Fides News - English

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Collaboration between religious leaders and civil authorities averts violence in alleged blasphemy case

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:03:21 +0200

Karachi – The fruitful collaboration between Muslim and Christian religious leaders, civil authorities and security forces prevented an outbreak of sectarian violence, ensuring that a highly sensitive alleged blasphemy case was handled through the principles of justice, goodwill and truth rather than revenge. This is the key message emerging from events that unfolded in recent days in the Qazafi Colony of Baldia Town, on the outskirts of Karachi, where a provocation and allegations against a Catholic citizen threatened to spark interreligious violence.
The incident began on July 9, when a local grocery store received an envelope containing a desecrated page of the Holy Quran along with photographs of a local Christian man, Azeem Javed, and his mother, along with a copy of the woman's national identity card. The Muslim shopkeeper immediately recognized the suspicious nature of the material and alerted residents and the police. According to local sources, the incident may be linked to a recent dispute involving Javaid and several individuals who attempted to falsely implicate him in a blasphemy case by exploiting Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
News of the alleged desecration spread rapidly, drawing thousands of people to the area as radical Muslim activists called for protests. Around ten Christian families living near Javaid's home found themselves trapped inside their houses. To prevent the risk of mob violence, the Sindh provincial government deployed additional police forces, who moved Javaid and his family to an undisclosed location.
A joint intervention by political representatives, Islamic scholars and Catholic priests proved decisive: they publicly stated that the anonymous envelope appeared to be a deliberate attempt to incite hatred between Muslims and Christians. The authorities assured the them that a thorough investigation would be carried out.
A series of meetings then brought together prominent representatives of different Islamic schools of thought, political leaders, police officials and members of the Christian community. Participants included Christian Sindh provincial MP Rooma Mushtaq Mattoo, as well as Fathers Waqas Raza OMI, Rizwan OMI and Kashif Gouri OMI. All participants called for a fair investigation, the identification of those responsible and full respect for the rule of law.
Father Shahzad Arshad, Director of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Karachi, expressed gratitude to the security forces and to the spontaneously formed "peace coalition," which included the vice president of the Sindh Assembly, Catholic Naveed Anthony, Mufti Zubair, and other Islamic leaders. Together, they issued a public appeal urging people to reject any attempt to sow division between Muslims and Christians.
In a message sent to Fides, Sindh MP, Rooma Mushtaq Mattoo confirmed her involvement, stating that "Azeem Javaid and his family are under state protection in a safe place." She also reaffirmed "the Sindh government's commitment to guaranteeing the safety of religious minorities and social peace."
"There are indications that this incident was orchestrated to provoke tensions and undermine interreligious relations; the investigation will establish who is responsible," Father Lazar Aslam, head of the Justice, Peace and Ecology Commission of the Capuchin Friars, told Fides. "We ask that the entire process be conducted in full accordance with the law. At the same time, protection is needed for the entire local Christian community. There is also a positive lesson to be drawn from this episode: through goodwill, cooperation and common sense, violence can be prevented and constructive relations maintained for the common good," the friar concluded.

AMERICA/HAITI - New San Camillo Hospital inaugurated in Jérémie: First wards open to serve the local population

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:42:50 +0200

Jérémie – The new San Camillo Hospital was inaugurated in Jérémie, southwestern Haiti, on the occasion of the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis. Years in the making, the project is now beginning to provide its first healthcare services to a population long in need of more accessible and higher-quality medical care.

"It is a project that has been underway for many years and is now finally beginning its valuable service. The hospital will be led by four highly motivated and well-trained Haitian Camillian confreres," Father Massimo Miraglio, MI, told Fides. He described the new facility as "a concrete response to the many needs of the local population."

The official inauguration took place on Sunday, July 12, in the presence of the Bishop of Jérémie, Joseph Gontrand Décoste, SJ, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The following day, during an open house, the hospital welcomed nearly 200 patients, immediately confirming the strong demand for healthcare services in the region.

During its initial phase, the hospital will offer urology, dermatology, pediatrics, maternity, and surgery services, in addition to general medical consultations. The facility is also equipped with a clinical laboratory and a modern operating room featuring two fully equipped surgical theatres.
"Thanks to the determination of these young Haitian fathers, Jérémie now has a new hospital. The journey to complete the project remains long and demanding, but it begins with great hope and enthusiasm," Father Miraglio said.
The hospital will operate in close collaboration with the Camillian Fathers and the medical staff of San Camillo Hospital in Port-au-Prince, further strengthening the healthcare network promoted by the Order in Haiti.

The project was made possible through the support of the Madian Camillian community of Turin, via Madian Orizzonti ETS. Their crucial contribution has enabled the completion of a project that will significantly improve access to healthcare for thousands of people living in one of Haiti's most vulnerable areas.

Hawaii, 200 years of Catholic mission. It takes a seed to grow a tree

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:07:30 +0200

by Marie-Lucile Kubacki

Honolulu – “The arrival of the first missionaries in Hawaii in 1827 was not the beginning of the journey. In a very real sense, although the people of Hawaii would not have known much beforehand of the arrival of the missionaries, God in his own way had also prepared the hearts of the people to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

With these words, Bishop Clarence Richard “Larry” Silva of Honolulu opened the Jubilee Year on July 9, 2026, marking the bicentenary of the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Hawaii.

“They were,” the Bishop explained, “already a religious people with many stories similar to the stories of the Bible. They were a people who valued community and whose hearts were hospitable to the Holy Spirit. So their openness to the Catholic faith did not start with the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries. God had already prepared the ground for the planting of that great seed of the word of the true and living God. And so it has always been.”

The opening Eucharistic celebration of the Jubilee Year, presided over by Bishop Silva at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, inaugurated a year-long journey of remembrance and conversion leading to July 2027, when the local Church will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Father Alexis Bachelot, a religious of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and the first Apostolic Prefect of the Sandwich Islands. Recalling that “God had already prepared the ground” in the hearts of a deeply religious people, the Bishop invited the faithful to view the history of evangelization as the patient work of the Holy Spirit, begun long before the visible arrival of missionaries.

Looking Back

At the beginning of the XIX century, the Kingdom of Hawaiii was undergoing profound religious and political transformation. The ancient system of taboos , which had long structured social, political, and religious life, was abolished by the rulers in 1819, one year before the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries. The Hawaiian people remained deeply religious, endowed with a cosmology and stories that shaped their worldview, but their traditional references had been shaken by this decision and by increasing contact with the ‘outside’ world through Western traders and sailors. It was in this context of profound cultural transformation that Christianity first took root.
In 1820, American Protestant missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions landed on Oʻahu shortly after the abolition of the kapu system. They established schools, trained catechists, translated the Scriptures, and accompanied the gradual conversion of the monarchy and the ruling elite, often working alongside Polynesian Christians who had already embraced the Gospel elsewhere on other Pacific islands. In an article in Christianity Today, "Tahitians First Came to Hawaiʻi in Power. They Later Returned with the Gospel."

Christopher Cook, scholar of Hawaii's missionary and monarchical era and author of a biography of Opus kahaia‑Henry Obookiah, the first baptized indigenous Hawaiian Christian, emphasizes that this dynamic was not solely the work of Anglo-Saxon missionaries: Tahitian couples, who were already Christians, also played a decisive role in introducing a Hawaiian queen to the Christian faith, a conversion that would profoundly influence the history of Christianity in the islands.

Against this backdrop, already transformed by the arrival of Protestant missionaries, a new era began in 1827 with the arrival of Catholicism in the archipelago.
That year, the French priest Alexis Jean-Augustin Bachelot, entrusted by Pope Leo XII with the mission of evangelizing the Hawaiian archipelago, arrived in Honolulu. Inspired by the missionary tradition of his community, he came to establish a lasting Catholic presence and to serve the local people.
Together with several confreres, Alexis Bachelot celebrated the first Masses in Hawaii and began building a small Christian community centered on the sacraments, catechesis, and prayer. He also produced several works in the Hawaiian language—including a grammar, catechisms, and a prayer book—demonstrating his deep appreciation for the local culture. Although difficulties forced him to leave the islands in 1831, he laid the foundations of the Sacred Hearts mission and of what would later become the Apostolic Vicariate, leaving a lasting legacy in the memory of the local Church.

