Fides News - English

AMERICA/HAITI - Women's Role, Literacy, and Sources of Income: A community assessment in Pourcine Pic-Makaya

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:22:29 +0200

Pourcine Pic-Makaya -“Without significant resources, we managed to have a meaningful day, honoring the Flag, a symbol of unity, and celebrating every Haitian's desire to return to a normal life.” This is what Camillian missionary Father Massimo Miraglio said, referring to the national holiday of the Caribbean country and of the diaspora communities around the world, a celebration that was also recently commemorated in this small mountain community where he carries out his pastoral work.

The Camillian missionary also offered a brief assessment of the past few weeks, during which he met with the entire community. “In recent days, I met with the teachers of the Literacy school, we reviewed the current situation, and we planned the end-of-year activities.” We have 13 teachers and approximately 170 participants, distributed across 12 classes in different locations in Pourcine Pic Makaya. It's a project that will continue next year, encouraged by the participants' enthusiasm. We will move forward, learning from the mistakes made this year and especially strengthening teacher training.”

Father Miraglio also addressed the role of women within the community, still insufficiently represented in positions of responsibility. “Despite the efforts we are making, women continue to be underrepresented in key positions in our community,” he noted. However, he specified that some progress has been made: “If we consider that we started from scratch, there is small progress today; for example, in the parish school, five out of nine teachers are women. In general, in the Haitian school system, teachers are mostly men, with the sole exception of early childhood education, where the teaching staff is composed exclusively of women.”

Another topic addressed by the Camillian missionary was the area's main source of income: the bean harvest. "The harvest has been good for a minority and acceptable for many; for some families it hasn't been good, and for a minority it has been terrible," he explained. "Unfortunately, on the parish land, the harvest has been terrible. Too much rain in shaded and very damp soil, coupled with late planting: we've lost the crop. This year, in short, we'll live on charity, on whatever beans people are willing to share with us." He added that in the coming weeks, those who own land above 1,500 meters or in damp ravine areas will begin preparing the soil again for planting in July.

The overall situation in the country remains extremely precarious. Some 6.4 million people, more than half the population, need humanitarian assistance. According to the Infection Prevention and Control report of April 2026, 5.8 million people are at risk of acute food insecurity. Much of the population lives in fragile conditions, a reality exacerbated by mass displacement, limited access to essential services, and increased security risks, demanding a rapid, coordinated, and multisectoral humanitarian response.

AFRICA/GHANA - Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi after xenophobic violence: “No to retaliation against South Africans living in other African countries”

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:12:56 +0200

Accra – “Ghanaians will continue to live in South Africa and South Africans will also continue to live in Ghana. Ghanaians have businesses there and South Africans also have businesses here. Let us live in unity and love,” said Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of Sunyani, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Ghana, in a statement to local media. He was addressing the xenophobic tensions in South Africa, which are affecting Ghanaian immigrants, among others. Several citizens of African countries have already been repatriated to escape xenophobic violence. In response to the intolerance towards foreigners in South Africa, hostility towards South Africans is spreading in the countries of origin of those expelled.
Msgr. Gyamfi warns that this attitude should be seen as the work of a minority and not of all South Africans. “I believe that Ghanaians who have been repatriated, and indeed all Africans should see this as a misunderstanding by some people in South Africa and should not react by repatriating South Africans back.” The president of the Ghanaian Bishops’ Conference warns: “Once you begin that, it will have a snowball effect all over Africa. We just want everybody to keep calm,” Archbishop Gyamfi urges.
The president of the Ghanaian Bishops’ Conference also points to the precedent of reciprocal expulsions between Nigeria and Ghana. “Ghana once made the mistake of asking Nigerians to go back home and later Nigerians also repatriated Ghanaians,” he recalls. “I do not think the two countries will ever repeat those mistakes again, because they have learnt their lesson now,” Bishop Gyamfi concludes. The Bishop of Sunyani was referring to two different events. The first dates back to 1969, when Ghana issued an order requiring foreigners without valid documents to leave the country within 14 days. Nigerian citizens were primarily affected. The second incident occurred in 1983, when Nigeria deported at least two million undocumented foreigners, including approximately one million Ghanaians.
Xenophobic violence against migrants from Asia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries, as well as against Africans from neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and even from more distant countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Somalia, is a recurring problem in South Africa. It is fueled by high unemployment and economic inequality. Migrants are accused of stealing jobs, committing crimes, or overloading social services. The violence includes acts of summary justice,
looting, and assaults, particularly in regions such as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Recent incidents in 2026 demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants turned violent, resulting in deaths and injuries, and the repatriation of several foreigners. While not all South Africans share this view, it is a recurring problem. Both the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Symposium of Bishops' Conferences of Africa and Madagascar have strongly condemned xenophobic violence.

ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Unions and Catholic organizations call for the protection of workers' rights in the face of the challenges of artificial intelligence

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:55:20 +0200

Manila - A forum of Philippine organizations, including the Catholic-affiliated “Church People-Workers Solidarity” and unions such as Kilusang Mayo Uno and the National Federation of Labor Unions, are calling for the protection of workers' dignity and rights in the face of economic crises and the emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence that could replace humans. Given the dire situation in the Philippine labor market, the unions are planning strikes and protests, linked to fuel prices and government decisions. Blockades, protests, demonstrations, and nationwide strikes are planned.
The organizations point to rising inflation and the sharp increase in the cost of living and are demanding a substantial nationwide wage increase from Congress. The forum emphasizes that workers are often forced to work more than twelve hours a day in extreme shifts to support their families. The current minimum wage is inadequate and must be transformed by law into a genuine "living wage." The forum also stresses the need to end temporary employment contracts and the widespread system of fixed-term contracts, which undermines job security and provides no adequate social protection. It also condemns the practice of "red-tagging," in which union leaders and human rights defenders are branded as "communist rebels" or "terrorists" to delegitimize their demands and union actions. A particular concern today is protection from automation and the unregulated application of artificial intelligence. In a statement following the publication of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," the CWS and other trade union groups call for consistent protection against the so-called "technocratic paradigm." Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, president of the CWS, emphasized: “The economy must serve workers, not the other way around.” The organizations point out that the danger lies in companies using AI as a pretext for mass layoffs, invasive surveillance, further precarious conditions in the labor market, suppression of the right to unionize, and the erosion of workers’ rights. “Work is not merely an economic activity; it is participation in God’s creation,” the bishop recalled. And if technology is used to replace workers for higher profits, “a new social catastrophe will emerge, robbing people not only of their livelihoods but also of their dignity, their purpose, and their ability to participate in social life,” he explained. The Philippine labor market is currently undergoing a complex transition. According to official figures, there are approximately 51.65 million Filipinos in employment. The unemployment rate stands at 5%, which corresponds to approximately 2.58 million people, while the underemployment rate remains exceptionally high at 12.3%. This means that over 6 million Filipinos, despite being employed, must take on a second job or work overtime to secure their families' daily livelihoods. At a delicate stage in the nation's social life, the ecumenical Church People-Workers Solidarity , comprised of bishops, priests, religious, and workers, continues its mission to promote the dignity of work, defend the right to a fair wage, and support workers against practices such as job insecurity and economic inequality—with the goal of achieving social justice. Furthermore, the organization is engaged in educational activities through programs that raise awareness in parishes and schools via information campaigns, research projects, seminars, and initiatives aimed at students.

The Pope to the Pontifical Mission Societies: Let us walk together in an “ongoing missionary conversion”

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:48:24 +0200

by Marie-Lucile Kubacki

Vatican City – The urgency of embracing an ongoing “missionary conversion” was at the heart of the address Pope Leo XIV delivered in English to the participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies , whom he received in audience today, Monday, June 1, in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. The hall welcomed more than one hundred national directors of the PMS network from all five continents, along with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, officials from the Dicastery for Evangelization, and members of the PMS International Secretariats, whose headquarters are located in the Palace of Propaganda Fide.

The “Missionary Milestones” of 2026

The Pope recalled that the current year is “truly rich in missionary milestones,” beginning with the centenary of the institution of World Mission Day by Pope Pius XI, “at the request of the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith.” For one hundred years, the penultimate Sunday of October, has been set apart “for prayer, reflection and contributing to the Church’s mission of evangelization, especially in areas where the proclamation of the Gospel is only just beginning and where the Church is still young.”

The Bishop of Rome emphasized the concrete dimension of this commitment: “On this day,” Pope Leo XIII affirmed, “every Catholic community is invited to pray and offer spiritual and material sacrifices for the missionary efforts in areas of first evangelization and for the support of young churches.” This is a universal commitment that expresses the communion of the entire Church. “I am happy,” the Pope confessed, “to express my gratitude to all of you and to everyone who works with you throughout the world, for all of your efforts, great and small, in promoting World Mission Day in every ecclesiastical circumscription in the universal communion of the Church.” Leo XIV also wished to highlight an often forgotten but essential aspect: “If I may add,” he said, “one of the particular services of World Mission Sunday is to remind people in the older churches, if you will in the established churches, how important it is that they too join in the missionary spirit of the whole Church.”

The Pope also focused on the specific role of each of the Pontifical Mission Societies, a work sustained by the offerings collected worldwide during the Sunday celebrations of World Mission Day. Through the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith , apostolic activity is supported in more than 1,130 ecclesiastical circumscriptions within the territories under the jurisdiction of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches. “This Section, the Pope added, also supports the administration of five colleges in Rome for the ongoing formation of priests, and consecrated women and men, who come to the eternal city for studies and become precious resources for their local Churches to which they return after completing their studies. These and many more missionary initiatives are possible thanks to the generosity of the faithful on World Mission Sunday.”

The upcoming beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen
He also referred to the upcoming celebration of the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, which will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on September 24 in Saint Louis, Missouri. The Venerable was a renowned National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. “Archbishop Sheen,” recalled Pope Leo XIV, offering his own personal testimony, “was a light of faith, hope, and love that shone through the radio and television media for decades. I myself am a witness of his evangelization when I was growing up. His broadcasts touched millions with the hope of the Gospel and his initiatives and efforts resulted in enormous spiritual and material aid to the Churches in areas of first evangelization.”

