the media is important, as they can help reduce, or unfortunately, increase, tensions between the two countries.” Therefore, “we urge a collective effort to minimize inflammatory rhetoric and focus on de-escalating the situation.” “The negativity surrounding the conflict,” he notes, “has been fueled by disinformation and exaggerated media narratives. It is urgent to break the cycle of mutual provocations and promote a new approach based on respect, reconciliation, and peace. Everyone must and can do their part, on both sides of the border.”

OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Cardinal Bo to the Pontifical Mission Societies: "Your collaboration with us is not just charity, it is communion"

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:38:06 +0200

Sydney – Not just charity, but communion. This is how Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, defined the commitment of the National Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia to the people of Myanmar. He made this statement at the opening of the biannual plenary of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in Sydney, which he attended last week.
The Archbishop of Yangon said his country was going through simultaneous economic, employment, social, health and education crises.
“Your solidarity is not an abstract idea; it is a light in the darkness,” he said. “Your support reminds our suffering people they are not forgotten by the universal Church.” The Salesian Cardinal added that the centenary of the establishment of World Mission Sunday reminds us that mission is “not just the work of missionaries, but the responsibility of the whole Church.”
Cardinal Bo asked for prayers for the people of Myanmar and then, together with the bishops, presided over a brief ceremony to install the new National Director of Catholic Mission, Peter Gates. “Cardinal Bo’s presence with all the Bishops of Australia and his engagement with so many Australians during his time with us exemplified in gestures, word and action Pope Leo’s theme and focus for World Mission Sunday: ‘One in Christ, United in Mission’, Peter Gates told Fides. “Such graced moments are wonderful signs of hope for all people and a world in much need of unity, peace and love.”

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Violence and attacks continue in Cabo Delgado province: Bishop of Quelimane calls for prayer

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:21:14 +0200

Quelimane – The Islamist insurgency continues in Cabo Delgado province. Recent attacks in districts such as Nangade, Mocímboa da Praia, and in the southern areas have targeted civilians, soldiers, missionaries, and miners, causing deaths, burning homes, and displacing hundreds of people. A raid in Namacuili caused at least four dead, while armed groups are attacking the districts of Ancuabe and Macomia. “The situation seems out of control,” Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, IMC, of the Diocese of Quelimane, told Fides. “The attacks continue, always in the same areas, and the population is terrified. Women, in particular, are experiencing very difficult situations. Beyond what is reported in the news, the destruction continues; there are many victims and Christians who have been killed. I invite everyone to pray for us,” concluded the Consolata missionary, who is also the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira.

In total, more than one million people have been displaced by the conflict. Clashes with Mozambican and Rwandan forces continue, with reports of soldiers killed and insurgent incursions. Furthermore, humanitarian access remains difficult. Rwanda's National Institute for Disaster Management has warned that humanitarian aid in the northern province of Cabo Delgado is under pressure due to a combination of terrorist attacks, floods, and flooding, which are affecting the same communities. In a statement released by local authorities, INGD delegate in Cabo Delgado, Marques Naba, noted that the humanitarian response must adapt to "a complex and simultaneous scenario." Naba stated that 4,570 homes have been affected during the current rainy season, of which 1,316 have been destroyed. On a positive note, more than 600,000 people who had been previously displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado have returned to their places of origin. The government and regional forces are actively involved, but the situation is generating an increasingly serious humanitarian crisis.

ASIA/CHINA - New Church in the Diocese of Wenzhou dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:14:40 +0200

Wenzhou – The consecration and opening of a new church dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Patron Saint of missions, marks a new beginning for the faith and commitment of the Catholic community of Zhaoyang, part of the Shuitou parish in Pingyang County, Zhejiang Province. The small coastal community in the Diocese of Wenzhou, historically composed mainly of fishing families, celebrated the consecration and opening of its new parish church on May 4. Around 2,000 parishioners participated in the celebrations. Father Hu Longjian celebrated the Mass of thanksgiving, concelebrated by parish priest Lin Shengli and 20 other diocesan priests, who gathered around the altar before the statue of Saint Thérèse, who will watch over the community's path.
The new church is both solemn and simple, inviting contemplation. Members of the community had long expressed the desire to dedicate the new church to the Saint of the “Little Way”. The construction and consecration of the new church also represent a testimony of faith.
As the parish priest emphasizes, the Catholic faith has a long history in the Zhaoyang region. The baptized live their belonging to the Catholic Church with simplicity and joy in their daily lives, helping one another and performing small acts of charity. In this spirit, they have always been united by a shared devotion to Saint Thérèse, whose example offers them comfort and perfectly reflects the humility, devotion, and charity of the small community. The church was made possible thanks to the dedication of the diocesan priests and the spiritual and material generosity of all the faithful, who contributed according to their means through donations and labor. Now the entire community finds in the church a place to pray, to receive the sacraments, and to experience fraternal communion in the face of the demands and challenges of everyday life.