Seeds of Prosopis and the seed of the Gospel

Like a parable from the Gospel, the missionary also helped transform the landscape of the islands. He had brought with him seeds of Prosopis, an evergreen tree common in South America, obtained from the Jardin du Roi in Paris, today's Jardin des Plantes, the fruit of the vast botanical collection networks of the 19th century.
Alexis Jean-Augustin Bachelot planted the seeds in Honolulu, and the species eventually spread widely throughout the archipelago.

Developing the metaphor of the seed, Bishop Larry Silva recalled that Father Bachelot wished to sow them “in this new mission field so that, just as the tree would take root and spread throughout the islands, so too would the Catholic faith.”
Today, Prosopis trees are found across much of the Diocese of Honolulu, which now comprises 66 parishes and 23 churches serving Catholics on the six inhabited islands of the archipelago.
The Bishop also placed the bicentenary within the broader horizon of the universal Church, which is preparing to celebrate in 2033 the 2000th anniversary of the most pivotal event in the history of the world: the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Bible, he commented, God Himself prepared for that event “by choosing the people of Israel to be his special messengers, sending prophets and working mighty deeds to move the hearts of his beloved people back to his love.” For this reason, missionary life is always rooted in prayer, the search for God's will, without which human effort risks remaining fruitless.

In light of this history of salvation, Bishop Silva invited Hawaii's Catholics to celebrate the bicentenary as a renewed call to mission.
“How is the way we live our faith today going to assure that it will continue to flourish and grow throughout these islands and throughout the world? How will the seed of the word of God be planted in hearts that do not know Jesus Christ unless we are the ones who plant that seed?” He urged the community not to focus first on structures or programs, but to keep their eyes fixed on Christ and to follow in the footsteps of the missionaries who came before them, offering—today and in the future—“fertile soil in which the Word of the living God, Jesus Christ our Lord, can take root and flourish.”

Bishop Larry Silva has led the Diocese of Hawaii for the past twenty years. On May 6, Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation and appointed Jesuit Michael T. Castori as the new Bishop of Honolulu. His episcopal ordination and installation as the sixth Bishop of Honolulu will take place on Tuesday, July 28, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus.

In Beijing, thirty-six Superiors General of Chinese women’s religious congregations attend annual formation course at the National Seminary

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:50:31 +0200

by Marta Zhao

Beijing – “Be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Be like a ‘city set on a mountain’.” With these words of gratitude, Bishop Joseph Li Shan addressed the 36 Superiors General who took part in the third 2026 Formation Course, held from July 6 to 11 at the National Seminary in Beijing.
The participants came from 31 dioceses across 19 provinces of mainland China. During the formation sessions, they shared insights dedicated, among other things, to the Rules of the various religious institutes, figures of guidance and leadership in Sacred Scripture, and issues relating to bioethics
During his visit to the course on Wednesday, July 8, Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing reflected on “the mission and witness of women religious in today’s society.” He encouraged the sisters “to courageously embrace their responsibilities and to live out their charism through service to others and the promotion of the common good.”
Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, the Bishop urged them to become “builders of a harmonious society, being today the salt of the earth and the light of the world,” a ‘city set on a mountain’.”
Chinese bishops have consistently expressed high regard for the work of women religious and for their contribution to the pastoral and missionary life of local Churches, both in rural areas and in large cities. The majority of female religious congregations are of diocesan right and are directly accountable to the bishop of the diocese in which they were founded and carry out their apostolate.
The National Seminary of Philosophy and Theology in Beijing regularly hosts ongoing formation sessions for Chinese women religious, not only for Superiors General but also for sisters engaged in the front lines of mission. These courses combine solid theological formation with practical aspects of evangelization.
From February 25 to April 12, the seminary also hosted this year’s first annual short-term formation course for women religious. Thirty-two sisters from 23 religious congregations representing 19 dioceses participated in sessions dedicated to the theme “The Bible and Spirituality.”
The program was designed to strengthen the sisters’ biblical formation and deepen their spiritual life. It also included thematic seminars on canon law, missionary spirituality, moral theology, and other disciplines.
Participants are encouraged to share what they have learned with the other sisters in their respective congregations and dioceses, thereby contributing to the apostolic work of the Church in China.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Two new priests ordained in Mueda district: signs of hope for the Diocese of Pemba

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:05:12 +0200

Pemba – Cabo Delgado Province, in northern Mozambique, continues to endure attacks by the Islamic State of Mozambique , locally known as al-Shabaab, whose insurgency began in 2017. The conflict has displaced more than one million people and has been marked by recurring outbreaks of violence, humanitarian needs, and international involvement.
Since 2017, more than 117 churches and chapels have been destroyed in the Diocese, 23 of which in 2025 alone. At the beginning of July, Bishop António Juliasse Sandramo of Pemba appealed to the priests of the diocese for renewed commitment to prayer and offer encouragement. Although the region remains unstable, signs of hope continue to emerge.

One such sign came in the district of Mueda, within the Diocese of Pemba, where the local Church celebrated the priestly ordination of Jaimito Samuel China and Cosme Hilário Makabwa, an event of profound ecclesial significance that took place nearly twenty years after the last priestly ordination celebrated in the area.

According to a report from the local broadcaster Radio Sem Fronteira, sent to Fides, the solemn celebration was presided over by Bishop Juliasse Sandramo and brought together priests, women religious, civil authorities, and large numbers of faithful from across the diocese.
In his homily, the Bishop encouraged the two newly ordained priests to live their ministry with humility, a spirit of service, and closeness to the People of God, allowing themselves to be guided by the Gospel and by the example of Christian fraternity.

The celebration was marked by an atmosphere of deep joy and emotion. Family members, fellow priests, religious, and civil authorities expressed their congratulations to the two new priests, assuring them of their prayers and the support of the Christian community as they begin their pastoral ministry.
At the conclusion of the liturgy, the first pastoral assignments of the two priests were announced. Fr. Jaimito Samuel China will serve at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pemba, while Fr. Cosme Hilário Makabwa has been appointed to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Mueda.

ASIA/INDIA - Salesian Sisters face intimidation in West Bengal; Catholic Community calls for protection

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:49:10 +0200

Barasat – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India , has expressed its "deep concern" over the intimidation suffered by the Salesian Sisters in Barasat, a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. In a statement sent to Fides, the Conference called on the civil authorities to ensure the safety of the religious sisters, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the constitutional rights of all religious communities.
Father Stephen Alathara, spokesperson for the CCBI, urged everyone "to reject violence and to resolve any disputes exclusively through legal channels and democratic processes."
According to the sisters, on July 12 a group of around 60 people broke into the congregation's property and demanded the immediate demolition of a memorial chapel and a cemetery currently under construction, threatening violence if their demands were not met. The FMA stated that the cemetery, intended for the burial of members of the congregation, had received all the necessary required permits from the competent authorities before construction began, under the previous state administration. Following the recent change of government, now led by the Bharatiya Janata Party —the nationalist party that also governs India at the federal level under Prime Minister Narendra Modi—the project is being contested.

In a statement issued after the incident and sent to Fides, the All India Catholic Union , an association of Indian lay Catholics, condemned the attack, claiming that "the sisters were intimidated and verbally insulted." According to the AICU, some members of the group told the sisters: "Your government no longer exists; now it is our government." The Catholic association explains that the remark is referred to the BJP's recent electoral victory in West Bengal, adding that such statements "represent an attempt to replace legal procedures with intimidation."
The AICU linked the incident to a broader pattern of harassment and violence against Christian institutions in West Bengal and called for full respect for the constitutional rights of religious minorities, including "the right to profess their faith and to administer their institutions and properties." It therefore urged the state government to ensure protection for the Salesian Sisters and their works, safeguard the chapel and cemetery, which had already received all the required legal authorizations, and prosecute those responsible for the threats.