The “essential work” of the Pontifical Mission Societies

The Pope also noted that 2026 marks the 110th anniversary of the Pontifical Missionary Union, founded by Blessed Paolo Manna and defined by Saint Paul VI as “the soul” of the other Pontifical Mission Societies. In this context, he encouraged all the baptized to participate in “an ever more fervent missionary spirituality and a deeper commitment to the Church’s universal mission of evangelization in this new missionary age.”

In a world marked by conflict, the Pope reiterated that the four Pontifical Mission Societies entrusted to the Dicastery for Evangelization “render an invaluable service to the Church’s mission of proclaiming Christ, the Prince of Peace and the incarnate revelation of Divine Love for humanity.” “The Pontifical Mission Society of the Holy Childhood,” the Pope continued, adding references to the work of the individual Societies, “carries out a particularly precious mission by bringing the light of faith and the consolation of Christian charity to children throughout the world, especially in regions afflicted by hatred and violence.” For its part, the Pontifical Mission Society of Saint Peter the Apostle “promotes and sustains the formation of indigenous clergy and consecrated religious in territories of first evangelization. In many places, without the assistance of this Society, seminarians and novices would lack the necessary means for their human, spiritual and pastoral formation,” the Pope explained.

The “missionary renewal” in the years ahead

The theme for this year’s World Mission Sunday 2026 – “One in Christ, united in mission” - as Leo XIV recalled in the final part of his address - invites all of the members of the Church to “a deeper communion in Christ and to a fuller unity in his divine mission of love,” within the horizon of a “missionary renewal” in the Church in the years ahead.
The Second Vatican Council – the Successor of Peter recalled, citing the conciliar decree Ad Gentes on mission– reaffirmed that “Church on earth is by her very nature missionary since, according to the plan of the Father, it has her origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, the present time is also marked by the urgency of “embracing an ongoing missionary conversion and to look together for ways of being a missionary Church for the healing of our world, so fraught with tensions, conflicts and wars.” A task in which, the Pope emphasized, “the work of the the Pontifical Mission Societies remains essential.” A missionary journey that must continue “with joy and renewed zeal,” out of love for Christ and not to satisfy personal ambitions or sterile self-promotion. He also urged everyone to pray constantly “that all that we do for the work of evangelization, may we always place Jesus Christ at the center, embracing the beautiful Gospel principle expressed by John the Baptist: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’.”

Cardinal Tagle: Mission is not strategy, it is participation in "God's mission"

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:52:55 +0200

Vatican City - “Mission is not a strategy or a mere strategic plan, but a true participation in God’s mission.”
With these words, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle recalled the profoundly spiritual dimension of missionary dynamism that moves the Church during his homily in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Eucharistic celebration took place on June 1 in the Choir Chapel, on the occasion of the meeting of the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Commenting on the Gospel passage read in the day's liturgy, taken from Mark , in which Jesus recounts the parable of the murderous vineyard workers , the Cardinal Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization - Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, offered a reflection focused on the responsibility of believers as stewards, not owners, of God's gifts. "In the Gospel," he explained, "Jesus addresses the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His primary audience was, therefore, the Jews, the religious, cultural, and social leaders of that time. Through the parable, he shows that God cares for his people. The vineyard is an image of the people of Israel and expresses God's constant care for them." However, the Cardinal added, the people's behavior reflects an unstable relationship with God: "Sometimes they remember God's truths, other times they forget them. Sometimes they praise him, other times they choose other gods." This is the people called to be the people of God. But God remains faithful.”

Despite the variability of the people’s faithfulness to God, there is a dynamic of remembering and forgetting that offers a concrete pastoral key. The Cardinal observed: “We have a long list of problems to solve, but we don’t have a list, a memory, of God’s blessings for us.” This contrast between the “list of problems” and the “memory of blessings” suggests that crises of faith arise not only from real difficulties—which should neither be minimized nor denied—but from the loss of the memory of God’s action. “Yes, we have always had difficulties and we will always have them, but let us open our eyes to the marvelous action of God in our lives, even against our will,” the Cardinal insisted.

In the parable of the vineyard workers, the Cardinal continued, a message is also conveyed that invites a serious examination of conscience. “Why do the vineyard workers begin to forget that they were stewards?” They don't want to share the harvest; they want to keep it for themselves. And that leads them to reject those whom the owner has sent to claim their share. And when even the owner's son is sent, they say, “If we kill the son, there will be no heir. We will become heirs,” he recalled, drawing a parallel to the present day. “This is the situation to this day,” the Cardinal affirmed. “Let us look at all the conflicts, the wars that have taken place in the world and, sadly, also within the Church.” He then warned: “If we forget our identity as stewards to whom the Lord has entrusted the care of his vineyard, we may have done God a disservice and even ruined the vineyard.”