AFRICA/GHANA - Elevation to diocese of the apostolic vicariate of Donkorkrom, Ghana, and appointment of first bishop

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:04:51 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has elevated the apostolic vicariate of Donkorkrom, Ghana, to a diocese, with the same name and territorial configuration, making it a suffragan of the metropolitan see of Accra.
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop John Alphonse Asiedu, S.V.D., until now vicar apostolic of Donkorkrom, as first bishop of Donkorkrom, Ghana.

STATISTICAL DATA

The diocese of Donkorkrom is in the east of Ghana. It has an area of 5,040 km² and a population of 228,754 inhabitants, of whom 37,462 are Catholic. The diocese consists of 9 parishes, 14 educational institutions, and 3 charitable institutions. There are 14 diocesan priests, 8 religious priests and 22 nuns working there; there are 2 seminarians.

AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Appointment of vicar apostolic of Tierradento

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:01:39 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Homero Marín Arboleda, C.M., until now parish priest of Saint Anthony of Padua on Kiriwina Island and of Blessed John Mazzucconi on Woodlark Island, Papua New Guinea, as vicar apostolic of Tierradento, Colombia.
Msgr. Homero Marín Arboleda, C.M., was born on 17 November 1959 in Circasia, Quindio, Colombia. He studied philosophy at the Seminario Mayor La Milagrosa in Medellín, and theology at the Seminario Villa Paúl.
He was ordained a priest on 21 November 1987 for the Congregation of the Mission.
After ordination, he held the roles of parish vicar and parish priest in Vitoncó; vice rector and professor at the Seminario Indígena Páez ; parish priest of Willa ; rector of the minor seminary of Páez, and professor at the major seminary. He was awarded a licentiate in missiology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome , and went on to serve as provincial counsellor in Colombia , formator of the Seminario Indígena Páez and rector of the Seminario Mayor La Milagrosa in Medellín ; vice rector of the seminary in Bomana, Papua New Guinea , parish priest of Holy Name of Jesus in Bomana ; superior of the Lazarist Mission in Papua New Guinea ; parish priest of Saint Anthony of Padua on Kiriwina Island and of Blessed John Mazzucconi on Woodlark Island .

ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bishops on the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President: "Truth must come to light and justice must prevail"