The incident comes amid growing concern within the Catholic Church in India over repeated episodes of violence and intimidation targeting Christians in several states across the country, an issue that Church leaders have been discussing with civil authorities.
In recent days, a delegation of five bishops led by Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the Bishops' Conference of India , met in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the meeting, the bishops voiced their concern over incidents of intimidation and violence against Christians and Church institutions, often accompanied, they said, by allegations of forced conversions.
According to CBCI spokesperson Father Robinson Rodrigues, Minister Shah assured the delegation that he would personally intervene in cases where police authorities fail to register complaints filed by Christians. The Minister also urged victims to report incidents in which law enforcement refuses to initiate proceedings directly to his ministry, pledging that justice would be ensured.
The meeting also addressed recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act . On this issue, the minister reportedly assured the bishops that the new provisions would not be used against Christian communities and would not be applied retroactively to Church institutions established with foreign funding.
Christians make up approximately 2.3 percent of India's population of more than 1.4 billion people.

Missionary formation: Second online session for the English-speaking world on Pope Leo XIV’s Message for World Mission Day 2026

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:18:37 +0200

Vatican City – “One in Christ: A Spiritual and missionary journey” is the theme of the second session of the online missionary formation series for the English-speaking world, taking place today, Tuesday, July 14.

The four-part program is dedicated to Pope Leo XIV’s Message for World Mission Day 2026.
The initiative is promoted by the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union , together with several National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies .
The formation program began on June 9 with an introductory presentation by the PMU’s Secretary General, Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, OFMConv., who placed Pope Leo XIV’s message within the broader context of mission today.
“To understand the missionary spirit of the 2026 Message, it is essential to begin with Pope Leo XIV’s personal journey. Unlike other Pontiffs, whose experience was primarily academic or centered on service within the Roman Curia, Leo XIV was profoundly shaped by many years of mission ad gentes. This was not a secondary aspect of his life, but a defining dimension of his ecclesial identity,” Father Nguyen said.
During the opening session, Father Nguyen was joined by Father Bonaventure Luchidio, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya. Reflecting on the Pope’s message, Father Luchidio stressed that “Pope Leo XIV’s address to the National Directors, together with his Message for World Mission Day, is fundamentally a call to missionary renewal. The Holy Father invites the Pontifical Mission Societies to rediscover their original vocation: to form a missionary Church.”
“For Africa,” he continued, “this means fostering a culture in which every baptized person understands that he or she is sent by Christ. It means moving beyond occasional missionary celebrations toward ongoing missionary formation. It means forming priests, religious, catechists, families, young people and children who are one in Christ and united in mission.”

Joining Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen in today’s session is Father Lawrence Iwuamadi, a priest of the Diocese of Owerri, Nigeria, and Dean and Professor of Ecumenical Biblical Hermeneutics at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute in Switzerland.
The online meeting is open to all and will run from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. . The same schedule will apply to the third session, set for August 11, on the theme “United in Mission: How can we live and promote the Pope’s Teaching?”

The fourth and final session of the English-language series will take place on September 22, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. , in order to facilitate participation from the American continent. It will include the participation of Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization , who will deliver a lecture on the missionary spirituality of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.

AMERICA/PERU - “In persona Christi Capitis”: Latin American Churches reflect on priestly identity in the face of new pastoral emergencies

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:54:17 +0200

by Laura Gómez Ruiz

Lima – From July 13 to 17, the National Meeting of Priests “In persona Christi Capitis” is being held in Peru. This initiative brings together priests from the country’s 46 ecclesiastical circumscriptions under the theme “Identity, spirituality, and mission of the priest as the sacramental presence of Christ the Bridegroom, Head, and Shepherd.”
The meeting aims to strengthen priestly fraternity and deepen the understanding of the ordained ministry in a context marked by an emergency faced by many Churches in Latin America: the decline in vocations and the need to prepare pastors capable of responding to new pastoral realities.

The Peruvian initiative reflects a concern shared by several Churches on the continent: how to accompany the lives of priests and promote integral formation that enables them to adequately address current social and ecclesial changes.
The challenge is not limited to the number of available ministers, but rather to the formation of priests with solid human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral maturity, capable of listening, discerning, and walking alongside the people of God.

This same concern has recently been expressed by the Church in Colombia. During the 121st Plenary Assembly of the Episcopal Conference, the bishops reflected on priestly formation in a context of declining vocations, emphasizing the need to prepare priests with a profound spiritual life and a renewed capacity for pastoral accompaniment . During the Assembly's closing Eucharist, Bishop Germán Medina Acosta, Secretary General of the Colombian Episcopal Conference, emphasized the need to “form priests with a shepherd's heart, men of prayer and discernment, prudent, simple, and free, capable of walking with the people of God and proclaiming the Gospel with joy and hope.” The Bishop added that “only a Church that allows itself to be converted can form ministers capable of accompanying the conversion of the people of God” and reminded those present that “we cannot renew the seminaries if we do not first renew our way of being pastors.”

The Church in Paraguay is also reflecting on this same need. During their 248th Ordinary General Assembly, the bishops analyzed the ecclesial reality of the country and defined lines of action for the coming years.

Although from different realities, the Latin American Churches agree on the need to strengthen priestly identity and prepare pastors to accompany communities in the current context. The "In Persona Christi Capitis" meeting in Peru is part of this process, a shared journey to nurture priestly vocations and strengthen their mission in service to the people of God.
In a letter sent on November 4, 2025, to the "San Carlos y San Marcelo" Major Seminary in Trujillo, Peru, on the occasion of its 400th anniversary—an institution where he himself served as a professor and director of studies—Pope Leo XIV recalled that the priesthood "is not an escape from what one does not want to face, nor a refuge from emotional, family, or social difficulties; nor is it a promotion or a protection, but rather a total gift of one's existence." The Pontiff further emphasized that priestly formation is above all a path of conformity to Christ, in which "rectitude of intention means being able to say each day, with simplicity and truth: 'Lord, I want to be your priest, not for myself, but for your people.'"

AMERICA/VENEZUELA - The Salesian Sisters: "The emergency continues. The work is far from over"

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:43:58 +0200

Caracas – The official, still preliminary, death toll from the two devastating earthquakes of June 24 in Venezuela has risen to almost 4,500. Around 17,000 people were injured, and over 19,500 remain in emergency shelters. The number of missing is still unclear. Search and rescue operations, medical care, and the distribution of humanitarian aid continue unabated thanks to the support of numerous countries. At the same time, infrastructure recovery and reconstruction efforts are progressing, particularly in the La Guaira region, which is among the hardest-hit areas.

The Salesian Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are also on the front lines, working to assist homeless families. “We have distributed lovingly prepared meals and, above all, been close to the people, listened to their concerns, and stood by them in their most difficult moments,” Provincial Superior Sister Maria Eugenia Ramos Rangel told Fides.

The nuns are also active in El Junquito, where the earthquake caused significant property damage but did not result in a high number of fatalities. At the two emergency shelters there, pajamas were distributed to children and hygiene products and diapers to mothers. Aid programs have also been launched in downtown Caracas, where many families continue to live in tents after their homes were declared uninhabitable.

"We are pleased that several families have already been moved into emergency shelters, but the work is far from over," emphasized Sister Eugenia. "Many people had to leave their homes without any guarantee of new accommodation. They are still waiting for concrete answers and a safe home."

ASIA/BANGLADESH - Bishop Tudu: "The future of the Church lies in the tribal peoples. In Dinajpur, over a thousand new baptisms are celebrated every year"

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:38:44 +0200

by Paolo Affatato

Dinajpur – “The hope of the Church in Bangladesh lies in the tribal peoples. Therein lies the future of the Church,” Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur emphasized in an interview with Fides about the development in the diocese in northwestern Bangladesh, where the Catholic community is steadily growing thanks to the proclamation of the Gospel among the indigenous populations, especially the Santal and Orao.