This, the Cardinal insisted, is a fundamental aspect of mission, which “is truly a participation in the mission of God, the Father who cares for his people.” The Cardinal then encouraged all those present at the Mass—among them the more than one hundred national directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies who had come to Rome from all five continents—to praise God for one another: “Perhaps you haven’t realized it, but each one of us is a precious gift from God. We may have limitations, each one of us, but we are precious gifts from God. And we want to give thanks and praise to God for one another. To all who are united, formally or informally: I ask you not to forget that we are part, however unworthy, of God’s blessing for the Church. Let us take care of one another. Let us take care of the mission.”

A true missionary mission took place moments before the audience of the participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies with Pope Leo XIV, and a reminder that the source of missionary zeal lies not in strategies or action plans, susceptible to being questioned at the slightest difficulty, nor in the personal genius of any individual, but in the recognition of an invaluable and freely given gift: that of God, which must be cherished. An echo of the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians: “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

AFRICA/CONGO - Resignation and succession of bishop of Nkayi

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:25:40 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Nkayi, Republic of the Congo, presented by Bishop Daniel Mizonzo.
He is succeeded by Bishop François Halyday Mbouangui, until now coadjutor bishop of the same diocese.

EUROPE/SPAIN - Episcopal delegate of the Diocesan Caritas of Tenerife on migration: “We must not become accustomed to suffering”

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:18:38 +0200

Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The upcoming visit of the Holy Father to the Canary Islands on June 11 and 12 focuses on the migratory reality in the Atlantic, one of the most dangerous and deadly routes in the world, bringing thousands of people to the Canary Islands after crossings marked by suffering and the hope of a better future. According to the latest data, around 24,000 people reached the Canary Islands in 2024, while more than 19,000 have lost their lives on this route since 2020.

Fides interviewed Juan Pedro Rivero González, episcopal delegate of the Diocesan Caritas of Tenerife, professor of theology and church history, and parish priest in the Diocese of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, who says that the reality of migration “profoundly tests the collective conscience” and compels us not to become accustomed to suffering or to reduce the human drama to numbers or political debates. Through Caritas and parish communities, he emphasizes, the Church is trying to respond with closeness, acceptance, and the protection of human dignity in a country that has historically also experienced emigration.

The reality of migration is particularly evident on the islands, and with over 19,000 deaths since 2020, the Atlantic route is among the deadliest in the world. What challenges does this situation present?
The migration we are witnessing in the Canary Islands represents one of the greatest human and moral challenges of our time. Behind every statistic lies a face, a story, a family, and in many cases, immense suffering marked by poverty, violence, hopelessness, and despair. The Atlantic route has become a frontier of pain and death that profoundly challenges our collective conscience. From a human perspective, the greatest challenge is not to become accustomed to suffering. There is a danger of normalizing tragedies, of reducing arrivals and shipwrecks to mere footnotes. But no human being should be considered illegal or reduced to a statistical problem. We are talking about people with dignity who are seeking a better future. And from a spiritual perspective, this reality presents us as believers with a profound challenge. The Gospel constantly reminds us that Christ himself is present in the stranger, the poor, and the vulnerable.

Could you give us a general overview of the historical and current migration situation in Tenerife?
Historically, the Canary Islands have been a country of emigration and, for decades, also a country of reception. Our collective memory is shaped by generations of Canarians who had to emigrate in search of better opportunities in America or elsewhere. This historical experience should help us today to approach migration with greater sensitivity and humanity.

Who are the people you most often encounter when receiving migrants?
Currently, people of very diverse origins are arriving on our islands. These include families from Latin America, especially from Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia; young people from sub-Saharan African countries; people from the Sahel region; Moroccan families; unaccompanied minors; and migrants fleeing armed conflict or extreme danger. They have often endured particularly harrowing journeys, resulting in significant physical and psychological trauma.

How does the local church experience and shape this reception, and what kind of support is offered, including spiritual guidance?
The local church aims to offer closeness and comprehensive support. We often encounter people of Muslim or other faiths, which requires deep respect and a willingness to engage in dialogue. The church does not primarily inquire about the religious affiliation of those affected, but rather about their needs and their dignity. Silent but invaluable work is being carried out by parishes, religious orders, the diocesan Caritas office, and numerous volunteers. The staff of church institutions who are addressing this situation will have the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV in the Plaza del Cristo in La Laguna.

What have you personally learned through your contact with migrants in your work with the church?
There are other priests who have more direct contact with migrants from Africa. However, we all maintain a relationship with migrants from Latin America who have enriched our Christian communities. Above all, contact with migrants has taught me the value of hope and human dignity, even amidst suffering. Many of these people arrive after extremely difficult experiences and, despite everything, maintain great resilience, gratitude, and confidence for the future.

What can the Christian community learn from migrants?
The Christian community can learn much from them: resilience, a willingness to sacrifice, the value of family, and in many cases, even a simple and profound faith. The poor and migrants are not merely recipients of aid; they also proclaim the Gospel through their witness. The reality of migration cannot be grasped solely through emergencies or border controls. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes that force millions of people to flee their homes: poverty, violence, exploitation of resources, war, or a lack of prospects. In this sense, he also spoke of the “right not to emigrate,” that is, the right of every person to live in dignity, security, and hope in their own country without being forced to emigrate. True aid means not only welcoming people but also contributing to creating the conditions so that no one has to risk their life at sea to find a better future. In this spirit, the "El Buen Samaritano" Foundation of the Añaza parish in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has begun construction of a hotel in Senegal to provide local employment for young people without future prospects. I consider this project a paradigm shift in the fight against emigration.