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:51:03 +0200

Manila – The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are “a democratic demonstration of accountability” and not “political persecution,” remarked Bishop José Colin Bagaforo, Bishop of Kidapawan, coordinator of the "Interreligious Council of Leaders for National Transformation, in which representatives of religious communities, civil society organizations, associations, unions, and student movements unite to raise public awareness of the problem of corruption through nationwide initiatives.
The House of Representatives has approved a second impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte, following the first in 2025. The charges of corruption, bribery, illegal wealth, misappropriation of public funds, and threatening Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have been reinstated. The lower house voted 257 in favor, 25 against, with 9 abstentions, to impeach Sara Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. If the Senate confirms the proceedings, Sara Duterte will be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office, effectively ending her political career.
Sara Duterte was previously impeached in 2025 on other charges, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case on procedural grounds. In a public statement, Bishop Bagaforo remarked, “Impeachment is a constitutional and democratic process designed to ensure that public officials entrusted with immense power, remain accountable to the people.” He emphasized that “no citizen should fear a fair trial.” According to Bishop Bagaforo, who is also president of the Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, Sara Duterte should see this process as "an opportunity for the public rehabilitation of her name," while a rejection "could further undermine trust in the government, especially in a country long plagued by allegations of corruption." He hopes that the government, civil society, the judiciary, and the public will work together so that "the impeachment process proceeds peacefully and transparently" and "the truth comes to light and justice prevails."
At this stage in Philippine history, the nation's future is at stake, declared Baptist lawmaker Bienvenido Abante, who emphasized that the case raises the question of whether one still believes that no one is above the law. The case now goes to the Senate, a 24-member body, more than half of whom are considered supporters and allies of the Duterte family after the 2025 midterm elections. For an impeachment trial to proceed, at least two-thirds of the senators, or 16 votes, would be required. In a statement released today, May 12, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines appealed to the senators to fulfill their constitutional duty by continuing the proceedings, hearing the evidence, and deciding the case based on truth, justice, and the rule of law. The bishops appealed to the senators, requesting "that the trial is not delayed and that the Senate be convened as an impeachment tribunal as soon as possible," according to the statement signed by Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the Philippine Bishops' Conference. The bishops warned the senators against actions that could be interpreted as "violating constitutional duties" or "undermining confidence in democratic institutions during a politically sensitive national trial." The Philippine bishops are urging citizens to “remain vigilant, monitor developments, and defend themselves against misinformation and fake news related to the impeachment proceedings.” “Our deepest desire and most fervent prayer is that the truth will come to light,” they declared. Referring to the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, the bishops call for prayers for the political leaders and the entire nation. Observers point out that this case highlights the conflict between the Duterte and Marcos families: Although representatives of both clans, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, ran together and won the 2022 presidential election, the two families subsequently clashed politically. The rift deepened after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was supported by the Marcos administration. He was arrested on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for murders related to his presidency's anti-drug campaign. The trial is still ongoing.

On the Eve of Mother's Day: Chinese Catholic Communities Celebrate "Our Lady of China"

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:43:53 +0200

Beijing – Every year on the second Saturday in May – the day before Mother's Day in the Marian month – the Church in China celebrates a special feast in honor of the "Heavenly Mother of China."
This feast commemorates the decision to consecrate China to Our Lady of Donglv, a vow unanimously made by the bishops of the First Chinese Council in Shanghai in 1924.
The establishment of the feast was a significant sign of the Marian devotion prevalent among many Chinese Catholics. On December 8, 1941, Pope Pius XII granted the request of the Chinese bishops and officially instituted the great feast in honor of the "Queen of China." The bishops then proclaimed Our Lady of Donglv at the Marian Shrine of Hebei Province as "Our Lady of China and Heavenly Queen of the Chinese People."
In recent decades, despite turbulent times, the Marian devotion of Chinese Catholics has taken on further forms of expression, and the celebrations in honor of Mary, Queen of China, are now linked to Mother's Day.
Female religious orders dedicated to the Heavenly Mother have been established, such as the Congregation of Missionaries of the Heavenly Mother of the Diocese of Yanggu in Shandong. It was founded in 1940, during the war, by the first Chinese cardinal, Thomas Tien Ken-sin, who came from Shandong Province.
Every year on the feast day of the patron saint, the Superior General and the nuns participate in Eucharistic Adoration, the recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and a Marian procession.
On May 9, the Rosary groups of Nanxi Parish in the Diocese of Wenzhou met for a devotional course on the figure of the Mother of God, following the solemn Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of Our Lady of China. The parish priest, a local, was able to explain the history of Marian devotion in the local dialect, making it understandable even to the elderly. He emphasized Mary as a model and source of comfort for all mothers in their important role of guiding their children on their faith journey and helping them discover their vocation. "There is no other prayer more effective than the Rosary," said the priest, concluding the meeting with a prayer in honor of Our Lady of China.
In parishes throughout Jiangxi Province, many mothers received gifts and bouquets of flowers on Mother's Day, May 10. Priests and laypeople visited mothers in hospitals.
In the Diocese of Beijing, every parish celebrated Mother's Day with a solemn Eucharist, distributing gifts as a sign of gratitude. In the Cathedral of the Redeemer, each mother received a small bag containing a plant and a greeting card, while in the church of the diocesan seminary, mothers received porcelain utensils as gifts.