Founded in 1927, the Diocese of Dinajpur has around 100,000 Catholics, approximately 0.6% of the total population, in a country of about 18 million inhabitants. It is divided into more than 30 parishes and has numerous mission stations in the villages of the indigenous population. Priests, men and women religious, and catechists are active there in evangelization, education, and human promotion. The vast majority of Catholics belong to tribal ethnic groups, particularly the Santal and Orao, communities from which many families who choose the Catholic faith still originate.

“Numerous tribal communities live together in the Dinajpur area. It is one of the dioceses where the Catholic presence is particularly strong, especially among these groups,” the bishop told Fides. “Among the Santal and Orao, we see great potential for evangelization. The Church in Dinajpur is growing and expanding year by year.”
He explains that this development stems from the initiative of the communities themselves: “Our approach to evangelization primarily involves bringing initial evangelization and a first witness of faith to remote areas. We send catechists, priests, and nuns to villages where there are no Christians yet. Very often, the residents themselves invite us. They want to learn more about the Christian faith and express a desire to hear the Gospel.”

From this initial encounter begins a catechumenate that requires time and preparation: “Priests and catechists visit the village regularly, and some residents officially become ‘catechumens.’ After about a year, they can receive baptism; sometimes it takes longer, because we want them to be well-prepared. They learn about the liturgy and the prayers and gain a deeper understanding of Christian life. In this way, we prepare for the establishment of a Christian community in a village.”

It's not about individual conversions: “Sometimes we baptize ten, fifteen, or twenty families at once. Sometimes an entire village embraces the Gospel,” the bishop notes. “The Catholic community continues to grow steadily, thank God.” This growth is also reflected in the pastoral organization of the diocese: “We open a new parish almost every year,” says Bishop Tudu. “Every year we have more than a thousand new baptisms. The communities are there, they are ready. But to establish a new parish, we have to prepare everything necessary: the church, the rectory, the premises. Sometimes economic difficulties slow down this process. But the people are there. That is a great sign of hope for us.”

According to Bishop Tudu, the missionary dynamism of the Bangladeshi Church today is clearly linked to the indigenous peoples: “The Church in Bangladesh can grow particularly among the tribal peoples. The majority of Catholics in our country, which is predominantly Muslim, belong to these communities. That is why we say that the hope and the future of the Church lie precisely with the tribal peoples.”
In Bangladesh, there is no law that prohibits Muslims from converting to Christianity, and the Constitution formally guarantees freedom of religion, including the right to profess, practice, and spread one's faith. On a social and familial level, however, a Muslim's conversion to Christianity can lead to intense pressure, and a convert from Islam may experience isolation, family breakdown, discrimination, job loss, or even threats and attacks by extremist groups. To maintain interreligious peace in this context, the Catholic Church's preaching and proclamation are primarily directed toward the indigenous non-Muslim population.

Bishop Tudu also explains the reasons for these people's openness to Christianity: "Certainly, there are cultural factors that make it easier for them to encounter our faith, but that is not the main reason. When they receive an education, when they learn to think and judge, they rediscover their dignity. The Church promotes education, and for that they are deeply grateful." "But what really attracts them," he continues, "is the Gospel. Jesus' words, such as 'Blessed are the poor,' speak directly to their hearts. In the Gospel, they find a word of life. These people still practice traditional religions and forms of animism and they discover in the Word of God a guide for their lives. For them, it is a great gift and a firm point of reference, a sure guide.”
Bishop Tudu himself comes from the Santal people. “I am a Santal. My father was already baptized, and I inherited the faith from my family. Today I see so many members of our people embracing Christianity, and that fills me with joy.”

The growth of the Church is also reflected in the increase in vocations: “Among the tribal populations, there are many vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The enthusiasm is great because these communities have only recently discovered the faith. We see God at work in them. It is a great gift for us.”

The bishop also emphasizes the climate of peaceful coexistence that characterizes the villages of the diocese: “We have no problems with either the Muslims or the non-converted members of indigenous groups. They all live together peacefully. Among the indigenous groups, some still practice animism, others are Christians, but they participate together in social and cultural activities, weddings, celebrations, and village festivals. They are simple, peaceful, and happy people.”

Many of these families live in rural areas on the edge of the forest and are primarily engaged in agriculture. “The level of education,” he notes, “is still low. Therefore, supporting schools and guiding children and young people in their education is an essential part of the Church’s mission. The families greatly appreciate this service.”

Bishop Tudu recalls the history of the diocese and expresses deep gratitude to the missionaries who laid the foundations of the local Church. “We have received an immeasurable gift from missionaries, such as those of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions . Many are now elderly or have already passed away. We are deeply grateful to them. They not only founded our Church but also contributed to the human, social, and educational development of our communities.”

Bishop Tudu looks to the future with confidence: “I am very hopeful. We hope that the universal Church will continue to support our small community. We still need this support because the mission continues, and the Lord continues to call new people to faith.”

ASIA/CHINA - “Running for the Lord”: second edition of the “Synodal Half Marathon” of the Archdiocese of Beijing

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:23:45 +0200

Beijing – “Running for the Lord” on the path of proclaiming the Gospel and bearing witness to the faith. This is the motto of the second edition of the “Synodal Half Marathon,” entitled “Pegasus,” organized by the Archdiocese of Beijing and held on Friday, July 10, in the area surrounding the Diocesan Philosophical-Theological Seminary, after the priests concluded their annual spiritual retreat.
According to the websites of the diocese and the Seminary, some thirty diocesan priests participated in this initiative promoted by Bishop Joseph Li Shan and organized by his Coadjutor Bishop, Matthew Zhen Xuebin .
The stated objective of the initiative is to strengthen priestly communion and fraternity through sports, giving new impetus to pastoral service and missionary work.
The physical and spiritual well-being, as well as the integral growth of priests, are central to the diocese's concern.

From July 7 to 10, the annual spiritual exercises for priests were held at the Seminary, led by Bishop Li Shan himself. During the meditations, the bishop of Beijing exhorted the priests to remain faithful to their priestly vocation, persevering in missionary and evangelizing work. Several diocesan priests and seminary formators led the spiritual meditations, which focused on the reading of Sacred Scripture and aimed at renewing apostolic zeal and gratitude for the priestly vocation received as a gift.
Within the framework of the enriching experience shared during the priestly spiritual exercises, the invitation to "participate according to one's own abilities" in the half marathon, recognizing the importance of maintaining one's physical condition and placing emphasis on sharing and participation rather than competition.
The participants faced the challenge with commitment: the best recorded time was one hour, 42 minutes, and 30 seconds. Before the start, all runners participated in a moment of prayer and a warm-up. Aid stations and medical assistance posts were set up along the route to ensure the safe and orderly running of the competition, taking into account Beijing's weather conditions, characterized by intense heat at this time of year. The awards ceremony took place at the end of the race.

Seminaries in Africa, Father Guy Bognon (POSPA): Bishops must be directly involved in the formation of seminarians

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:15:30 +0200

Libreville – While Africa, along with Asia, remains one of only two continents where the number of priests continues to rise, and the only continent where the number of seminarians in major seminaries is also increasing, the quality of priestly formation remains a central concern for the Pontifical Mission Society of St Peter the Apostle .
According to data published by Fides in October 2025, while the worldwide number of priests fell to 406,996 , Africa recorded a significant increase and an increase in the number of seminarians , while all other continents registered declines.

"From 15 to 20 June we travelled to Gabon, especially to Libreville, to conduct a formation session for seminary formators," Father Guy Bognon, General Secretary of POSPA, a biblical scholar and former rector of seminaries in Benin, told Fides. The initiative brought together around twenty priests from all the seminaries in the country, along with parish priests and seminary formators who served as external formators.

Following the opening Mass, participants were invited to take part in a spiritual retreat centred on the Word of God and the meaning of consecration. "We began in this way to understand that seminary formation is not merely an intellectual matter; it is above all a matter of the heart. The retreat focused on meditating on what it means to be consecrated," Father Bognon explained. The aim was to contemplate "how Jesus, himself consecrated, lived this reality throughout his life, and then relate it to us who are consecrated today, taking into account the challenges we face and the practical means available to accomplish our mission."