You are not only the episcopal delegate for Caritas, but also a lecturer and priest, and therefore possess a comprehensive understanding of social realities. In your view, what contribution can the Church make to the social and political debate on migration?
The Church can offer a profoundly human and ethical perspective. It is not the Church's role to provide concrete technical or political solutions, but rather to constantly emphasize the central importance of human dignity and the necessity of building a society based on fraternity, not rejection.

What role should public institutions and civil society play? Is there sufficient cooperation? Sometimes public debate becomes excessively polarized, and there is a risk that the phenomenon of migration is exploited for ideological or electoral purposes. The Church is called to remind everyone that behind every political measure are real people. No institution can confront such a complex reality alone. Therefore, cooperation between governments, social organizations, religious communities, and citizens is essential. In the Canary Islands, there are many positive examples of cooperation, although there is always room for improvement. It is important never to lose sight of the individual.

What is the mood in the local Church and in society in general regarding the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the islands?
The Holy Father's visit is being received with great enthusiasm and hope, both in the local Church and in large parts of Canarian society. Beyond the institutional or media aspect, many people understand this visit as a sign of closeness and recognition of the reality in which we live on the islands.

How are parishes and communities preparing for the Pope's arrival?
Many parishes and communities are fostering moments of prayer, reflection, and preparation, especially in light of the reality of migration and the Pope's constant call for universal fraternity. I believe this anticipation helps to strengthen the Church's communion and renew our commitment to evangelization. The Pope possesses the remarkable gift of raising questions, stirring consciences, and drawing many people who may have been distant from the Church closer to it. Personally, I believe the most beautiful moment of the Holy Father's visit will be afterward, when we have the opportunity to read his speeches in peace and reflect on how the power of the Gospel renews our mission as Church.

The Pope will meet with migrants: What is the significance of this gesture?
The Pope is bringing back into focus those who often live on the social and existential margins. This is not merely a formal gesture; it is a sign to the world that migrants are not invisible and that their suffering cannot leave us indifferent. Furthermore, this encounter is deeply connected to the core of the Gospel. Jesus always turned to those rejected or marginalized by society. The Pope follows this logic, restoring a human face to a reality often analyzed solely through political or economic categories. For the migrants themselves, this gesture also signifies recognition of their dignity and worth as human beings.

From a more pastoral perspective, what are the biggest challenges for evangelization today, and how is the missionary dimension of the Church lived out in everyday life on the islands?
In a society characterized by secularization, individualism, and often religious indifference, it is no longer enough to simply maintain structures; it is essential to facilitate genuine encounters with people and create spaces where they can experience closeness, meaning, and hope. The missionary dimension of the Church in the Canary Islands is often evident in everyday life and in simple things: open parishes, support for families, care for the needy, educational projects, charitable work, and a presence in various social sectors.

Are there initiatives that represent a sign of hope for evangelization?
There are many hopeful initiatives that may not always receive media attention but quietly transform lives: projects with young people, support for families, assistance for migrants, communities that pray and serve together, social engagement, and evangelization experiences in contexts far removed from the Church. I believe one of the most encouraging signs is the realization of how many people—priests, religious, and lay people—continue to dedicate their lives to serving others with joy and generosity. There, the missionary heart of the Church continues to beat strongly. As long as there is a community ready to welcome those who suffer, to listen to them, and to stand by them, there will be hope; and the Canary Islands, by virtue of their history and their very soul, are called to be a land of encounter, of humanity, and of shared hope.

AFRICA/KENYA - No to an American center for the treatment of Ebola cases from other countries

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:18:43 +0200

Nairobi – The Law Society of Kenya opposes a US treatment center for Ebola patients in Kenya. "We urge the Kenya government to take robust measures to avoid cases of Ebola from entering Kenya. That includes declining the request by the US Government to set up an Ebola Treatment Centre in Kenya where Ebola patients from other countries will be flown in," said the president of the LSK, which has 20,000 members.
The US government has announced it is considering establishing a quarantine and treatment center in Kenya specifically for Americans who have been exposed to the Ebola virus , instead of repatriating them to the United States. The proposal has sparked intense public debate in Kenya, particularly due to concerns about the risks to the local population and the capacity of the Kenyan health system to handle a potential pandemic. Kenyan authorities confirmed that discussions have begun but stressed that the final decision will prioritize national security. The president of the LSK does not dispute that those affected by the virus should receive adequate care, but emphasizes that this care must be provided where the infection is occurring. “Since all Ebola patients deserve access to the highest standard of medical care, and we owe them human solidarity even as we protect the healthy population, public health dictates require that the medical treatment facility and treatment isolation protocols be set up near the common epicentre of the infection,” he affirms.
So far, no cases of Ebola have been reported in Kenya. However, the virus has affected some areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with approximately ten cases. Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and canceled the pilgrimage to the national shrine of Namugongo, scheduled for June 3rd, the Day of Ugandan Martyrs . Among the expected pilgrims, several came from Kenya. At least 500 Kenyan faithful who had set out for Namugongo were stopped at the border.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - "May the memory of God's benevolence toward Abraham be a source of inspiration for our coexistence"