AFRICA/CHAD - Civilians killed in Chadian air strikes against suspected jihadists

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:27:30 +0200

N'Djamena - Aircraft belonging to the Chadian armed forces attacked Nigerian Boko Haram jihadists on the shores of Lake Chad, resulting in civilian casualties.
According to local sources, the bombings killed several dozen fishermen who – with the jihadists' permission – continued to cast their nets in the lake, which borders Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. At least 40 fishermen are missing.
The airstrikes, which have been ongoing since May 8, are a response to a jihadist attack on Chadian soldiers on May 4, in which 23 soldiers were killed. At least 27 people, including 11 soldiers and 16 jihadists, died in another clash on the shores of Lake Chad on May 6.
In addition to the presence of jihadists, instability in the Lake Chad region stems from conflicts between farmers and herders, affecting large areas in the south, center, and east of the country. Members of the Zaghawa ethnic groups, in particular, are accused of plundering the livestock of local people in the lake region, allegedly protected by high-ranking army personnel. Attacks on Chadian soldiers are reportedly carried out not only by jihadists but also by local herders whose livestock has been stolen.
Analysts estimate that conflicts between farmers and herders resulted in over a thousand deaths and approximately two thousand injuries between 2021 and 2024.
At the end of the Regina Caeli prayer service this Sunday, Pope Leo XIV recalled the insecurity in several Sahel countries. “I have learned with deep concern of the reports regarding the growing violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and Mali, which have recently suffered terrorist attacks. I offer the assurance of my heartfelt prayers for the victims and my spiritual closeness to all those who are suffering as a result of the tragic events. I fervently hope that every form of violence may cease, and I encourage all efforts aimed at fostering peace and development in that beloved land,” the Pope said.

ASIA/INDONESIA - After seventeen years, Camillians return to Bolawolon, the home where it all began

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:20:47 +0200

Kupang – May 3, 2026, will remain a historic and significant date for the Camillians of Indonesia and the parish community of Bolawolon. In a solemn ceremony, Father Andrea Yobe was officially installed as the first parish priest of the Camillian Order in the parish of Bolawolon. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Camillian missionaries in the Diocese of Maumere.

Father Luigi Galvani , who himself lived and worked on the island of Flores for many years and is now active at the St. Camillus Social Center in Kupang, West Timor, reports this to Fides.

“For many, this return of the Camillians to Bolawolon had the character of a ‘return to Emmaus.’ Seventeen years ago, the Camillians, myself included, began their work in Indonesia in this parish after arriving from the Philippines,” he notes. “Here they took their first steps, focusing primarily on vocations and various social welfare activities.”

“Looking back on their journey in Indonesia today, one can truly speak of a story blessed by divine Providence. In just seventeen years, the Camillian presence in Indonesia has grown with positive and far-sighted development, which is now bearing concrete and promising fruit,” says Father Galvani.

Currently, the Camillian delegation comprises 24 young priests, 6 deacons, 25 theology students, 8 novices, and more than 40 seminarians studying philosophy, distributed among four seminaries. “These numbers testify not only to the institutional growth but, above all, to the courage of so many young people who have chosen to dedicate their lives to serving God and the sick in the spirit of Saint Camillus de Lellis.”

In addition to religious formation, the Camillians have also initiated significant social and pastoral activities. “The two community centers in Maumere and Kupang have become important reference points for meetings, seminars, and educational programs, especially for young people. In addition, there is a positive missionary impetus, which testifies to the growth of the Camillian mission in Indonesia. Two young missionaries have already been sent to Taiwan and two more to Australia—a sign of a young community that not only cares for itself but also feels the desire to share the gift it has received beyond its borders. The same spirit also characterizes the commitment to vocations in Pakistan and East Timor,” the report states.

The new task entrusted to the Camillians in the parish of Bolawolon gains even more significance within the context of the Diocese of Maumere, a vibrant Church with many vocations. The diocese comprises 42 parishes and 61 diocesan priests, as well as 60 religious institutes, 17 for men and 43 for women. It is a dynamic, mission-oriented church deeply rooted in the faith of the people of Flores.

“The installation of Father Andrea,” Father Galvani concluded, “is not merely an appointment by the community, but a symbol of a growing mission and a hopeful dream. The Camillians are not returning to Bolawolon as strangers, but as sons and daughters rediscovering the homeland where it all began. From here, they continue their missionary journey, looking to the future with renewed enthusiasm and striving to grow in service to the Church, the poor, and the sick. As always, they entrust everything else to God, who has silently guided every step of their mission throughout the years.”