Ongoing formation to become ever more like Christ

The following days were devoted to lectures and discussions. "We began with a reflection entitled 'The urgency and necessity of ongoing formation'," Fr Bognon continued. "Many wonder what they still have to learn, but we must understand that learning never ends. all of life is a learning process. Continuous conversion is necessary if we are to become ever more like Christ and constantly renew ourselves, especially as seminary formators, by deepening both our knowledge and our interior life."

The responsibilities of formators, the stages of seminary formation, and its spiritual, human, intellectual and pastoral dimensions were examined in detail, also in light of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, the official document of the Holy See, published in 2016 entitled The Gift of the Priestly Vocation, which establishes the norms and guidelines for formation of future priests in the universal Church.

"Particular attention was paid to the spiritual accompaniment of seminarians," Father Bognon noted. "This cannot be improvised: there are rules and knowledge that are acquired not only through academic study but also through experience. One may hold academic qualifications and be an excellent teacher, yet still lack what is needed to become a good formator."

The session also addressed "the delicate aspects of affectivity, which is essential in forming balanced individuals," the ability to "give an account of one's faith," and the pastoral purpose of every aspect of formation. Fraternal life was another key feature of these days. "These days were not limited to lectures: there was daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and moments of fraternal exchange,” explained the Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle. "We wanted to live as brothers so as to understand from within what formation really means."

The ‘number’ of vocations alone is not enough

The mission also provided an opportunity to meet several Church leaders in Gabon, including the Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, Msgr Grzegorz Piotr Bielaszka; the President of the Episcopal Conference, Bishop Jean-Vincent Ondo Eyene of Oyem; the Archbishop of Libreville, Msgr Jean-Patrick Iba-Ba; the Bishop of Franceville, Msgr Ephrem Ndjoni; and the recently appointed Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Relwendé Kisito Ouédraogo. Father Bognon stressed that "many aspects of formation require the direct involvement of bishops. Formators act in their name and cannot do anything without their support."

For Father Serge-Patrick Mabickassa, coordinator of the Episcopal Commission for Communication, Culture and Tourism and a formator at the National Major Seminary of St Augustine in Libreville, the session addressed very concrete needs.
Among these, he highlighted the need for "an intellectual formation that gives greater prominence to African theology," capable of shedding light on "the crises of faith arising from the relationship between the Christian faith, traditional religion and Gabonese culture"; the learning of Lectio Divina "to build a deeper relationship with God"; and "the call to cultivate charity towards the poorest and towards all Christians," in a context where "the laity too often reproach us for lacking closeness and attention to vulnerable people." "This formation session responded to those needs by providing us with the tools future priests require for a good formation, especially familiarity with the Word of God and the reading of the Church Fathers in addressing questions of faith, as well as the reminder that the priest must listen to his people,” he affirmed to Fides.

The session, he says "helps us rethink our pedagogical methods and our approach to spiritual accompaniment because it offered us an update on traditional methods." With the implementation of the Ratio, "we have discovered that the seminarian now stands at the centre of his own formation. He is responsible for his formation. Every seminarian is also, in a certain sense, his own formator and a formator of his fellow seminarians."

On the intellectual level, the formator observes that "with the advent of artificial intelligence and the internet," intellectual work risks being weakened if technological tools replace reflection. He therefore called for "ethical formation in the use of artificial intelligence, so that future priests do not become dependent on it when preparing homilies and catechesis," as well as "a revision of the methods used in presenting academic work, in order to foster a deeper exercise of the intelligence of faith."
In this context, POSPA is preparing similar initiatives "in several countries — soon in Tanzania, then in Malawi and Burkina Faso — because the formation of formators lies at the very heart of our mission," Father Bognon emphasized.

"It is essential that Episcopal Conferences take this issue seriously. The number of vocations alone is not enough; quality is equally important. Priestly formation does not simply mean rejoicing in having full seminaries. The quality of priestly formation depends directly on the quality of those entrusted with forming future priests, and this in turn requires ongoing formation. Priesthood does not end with ordination; it is a lifelong journey."

At the conclusion of the experience in Gabon, participants shared a common conviction: "Today, in the face of the challenges confronting the world, it is essential to have well-formed priests capable of providing authentic leadership," Father Bognon concluded. "The ‘quality’ of a priest depends first and foremost on his interior life and on his relationship with God, because it is from that relationship that he receives what he is called to pass on."

Growing social alarm across Africa over the damage caused by illegal mining

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:56:35 +0200

by Cosimo Graziani

Monrovia – Liberia has announced the establishment of a task force to combat illegal mining. The new body, called the Protect Our Resources Taskforce , has been created to strengthen inspections, improve enforcement of mining regulations and enhance government oversight of the
phenomenon. According to the Liberian newspaper The New Dawn, the initiative was launched in the presence of Minister of Mines and Energy Matenokay Tingban, who described it as "a strategic shift toward intelligence-led enforcement, stronger coordination and more responsible management of mineral resources.”
The task force will monitor mining operations across the country, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, royalty payments, environmental standards, labor regulations and other legal provisions. One of the government's objectives is to promote a more regulated mining sector by reducing illegal mining and illicit trafficking, particularly of gold, in order to improve working conditions, limit environmental damage and increase government revenues. As Tingban explained at the press conference, Liberia's mineral resources are among its national assets and must therefore contribute to economic transformation, financial stability, environmental sustainability, and national prosperity.
The Liberian government's decision to establish a task force for the mining sector should come as no surprise. The rapid expansion of mining activities, especially illegal operations, has become one of the major socio-economic challenges facing several African countries.
West Africa, from Senegal to Nigeria, as well as the Congo Basin, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo , are the hardest hit. But illegal mines, primarily gold mines, also exist in South Africa and Uganda. In recent days, illegal mines have been shut down in both countries. The closures in South Africa led to the arrest of over two hundred people, mostly undocumented immigrants. Illegal mining harms African societies in many ways, most notably the environment. Gold mining involves the use of pollutants such as mercury, which is discharged into rivers and water basins. The environmental impact is compounded by equally devastating social consequences. In the Ugandan mine closed in recent days, located in the Kanungu district, a full-scale gold rush had developed over recent weeks. The rush prompted most residents to abandon the village of Kanoni and move into makeshift settlements surrounding the mine.
The abandonment of the village resulted in a local food crisis, as farmers abandoned their fields to work in the mines. Entire families left the village, including underage children, who had to drop out of school to support their families. To resolve this situation in Uganda, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, had to intervene and shut down the mine upon her arrival on site.
The problem not only causes internal social difficulties but is also closely linked to international dynamics and conflicts. Illegal mining is fueled by the raw material hunger of regional and global geopolitical powers. It is linked to widespread corruption and represents another facet of neocolonialism.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo , mining activities are intertwined with the instability caused by the presence of rebel groups such as the M23. Since the movement seized control of Goma in early 2025, the government in Kinshasa has lost control of the local mines, which are now operated by the rebel group. The group has also extended its control to gold smuggling. Furthermore, the DRC not only mines gold but also precious metals for technological innovation. These are at the heart of a smuggling trade coveted by rebel groups, often linked to close alliances with groups and organizations in neighboring countries. Thus, the trade in gold and precious metals also becomes a battleground for economic conflicts, which in turn are intertwined with regional and global conflicts.

AFRICA/TANZANIA - Appointment of Auxiliary Bishop of Dar-es-Salaam

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:40:29 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father, Leo XIV, has appointed the Most Reverend Vincent Lawrence Mpwaji, of the clergy of the same archdiocese, currently Diocesan Chancellor, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam, assigning him the titular see of Tacarata in Numidia.

Vincent Lawrence Mpwaji was born on June 5, 1978, in Morogoro, Tanzania. He studied philosophy at St. Anthony of Padua in Bukoba and theology at St. Charles Lwanga in Dar-es-Salaam. He was ordained a priest on July 7, 2008.