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:08:34 +0200

Abuja – "May God's benevolence toward Abraham inspire our communities to live together in these difficult times,” the Nigerian Bishops’ Conference wrote in a message to the country’s Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the festival commemorating the Prophet Abraham’s obedience to God.
“The benevolence of God, recalled in this celebration, invites Muslims, Christians, and indeed all Nigerians to reflect on the restoration Abraham received when his son was spared and returned to him,” the Nigerian bishops emphasized. “For this same benevolence, we are all called to give thanks to God, who has kept us despite the dark clouds of uncertainty and the difficult circumstances of this moment in our nation's history,” the message continued.
The CBCN calls on Nigerians to follow this example and thus contribute to the growth of our communities. Addressing the leaders of Islamic communities, the Catholic bishops declared: “Together as leaders, we can make this call for more kind gestures in service of the common good. This is a call to move away from self-serving policies and programmes” in order to “move towards selfless service to our people today burdened by the consequences of years-long ineffectiveness.” The Diocese of Oyo in southwestern Nigeria published a message signed by Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo and Father Joseph Ogundipe, head of the diocese’s Office for Interreligious Dialogue, in which they expressed their hope that the celebration would provide an opportunity to deepen the dialogue between Christians and Muslims. In light of the wave of kidnappings, the message called on Christians and Muslims to unite in the fight against “all these forms of evil that threaten our identities and collective efforts together as believers in One God.”

ASIA/CAMBODIA - Documents for the cause of the Cambodian martyrs in the Vatican: "A priceless spiritual heritage for the Church and the world"

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:57:23 +0200

Rome - "It was with profound joy that we presented Cardinal Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, with the sealed documents signed in a solemn ceremony in Phnom Penh. These documents pertain to the diocesan investigation into the beatification and canonization of Bishop Joseph Salas and his eleven companions, the Martyrs of Cambodia. These sealed documents contain a precious testimony of faith, courage, and love: nearly 2,500 pages that recount the heroic journey of these men and women in Cambodia between 1970 and 1977," Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, told Fides on the sidelines of the ad limina visit of the Bishops of Laos and Cambodia in Rome.
The Vicar explains: “These documents not only record their lives and their sacrifice, but they are also a priceless spiritual heritage for the Church and the world.”
The local Church officially opened the diocesan inquiry into the Cambodian martyrs on May 15, 2015. Since then, a team led by the postulator, Father Paul Chatserey, has been collecting testimonies and documents from around the world. The team included other priests from the Diocesan Tribunal, the Promoter of Justice, notaries, and a Historical Commission chaired by Father Vincent Chrétienne.
“Bishop Yves Ramousse, who loved and knew these future martyrs so well, played a crucial role in compiling the initial list,” Bishop Schmitthaeusler continued. “The research and compilation led to the current presentation of twelve Servants of God: Bishop Joseph Chhmar Salas and his eleven companions—priests, religious, and lay people—who represent the richness of the People of God.” Upon handing over the documents to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Vicar expressed his hope that “the examination and discernment may continue so that these martyrs may soon be presented to the universal Church as a gift and a shining witness.” In an interview with Fides, the postulator, Father Paul Chatserey, who is also the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Cambodia and Laos, recalls: “The initial impetus to research the stories of the Cambodian martyrs came from Pope John Paul II, who, in the Jubilee Year 2000, called upon the Asian churches in all countries to recognize and commemorate their martyrs.” Pope John Paul II said: “These servants of God […] form a great fresco of Christian humanity […] It is the fresco of the Beatitudes, lived to the point of shedding blood.” “
In this spirit, the Cambodian Church erected a memorial to the martyrs; we built a cross and a small shrine. Since then, an annual commemoration of the martyrs has been held, bringing together believers from all over the country,” he explains.
“Gradually, awareness grew, and we began to collect materials, documents, and testimonies. This was very difficult because, during the dark years of the war and the Khmer Rouge, the churches, along with all their documents, were destroyed,” the postulator explains. “We armed ourselves with patience and began to collect oral testimonies. Then we received great help and invaluable support from the archives of the Society for Foreign Missions in Paris. Thus, the work grew slowly and with difficulty, and finally, after years of work, study, and research, we succeeded in gathering enough material to advance the process for Bishop Salas and eleven companions.” “Now,” he declares, “our Church in Cambodia rejoices. The spirituality and inspiration of the martyrs are of great importance; they are a great encouragement to us. Our communities will now unite in prayer so that, thanks to the work in the Vatican, the cause may progress according to God’s plan.” “At the same time, we will continue to raise awareness, especially among young people, of the story of our martyrs by publishing brochures and organizing cultural, catechetical, and prayer events. We hope and pray that their example will bear fruit and bring grace and holiness to our small Church for the future,” he concludes.