AFRICA/NAMIBIA - Appointment of vicar apostolic of Rundu

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:44:16 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Linus Ngenomesho, O.M.I., until now apostolic administrator of the apostolic vicariate of Rundu, Namibia, as vicar apostolic of the same circumscription.
Msgr. Linus Ngenomesho, O.M.I., was born on 22 August 1969 in Omatando, archdiocese of Windhoek, Namibia. He studied philosophy and theology at Saint Joseph’s Oblates Scholasticate in Cedera, South Africa.
He was ordained a priest on 26 January 2002 for the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate .
He has held the following offices: parish vicar in Gobabis, archdiocese of Windhoek, and assistant master of novices at the O.M.I. Formation House in Dabra ; provincial counsellor of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Province of Namibia ; director of the O.M.I. Formation House and parish priest of Saint Boniface in Windhoek ; dean of the deanery of Windhoek ; member of the College of Consultors of the archdiocese of Windhoek ; parish priest of Saint Peter Claver in Ukahandja ; provincial superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Province of Namibia and president of the O.M.I. Region for Africa and Madagascar ; secretary general of the Namibian Catholic Bishops’ Conference ; and to date, apostolic administrator of the apostolic vicariate of Rundu .

AFRICA/NIGERIA - Over 100 dead, 98,000 displaced, 217 churches destroyed in the diocese of Wukari

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:59:19 +0200

Abuja – “Since September, over 98,000 people, including 16 priests, have been displaced due to the ongoing violence in the southern part of Taraba State , while 217 churches have been completely destroyed,” reports Msgr. Mark Maigida Nzukwein , Bishop of Wukari in a statement released following the diocese’s third General Assembly. “The homes of eight priests were also ransacked, and it is estimated that over 100 people have been killed,” the statement reads. Among the most recently attacked churches is Saint James the Great Catholic Church in Adu, Takum District . A fire severely damaged the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Wukari on March 4 .
The violence is primarily affecting areas such as Chanchanji District in the local government area of Takum, as well as Ussa and Donga.
These attacks on rural communities are most likely perpetrated by Fulani herding gangs, who predominantly target Christian villages, often inhabited by the Tiv ethnic group. After destroying houses, churches, and other buildings, the attackers often illegally occupy the land of the displaced residents. The herding raids exacerbate the centuries-old land conflict between the Tiv and the Jukun .
On February 12 of this year, the clergy from the dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo to to the streets demanding immediate government intervention to stop the wave of murders, kidnappings, and destruction affecting Christian farming communities, particularly the Tiv people in southern Taraba . On that occasion, the diocese of Wukari reported: “To date, more than 80 people have been killed, many more injured, over 200 communities and churches destroyed, and over 90,000 Christians forced to flee.”
Nearly three months later, despite urgent appeals to the authorities to restore safety to the population in the affected areas, these figures have continued to rise.

ASIA/INDIA - The National Federation of Churches in India aims to "address the country's most pressing issues together"

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:48:48 +0200

Bangalore - The National Federation of Churches in India is the new national ecumenical body of Christian churches of all denominations in India. It was established on May 8 during the fourth national ecumenical meeting of bishops and Christian leaders in Bangalore. "It is a platform that will strengthen ecumenical dialogue by addressing the country's most pressing issues and, as a united front, taking into account the concerns of the Christian community in India in the current context," Father Anthoniraj Thumma, Secretary for Ecumenism at the Catholic Bishops' Conference and coordinator of the ecumenical meeting of Indian bishops, told Fides.
The new body has set itself the goal of “promoting communion and fraternity in the Lord Jesus Christ among bishops and church leaders at the national level. The establishment of the NFCI is a significant step toward Christian unity, a milestone in the ecumenical process, and a new chapter in the fraternity and solidarity of the churches in India,” according to a statement sent to Fides.
“Given the critical situation of the churches in India, which face numerous challenges and difficulties such as violence against priests, pastors, and faithful, strict anti-conversion laws in some states, and attempts to misappropriate church assets, there was an urgent need for a united front to address these problems. After two years of discussions about its establishment and the drafting of its guidelines, the NFCI has now been officially launched,” said Thumma.
The Federation will represent the churches in the public sphere and “present a unified image of Christianity and act as the voice of the Christian community to the country,” he added. “It will promote cooperation and strengthen the visible unity of the member churches, respecting their identity, traditions, and structures. It will also address the concerns of the churches and the Christian community in India.”
Compared to the existing forums and bodies of church communities in the country, the Federation is distinguished by the fact that “none of them comprehensively includes all churches”; furthermore, “it is dedicated exclusively to bishops and community leaders.”
The Federation’s first initiative was an ecumenical prayer service for Christian unity, based on the reflections prepared jointly by the Vatican Dicastery for Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches .
Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, delivered the opening address at the inaugural meeting, who emphasized the pressing problems facing the Christian community and underscored the need for church unity to effectively address them. “It is important to reach out to one another and unite as Christians to gain a better understanding of the truth and to work together in a spirit of communion and fraternity.” Cardinal Anthony Poola was elected the first president of the new Federation.