He has held the following positions and completed further studies: Diocesan Secretary, Secretary for Education, and Notary of the Archdiocesan Tribunal ; Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome ; member of the Archdiocesan Projects Committee ; since 2021, Chancellor of the Archdiocese and Deputy Parish Priest of St. Joseph Cathedral in Dar-es-Salaam.

ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Father Sebastiano D'Ambra: "Dialogue comes from God and leads to God. It has been the guiding thread of my entire missionary life"

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:35:53 +0200

Zamboanga – “It is not easy to take stock of 60 years of missionary life. I can only say what is in my heart, what the Lord has allowed me to experience. I can say what the commitment and the path of Islamic-Christian dialogue have been and are for me: It means growing together in spirit, walking together the path that leads to God,” said Father Sebastiano D’Ambra, an 84-year-old missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions , a few weeks after the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination, which he celebrated on June 25, 2026. In an interview with Fides, he reflected on fifty years of missionary work in the southern Philippines, describing his journey, which made him one of the most important witnesses of dialogue between Christians and Muslims on the island of Mindanao, where he still lives in the city of Zamboanga.

Born in Aci Trezza, Sicily, he studied at the seminary in Acireale and chose the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions . He was ordained a priest in 1966 and initially worked in missionary animation. But even then, he recalls, he and his fellow confreres, Father Salvatore Carzedda and Father Antimo Villano, harbored a dream: “It was the early 1970s, and we wanted to embark on what were then, in the climate of the Second Vatican Council, called the ‘new paths of mission.’ We didn’t want to limit ourselves to just talking about mission: we wanted to live it, to bear concrete witness.”
This dream took shape in 1977 when PIME sent them to the Philippines and entrusted them with a special area of mission: interreligious dialogue. Father D'Ambra was transferred to Siocon on the island of Mindanao in the southern archipelago. It was a time marked by the martial law of Ferdinand Marcos' regime, armed conflict, and the presence of Muslim rebel groups: “When we arrived, there was violence. I tried to understand God's signs in this situation,” he told Fides. For this reason, he decided to take a pioneering step and live alone in a Muslim village. This experience would forever change his understanding of mission: “There, the Lord helped me understand what has become the central message of my entire missionary life: Dialogue comes from God and leads to God.”

From this spiritual intuition arose the “Silsilah” movement, an Arabic word for “chain.” A chain that, as the missionary explains, doesn't simply symbolize the connection between people of different religions: “Generally, dialogue with Muslims is understood as collaboration in certain areas. For us, it is something much deeper: a spiritual chain that unites Christians and Muslims with God. From this relationship grows the fraternity among us.”
However, the movement's path was not without difficulties, obstacles, and trials. In 1981, one of his Filipino colloborators lost his life in an attack. His superiors asked him to temporarily leave Mindanao and return to Rome. “It was a time of grace,” he recalls. In the Italian capital, he attended PISAI and deepened his studies of Arabic and Islam. “I was able to consolidate my reflections on the spiritual dimension and the foundations of interreligious dialogue,” he notes.
The most difficult test, however, came in 1992 when Father Salvatore Carzedda, a member of PIME, was murdered in Zamboanga City in an attack perpetrated by Islamist extremists. “Many felt it would be better to give up and abandon this path. But after profound spiritual discernment, we chose a different word: ‘Padayon,’ which means ‘Let’s move forward.’ If this work belonged to God, He Himself would sustain it.”
This decision marked a turning point. The Silsilah movement continued to grow and gave rise to new initiatives, such as Harmony Village, a place of formation, encounter, and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

Over the years, Father D’Ambra was also appointed National Secretary for Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Philippine Bishops’ Conference and helped to disseminate the insights gained during the Silsilah experience throughout the country. From this movement also emerged a specifically Catholic community, the Emmaus Dialogue Movement, which is recognized by the Philippine bishops and brings together consecrated persons, lay people, and families who feel called to live dialogue as an authentic Christian vocation.
The latest milestone in this long journey is the Emmaus College of Theology, inaugurated five years ago. The college offers a four-year theology program with a specialization in interreligious dialogue, and students from different backgrounds earn a state-recognized academic. “The goal is to continue training missionaries of dialogue. It’s not just about learning how to live together, but about putting a spirituality of dialogue into practice,” he explained to Fides.
Today, the Muslim communities participating in the “Silsilah” movement are primarily located in the poorest neighborhoods of Zamboanga, and the mission has also spread to Basilan Island. Many religious and lay people who become acquainted with and regularly visit “Silsilah” carry this spirit to the dioceses of the Philippines and to other parts of the world.

In his reflection on 60 years of priesthood and 50 years of missionary work in the Philippines, Father D'Ambra focuses not on the results achieved, but on God's faithfulness: “I thank the Lord, for he has always guided me. I have learned that in everything we do, we are guided by him. Everything we are and do is a sign of hope for the Gospel, a work of proclaiming his love.”
He humbly notes that the work done over these decades “has contributed to establishing a spiritual focus on dialogue in the Philippines, a path that comes from God and leads to God," he says, recalling the four interconnected dimensions of the "spirituality of dialogue" cultivated within Silsilah: dialogue with God, dialogue with oneself, dialogue with one's neighbor, and dialogue with creation, but above all, he wants to clarify one key point: “A bishop once told me: In Mindanao, dialogue is necessary because there are Christians and Muslims; in my diocese, however, it is not necessary because we have no Muslims. I believe that is the wrong approach. Dialogue is not a strategy, not an instrument for shaping relationships with other religions. It means growing together in spirit, walking together on the path that leads to God. From this arise fraternity and peaceful coexistence.”
This, he says, is the legacy he wants to pass on to future generations as others prepare to lead the movement. “I place this entire work in God’s hands, for it is His plan. Years ago, I wrote a book entitled ‘A Call to a Dream,’ the dream of peaceful coexistence; and we published the collection ‘Dreaming Together.’ I hope that, with God’s grace, we can continue to dream together.”

ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Cardinal Quevedo receives the “Harmony in Diversity Award” for a life dedicated to peacebuilding in Mindanao

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:33:00 +0200

Cotabato – Recognizing his commitment to dialogue, his mediation work in relations between the government and rebel groups, his contribution to building harmony among different religious denominations, and to peacemaking in Mindanao: with this motivation, Cardinal Orlando B. Quevedo, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato, a diocese located on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, has been chosen to receive the “Harmony in Diversity Award” on July 15 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This award “promotes aspirations for social harmony and seeks to broaden the impact of promoting social cohesion in Southeast Asia.”
The 87-year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato was nominated for this award by the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority, a predominantly Muslim region, for his “exceptional efforts to promote social cohesion and harmony among people from different cultures in Southeast Asia.”
The jury recognized the Cardinal’s commitment “to embodying the values that form the basis of the ‘Harmony in Diversity’ Award: promoting understanding amid differences, building bridges between communities, and fostering a spirit of mutual respect and inclusion,” said Halimah Yacob, Chair of the Commission, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Singapore Parliament, and currently Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
The Harmony in Diversity Award Foundation highlighted that, according to the 2025 “Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar,” a study conducted by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the region’s average social cohesion index reaches 72.4%, reflecting a growing awareness among the people of Southeast Asian countries of the concept of “harmony in diversity,” precisely the goal of this award.
“In times of uncertainty, we must not be discouraged. We must continue to build bridges across divisions and walk side by side. The Harmony in Diversity Award is a recognition for those who have chosen to overcome fractures, promote social cohesion and harmony in Southeast Asia, and inspire new initiatives,” stated Yacob, thanking the Temasek Foundation and the 5P Global Movement , entities that promote and support the “Harmony in Diversity Award.” Cardinal Orlando Quevedo served as rector of the University of Notre Dame Cotabato, Bishop of Kidapawan from 1980 to 1986, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia from 1986 to 1998, and Archbishop of Cotabato from 1998 until 2018, when Pope Francis elevated him to Cardinal. As president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines for two terms , during a period marked by armed conflict in Mindanao, he was an advocate for mediation and peace dialogue. He was one of the key figures and promoters of the comprehensive agreement on Bangsamoro between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front , signed in March 2014, as well as of the Organic Law for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , approved in July 2018 and ratified in January 2019 with the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority. According to the established schedule, BARMM will hold its first parliamentary elections—long postponed—on September 14, 2026.