Cardinal Tagle: at the PMS Assembly: mission and unity are born from baptism

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:35:29 +0200

Rome - On the occasion of the opening of the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies underway in Rome, on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 27, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle proposed a spiritual reinterpretation of Pope Leo XIV's Message for World Mission Day 2026, drawing inspiration from Jesus' prayer for unity and the experience of the first Christian communities.
The papal Message was published last January 25, the day on which the Church's liturgy commemorates the conversion of the Apostle Paul. World Mission Day was established one hundred years ago, in 1926, by Pope Pius XI, and this year it will be celebrated on Sunday, October 18.

"One in Christ and united in mission"

The Cardinal recalled that the theme of Pope Leo XIV's Message, "One in Christ, united in mission," echoes his Augustinian papal motto, "In Illo uno unum" .
The Cardinal Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization presented an exegesis of chapter 17 of the Gospel of Saint John, where the Pope’s reflection finds its roots, particularly in Jesus’ prayer, "I pray not only for them," meaning the disciples, "but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me." "Let me highlight this part of the prayer of Jesus: ‘that all may be one,’ the Cardinal said, "because you have all strands of theology, spirituality, Trinity, ecclesiology, mission all come together there. Brothers and sisters, this is Jesus' prayer before he died. And we believe that seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, he continues to pray, and he continues praying this prayer to the Father: 'that they may all be one.'" The unity for which Jesus prays, the Cardinal continued, is not "just a matter of organization. This is not just a matter of planning and strategy, but of divine communion shared with the disciples and the divine communion into which the disciples are invited or allowed by grace to enter." Unity is a gift: "the unity that Jesus desires, the unity that Jesus prays for, and which is granted to us through faith and in the sacrament of baptism. It is this type of spiritual communion that is being granted to us." "So, when we prepare our catechetical materials for the World Mission Sunday about this call of the Holy Father to be one in Christ and therefore one in mission, I hope we do not forget to go back to this very fundamental aspect of communion, which is often overlooked or downplayed in favor of other forms of so-called unity," he added. For the cardinal, this is the very foundation of mission: "when we talk about baptism as the sacrament of faith and also the sacrament of mission, we should go back to this fundamental element of unity, of communion with the Trinity."

Unity, a condition of missionary credibility

In the second part of the Message of Pope Leo: "Unity in mission," the Cardinal emphasizes: unity is not an exclusive good to be lived in one's own small, elitist groups, but a witness for the world.
"In the prayer of Jesus, it is not the unity of people who say, "I look at you. You look at me. I smile at you. You smile at me. We are united. We are happy together." For Jesus, unity, spiritual, true and authentic spiritual unity in the Christian community, is not inward looking."
The unity of Christians in the prayer of Jesus is like a missionary condition: "a condition for missionary authenticity, credibility. The unity of Christians is a missionary declaration of who our God is. And we say, "Look at us, because in us dwells the God of communion." So the life of Christians should be in itself a living word to the world. And they are in us. Starting from Saint Paul, the Cardinal described what he calls "the mystique of missionary unity": "the diversity of gifts, the diversity of tongues, the diversity of generations. But all part of one another, concerned for each other, and working for the common good. This is missionary unity, and it is missionary communion."
The Cardinal painfully evoked the situations of internal divisions, even violent ones, that undermine the credibility of the Gospel message, particularly in the territories of first evangelization: "What is at stake is not my tribe. What is at stake is not my region. What is at stake is: will people believe that Jesus was sent by the Father?"

The first Christian communities, a paradigm of mission

To illustrate Pope Leo XIV's appeal, the Cardinal explicitly refers to the Acts of the Apostles, where he sees the model for this "mysticism of missionary unity": "In the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, verses 42 to 47, we see how the early Christian communities lived this. They lived and focused on the teachings of the apostles, prayer, the Eucharist, and the sharing of resources. The quality of community life, unity, becomes a missionary proclamation. And the people seeing them, maybe out of curiosity, started joining the community." These first communities, of which Luke writes, had "one heart and one soul" and that they shared everything, can constitute a horizon for contemporary ecclesial life: "The way I read it is the Holy Father is asking our parishes, our dioceses, our religious communities, our schools, to live this, to make it the rule of life, and so that that communion will also be a missionary proclamation of who our God is."
In a world "lacerated, wounded, and divided by competition, by inequality, by discrimination, by injustice, by wars," the Cardinal believes Leo XIV's Message reiterates a specific mission for the Church: "to show the world that unity is possible. Unity is real.
In our unity with the Lord and in our unity among ourselves—thanks to our unity with the Lord—we should be able to say to the world, with our words and, we hope, with our community life: 'Unity is possible. Unity is real. Look at the Body of Christ.'"