REGINA CAELI - Pope Leo XIV: "It is the love of Jesus that gives birth to love within us"

Sun, 10 May 2026 12:38:40 +0200

Vatican City - "It is Jesus’ love that begets love within us" and "because God loved us first, we too can love." With these words, Pope Leo XIV, speaking to the pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square during the Regina Caeli prayer on Sunday, described the source that enables us to follow the Church’s commandments.
The Pope recalled Jesus’ words to the Apostles at the Last Supper, which were included in the reading from the Gospel of John for this Sunday, May 10.
"If you love me," Jesus says to his disciples, "you will keep my commandments." Pope Leo emphasized that this statement "frees us from the misconception that we are loved because we keep the commandments, as if our righteousness were a prerequisite for God’s love. On the contrary, God’s love is the basis for our righteousness. We truly keep the commandments, according to God's will," the Bishop of Rome continued, "when we recognize His love for us, just as Christ revealed it to the world. Jesus' words are therefore an invitation to enter into a relationship, not a blackmail or a suspicious ultimatum."
This is why, the Pope added, the Lord commands us "to love one another as he has loved us: it is Jesus’ love that begets love within us."

"Because God loved us first," Leo XIV recalled today, "we too can love, and when we truly love God, we truly love one another. It is like life itself: just as only those who have received life can live, so too, only those who have been loved can love."

Furthermore, Pope Prevost added, quoting Jesus’ words from the Gospel of John: "because he loves us, the Lord does not leave us alone in life's trials: he promises us the Paraclete, that is, the Defense Advocate, the 'Spirit of truth.' It is precisely because he loves us that the Lord does not leave us alone in life’s trials; he promises us the Paraclete, that is, the Advocate, the “Spirit of truth”. This gift is one that “the world cannot receive”, as long as it persists in evil, oppressing the poor, excluding the weak and killing the innocent. Those who respond to Jesus’ love for all, on the other hand, will find in the Holy Spirit an ally who will never fail: “You know him,” says Jesus, “for he dwells with you, and will be in you”. We can therefore bear witness to God, who is love, always and everywhere. Love is not an idea of the human mind, but the reality of divine life, through which all things were created out of nothing and redeemed from death."

After reciting the Regina Caeli, Leo XIV expressed his concern "regarding the growing violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and Mali, which have recently suffered terrorist attacks." The Pope offered the assurance of his heartfelt prayers "for the victims who are suffering," and expressed his hope "that every form of violence may cease," and encouraged "all efforts aimed at fostering peace and development in that beloved land."
The Pontiff also recalled that May 10th is celebrated each year as the "Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship." "I extend my fraternal greetings," Pope Leo added, "to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and assure the entire beloved Coptic Church of my remembrance in prayer. It is my hope that our journey of friendship will lead us to perfect unity in Christ, who has called us “friends”."

Speaking in Spanish, the Bishop of Rome also thanked "the people of the Canary Islands who, with the hospitality characteristic of them, welcomed the cruise ship Hondius and the passengers infected with the Hantavirus. I look forward to seeing all of you next month during my visit to the Islands." Finally, Leo XIV addressed a "special thought" to all mothers: "Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our own Mother, let us pray with love and gratitude for every mother, particularly those living in very difficult circumstances. Thank you!
May God bless you."