VIETNAM - Vietnam’s 'gratitude' for Father Truong Buu Diep's beatification

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:22:43 +0200

by Andrew Doan Thanh Phong

Tac Say - "Thank God for bringing such great joy to Vietnamese Catholics when Father Diep was beatified right here in His homeland," said by a pilgrim from Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa, 55 years old, who had visited Tac Say many times and she expressed his emotion that this was the most special pilgrimage to her.

“This was an extremely remarkable point in the history for the Catholic Church of Vietnam as it marked the first time that the Beatification Mass has been held in the homeland of Vietnam,” shared by Mr Nguyen Ho Hai, Secretary of the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee, at the conclusion of the 2th of july Beatification Mass, presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Papal Envoy on behalf of Pope Leo XIV. He continued: “This grand Mass is not only a joy for Catholic compatriots in Vietnam but also a shared joy for the people of Ca Mau province, and an opportunity to introduce the image of the land and people of Ca Mau to friends both domestically and internationally.”

Most people who attended the Mass in person or online, as well as for those who followed the information related to the Beatification Mass for Father Francis Truong Buu Diep on July 2nd, were full of praise. As stated at the review meeting by Mr Ho Thanh Thuy, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ca Mau province in southern part of Vietnam: “The Beatification Mass for Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was held successfully, solemnly, and safely, leaving a wonderful impression of the land and people of Ca Mau.”

Other major newspapers of the Vietnamese Communist State also contributed to making this special religious event more accessible and close to the people of Vietnam through their coverage of this momentous occasion by using positive words and vivid imagery: “Long lines of people visited the tomb of Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, praying and capturing memorable moments. Many brought family photos, prayer letters, or small bouquets of flowers to place in front of the tomb as a way of expressing their reverence", or "The pilgrims sang hymns praising God and commemorating the merits of the new Blessed. All shared a common prayer for peace and a focus on the good things in life.”

All the news about the Beatification Mass of Father Francis Truong Buu Diep, along with the crowd of over 70,000 attendees regardless of religious, cultural and class differences, created a unity of many other people, and according to Bishop of Can Tho Diocese, the hosting place of the mass, Peter Nguyen Tan Loi that was a miracle, as he shared after the Mass: “Father Diep is not just for Catholics, but also a meeting point of compassion. The fact is that millions of hearts from all different faiths respectfully bowed in front of the priest is a great miracle of harmony and unity”.

The presence of government officials, representatives of other religions, and countless volunteers — both Catholic and non-Catholic— engaged in a quiet service transformed the occasion into a celebration of faith and compassion. This truly embodies the beauty of unity, especially in a world still rife with division caused by war, hatred, and selfishness, the scene at Tac Say that day stood as a living testament that people can still come together through compassion and mutual respect. Perhaps, this is also the work that Blessed Truong Buu Diep continues to carry out, to unite the people even after his passing into the presence of God.

"We hope that the spirit of compassion and selflessness from Father Diep will always illuminate the path for government leaders, so that they may always be loyal servants of the people, caring for the peace and happiness of our compatriots. For our non-Catholic brothers and sisters, we hope that Tac Say will forever be a peaceful common home, where Father Diep's boundless love will warm up the hearts of all people and will help them realise God," Bishop Peter Phan Tan Loi emphasized after the Mass concluded.

ASIA/BAHRAIN - Pastoral visits in times of war in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:08:07 +0200

by Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T.*

Awali – The year 2026 has brought many surprises. In January, we joyfully celebrated the proclamation of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait. Shortly thereafter, however, we entered a period of social and economic instability due to the war.

2026 was also the year scheduled for pastoral visits to the eleven parishes of the Vicariate. Despite the difficulties caused by the attacks and the closure of airports, we were able to carry out the program as planned. The bishop had to visit his flock, especially at a time marked by tension and fear.

A pastoral ministry adapted to circumstances

Despite the temporary closure of churches and the need to rely on online prayer, we succeeded in keeping communion alive. Every effort was made to reopen the churches and to offer comfort to those seeking consolation and peace. In this way, we remained united in the midst of difficulty and experienced our identity as a Church, in solidarity and in the spiritual life.
The bishop's visit proved especially important in encouraging the faithful, supporting them and making his paternal closeness tangible.
We gathered to pray for peace and organized special moments of encounter and fraternity. No priest requested to return to his home country, a source of great consolation for the entire community.

A time of difficulty and fear

With constant alerts, drones and missile attacks, fear spread throughout the cities. There were growing concerns about casualties and injuries. The sound of explosions at military bases and airports made everyday life particularly difficult. Children and adults experienced moments of great suffering, and the level of stress, especially among the youngest, increased significantly.
The mission of the clergy—the bishop and the priests— was above all to listen to the concerns of the faithful and remain close to them.
The pastoral visit has allowed them to reach out to the communities, address their concerns, and offer hope, encouragement and blessing.

An economy that causes suffering

The war has brought suffering and economic instability. Many people have lost their jobs or gone for months without receiving their salaries. Others have been asked to return to their countries of origin. Departures and painful farewells have become increasingly frequent.
The pastoral visits also helped strengthen solidarity and charitable outreach. Our churches became places of hope and mutual support. In carrying out her mission, the Church continues to be a home and a family—a place where everyone is welcomed.

Keeping Christ at the centre

The strength of faith has sustained us, and fraternal love has enabled us to face this time of suffering together.
These pastoral visits revealed an even deeper longing for prayer, Christian formation, unity and solidarity. They allowed me to experience firsthand the reality of our communities and to seek ways of responding to their needs.
In this context, our presence has taken on its fullest meaning: to be the presence of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

*Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

"Christianity is only just beginning": How Leo XIV's missionary vision is rooted in the Acts of the Apostles

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:34:58 +0200

by Marie-Lucile Kubacki

Rome – “Your regular book for prayer and meditation should be the Acts of the Apostles. Go there to find your inspiration. And the protagonist of that book is the Holy Spirit.” Pope Francis addressed these words to the directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies during an audience in the Apostolic Palace in 2018.
The early days of Christianity have consistently served as a point of reference whenever the Church has entered periods of profound reflection. This was especially true during the Second Vatican Council, the Council of ‘ressourcement’, the ‘return to the sources’, when bishops and theologians turned to the ancient sources – Scripture, the ancient liturgy and the Fathers of the Church in order to discern the most faithful path for the Church in the contemporary world.
As an heir to that history, Leo XIV, who has launched a new cycle of catecheses on the II Vatican, also turns his gaze to the mission as described in the Acts of the Apostles, as if it were a book of the origins: that of a Church enlivened by the Holy Spirit, shaped by the ministry of Peter, marked by the martyrdom of Stephen, and forever "coming into being."
From this vision flows his missionary approach, shaped by Pentecost, proximity to the wounded, the unarmed witness of the martyrs, and the conviction that, even today, "Christianity is only just beginning," in the words of the Russian Orthodox priest Alexander Men, who was murdered in 1990.

Pentecost: The spirit who opens doors

A month after his election, on 8 June 2025, in his homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost, Leo XIV interpreted the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles as the foundational scene in which the Holy Spirit "opens" the doors of the Upper Room while the Apostles remain locked inside out of fear. This dynamic of "opening doors" has become a defining feature of his missionary vision.
The Spirit, he explained, "opens borders, first of all, in our hearts," freeing us from our hardness of heart, our narrowness of mind, our selfishness, the fears that enchain us and the narcissism that makes us think only of ourselves. The Spirit "also opens borders in our relationship with others," enabling us to overcome fear of the other, exposing "the hidden dangers that disturb our relationships, like suspicion, prejudice or the desire to manipulate others", and bringing to maturity "the fruits that enable us to cultivate good and healthy relationships: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" .
Beyond the individual, the Spirit "also opens borders between peoples," replacing the confusion of Babel with the possibility of mutual understanding. This episode teaches that a Church is truly apostolic when it allows the Holy Spirit to break through its closures and overcome its inward-looking tendencies in order to encounter the other.
In 2026, again on the occasion of Pentecost, Pope Prevost further developed this perspective by presenting the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of peace, mission and truth. The forgiveness entrusted to the Church, he affirmed, is a divine gift offered "because it excludes no one" and that proclamation is based "not on our own merits or privileges, but on the word of the Lord, who sanctifies sinners, heals lepers, makes an apostle those who denied him."
Drawing on St Augustine , he interpreted the gift of tongues as the sign of unity within "the one faith," while explicitly denouncing "partisanship," "hypocrisy" and "fashions" that obscure the Gospel. At the same time, he stressed that God's truth is a liberating word capable of "transforming every culture from within." This vision also underpins his critique of the theory of the "just war" in the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas . In today's world of interconnected networks and algorithms capable of profoundly distorting mutual understanding, the traditional category of the "just war," he argues, has become both inadequate and dangerous.

Peter and the ministry of proximity

The missionary impulse born at Pentecost takes concrete form above all in the figure of Peter. In an address delivered in the Clementine Hall in June 2025, Leo XIV offered a personal reading of Acts 3:1-10, applying it to both the Petrine ministry and papal diplomacy.
The episode recounts the encounter between a crippled man sitting at the ‘Beautiful Gate’, reduced to begging, before being helped to his feet by Peter, who grants him healing in the name of Christ rather than offering him money.
By applying this account to the role of the Successor of Peter, in the service of a ‘resigned humanity’, represented by the sick man in the biblical text, he places at the heart of the Pope’s ministry and that of the papal representatives the ability to build bridges, to listen to the cry of today’s wounded and to heal them through the saving word of Christ.
Peter's response to the beggar—"Look at us!"— highlights the need to live out the Gospel message through relationships. The refusal to rely on "silver and gold" and the exclusive trust placed in "the name of Jesus" likewise reflects one of the defining characteristics of the primitive Christian communities described in the Acts of the Apostles, communities marked by the sharing of goods, prayer and charisms at the service of mission.
By inviting papal representatives to become "the eyes of Peter" on the world's peripheries, Leo XIV transforms papal diplomacy into a missionary program at the service of human relationships, dignity and healing, far removed from the logic of power.

Stephen, Christian martyrdom and the unarmed way

Through the figure of Stephen, Leo XIV deepens the relationship between the Acts of the Apostles and his missionary perspective by offering a reflection on the Christian meaning of martyrdom.
In his Angelus address of 26 December 2025, he recalled how the first Christians spoke of Saint Stephen’s “birthday,” convinced that human beings are "not born just once." He dwelt on the amazement of those who witnessed Stephen's martyrdom before "the light of his face and of his words." His face, "like that of an angel," becomes the face of the authentic witness: of one who does not leave history indifferently, but responds to it with love." "Yet the beauty of Jesus, and of those who imitate his life, is also rejected, for from the beginning, his magnetic force has provoked the reaction of those who struggle for power, those who are exposed by their acts of injustice because of a goodness that reveals the intentions of their hearts," the Pope observed, repeating—as Benedict XVI and Pope Francis had already done—that mission proceeds "by attraction."
Stephen dies whilst forgiving, thereby choosing to respond to violence without violence and to place his trust in the paradoxical power of love. "Today, those who believe in peace and have chosen the unarmed path of Jesus and the martyrs are often ridiculed, excluded from public discourse, and not infrequently accused of favoring adversaries and enemies. Christians, however, have no enemies, but brothers and sisters, who remain so even when they do not understand each other."
From this vision emerges the "unarmed way," that "disarming and unarmed peace" evoked by the Algerian martyrs Pierre Claverie and Christian de Chergé. As with the protomartyr Stephen, the strength of their witness lies not in spectacular demonstrations, but in the simplicity and joy of a life hidden in God and offered to the very end.
In his homily for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June 2026, Leo XIV presented Paul as the "tireless herald of the Good News," symbolized by the book and the sword. These two symbols express "what God accomplished in the heart of the young Saul, winning him over
, bringing him first to conversion to the Gospel and giving him a new name, and then sending him to proclaim it throughout the world. Finally, like Peter, he was to bear witness to the Gospel even to the point of giving his life in this very city."
"The Apostle to the Gentiles allowed himself to be transformed by the power of God’s word, which rescued him from the way of violence and led him onto the path of love," he concluded. Here lies the deepest meaning of martyrdom: a testimony of love, offered in simplicity, revealing the true power of the Gospel, summed up in the Apostle's words: "When I am weak, then I am strong."

A "continually reborn" Church

For Leo XIV, the "continually reborn" Church depicted in the Acts of the Apostles remains the primary reference for living the Church's mission in the contemporary world.
He articulated this vision most fully during his apostolic journey to Africa, in the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba on 14 April 2026.
Reflecting on Augustine's conversion, the Pope insisted that "Christians are truly born from above, regenerated by God as brothers and sisters of Jesus." The Acts of the Apostles bears witness to this by describing "the lifestyle that characterizes humanity when it has been renewed by the Holy Spirit," characterized by faith, charity, justice, fraternity and communion.
"Inspired by this law, inscribed in our hearts by God, the Church is continually reborn, for where there is despair she kindles hope, where there is misery she brings dignity, and where there is conflict she brings reconciliation."
Before leaving Annaba, Leo XIV encouraged Algeria's small Christian community to become "like a grain of incense": a humble presence spreading its fragrance because it burns with faith in Christ, persevering in hospitality and openness amid the trials of history.
To be "continually reborn" therefore means accepting the destabilizing dynamism experienced by the Church of the Acts of the Apostles—both within its historical context and in the debate over the reception of the pagans that culminated in the Council of Jerusalem—without allowing oneself to be paralyzed by the fact of being a small number.

Faithfulness to our origins, not out of nostalgia, but because
the origins remain for every generation a source of living water. Every generation is, in its own way, a generation of early Christians, called to experience anew the burning reality of conversion—that is, the gift of a new life.

VATICAN - World Mission Day: Third on line study session for the French-speaking world reflects on Pope Leo XIV's message

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:53:14 +0200

Vatican City – The third session of the online missionary formation sessions for the French-speaking world, dedicated to Pope Leo XIV's Message for World Mission Day 2026, will take place on Friday, July 10, at 12:30 p.m. .
Organized through the collaboration between the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union and the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies in French-speaking Africa, the study session began on May 6 with an introductory presentation by the PUM's Secretary General, Fr. Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, OFM Conv., who placed Pope Leo XIV's message within the general context of mission today.
"This message is a clear appeal to the Church to rediscover her missionary nature—not simply as one activity among many, but as her deepest identity," Fr. Nguyen said. "It invites every baptized person to recognize themselves as one who is sent, every community to become missionary, and the whole Church to move forward with confidence into this 'new missionary era.'"
The second session, held on June 12, focused on the theme "One in Christ: A Spiritual and Missionary Reflection." Fr. Lawrence Iwuamadi, a priest of the Diocese of Owerri, Nigeria, and Dean and Professor of Ecumenical Biblical Hermeneutics at the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Switzerland, joined Fr. Nguyen in leading the discussion.
"Being one in Christ is not a slogan, but a vocation. It is the Church's identity, her credibility and her mission," Fr. Iwuamadi said in his concluding remarks. "The world will not believe our message of reconciliation unless it sees reconciliation among us."
The third online meeting, as usual scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. , will focus on the question: "United in mission: How can we live and promote the Holy Father's concrete indications?"
Joining Fr. Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen in the discussion will be Archbishop Nicolas Lhernould of Tunis, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Tunisia.
The series will conclude on September 11 with a conference entitled "The Mission of Love: Following Christ and the Saints." The programme is already active in English and is expected to be offered in other languages.

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