A mission rooted in love

The third part of Leo XIV's Message, which the Cardinal summarized by speaking of a "Mission of Love," leads to identifying the "substance" of this unity: "For love is the substance of unity and also the substance of mission. Baptism is being reborn, recreated by the God who is love. So we are made again in the image of the Trinitarian God who is love. When we baptize people, we do not do it in our name: That is the sure way for division. But if someone is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, this is a person of communion."
Recalling a visit to a refugee camp in Lebanon, the Cardinal testified how this "mission of love" makes Christ desirable: on that occasion, when asked by some refugees why Christians from different countries were present to help the local population, he replied: "Because our teacher, our Lord, Jesus Christ, told us to love everyone. And that is why we are here." At that point, the Cardinal recalled, a young girl replied: "I want to encounter that Jesus. He will be a good friend."
It is this dynamic that the Cardinal proposed again to the more than one hundred national directors of the PMS: helping everyone, from childhood—even through the work of the Society dedicated to missionary childhood—to "say no to all the signs of division present in our existence, and opt for unity in Christ," in order to "bear witness to another kind of communion." He concluded: "Taking into account all the beautiful anniversaries we are celebrating this year, Pope Leo's message, and the context of the world today, I believe we are truly called, as Christians, individually and as a community, to live this gift of communion. Through baptism, we belong to one another. And this belonging is fully experienced in mutual care, in caring for one another for the common good, and becomes a missionary witness for today's world."

AFRICA/KENYA - Appointment of bishop of Kitui, Kenya

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:30:34 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend John Mbua Mwandi, until now parish priest of Mulutu, as bishop of the diocese of Kitui, Kenya.
Msgr. John Mbua Mwandi was born on 24 September 1970. He studied philosophy at Saint Augustine’s Senior Seminary of the diocese of Bungoma, and theology at Saint Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary of the diocese of Kapsabet.
He was ordained a priest on 8 December 2001.
After ordination, he first held the offices of parish vicar in Ikutha , parish priest in Miambani , Ikanga and at the Cathedral of Kitui , and dean of the Eastern Deanery . He obtained a diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management in Nairobi , and went on to serve as diocesan bursar , pro-vicar general , vicar general, and to date, parish priest in Mulutu.

The 2026 General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies begins

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:25:54 +0200

Rome – “The Pontifical Mission Societies are effectively the “primary means” of awakening missionary responsibility among all the baptized and supporting ecclesial communities in areas where the Church is young,” said Pope Leo XIV on May 22, 2025, regarding the significance of the Pontifical Mission Societies, when he received the national directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies at the Vatican in Rome for their annual General Assembly.

Almost a year later, more than 100 national directors of the worldwide network of Pontifical Mission Societies are meeting again in the Eternal City. They are traveling from all five continents for their annual Assembly, which they see as a valuable opportunity to reaffirm together the vocation and contribution of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the “new missionary age,” which Pope Leo XIV also emphasized.

Global Network at the service of mission

Last year, in his address to the participants of the Assembly of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Successor of Peter expressed his gratitude for the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies “for your dedicated service, which is indispensable to the Church’s mission of evangelization, as I can personally attest from my own pastoral experience in the years of my ministry serving in Peru.” Pope Leo also highlighted the specific tasks undertaken by each of the four Mission Societies, born from the missionary creativity and sensus fidei of the People of God and which, over time, have become an integral part of the Missionary Dicastery: the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith , which—as the Pope recalled—“provides aid for pastoral and catechetical programmes, the building of new churches, healthcare, and educational needs in mission territories”; The Society of the Holy Childhood , which “too provides support for Christian formation programmes for children, in addition to caring for their basic needs and protection also supports Christian”; the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle , which “helps to cultivate missionary vocations, priestly and religious”; and the Pontifical Missionary Union , which—as the Bishop of Rome recalled—“is committed to forming priests, religious men and women, and all the people of God for the Church’s missionary activity.”

Intensive Program

The working sessions of the Assembly are being held at the “Collegio Internazionale San Lorenzo di Brindisi” of the Capuchin Friars.
The opening day of the Assembly begins today with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization . Following the liturgy, Cardinal Tagle will deliver the opening address.
The Assembly's intensive program continues until Wednesday, June 3. Among the highlights for the participants this year is the audience with Pope Leo XIV on Monday morning, June 1.
On Sunday, May 31, the participants will make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Philomena and then visit Naples and its cathedral, where they will venerate the relics of Saint Januarius.

During the working sessions, the four General Secretaries will present the work and budgets of the individual Societies. New projects to be supported will also be presented and approved. A separate session will be dedicated to communication and fundraising. On Tuesday afternoon, June 2, Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary for Administration of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will speak.
The Assembly's program concludes on Wednesday, June 3, with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

One hundred years of World Mission Day

In 2026, the centenary of the establishment of World Mission Day will be commemorated. Pope Pius XI instituted it to encourage and bear witness to the participation of all the faithful in apostolic work through prayer and material support.
World Mission Day is celebrated worldwide on the penultimate Sunday of October, the missionary month par excellence.

Last year, Pope Leo XIV addressed all Catholic parishes worldwide in a video message, reminding them that “every year on World Mission Day, the whole Church prays for missionaries and the success of their apostolic work.”

The Pope recalled his personal experiences as a priest and then as a missionary bishop, he said, “I saw with my own eyes how faith, prayer, and generosity can transform entire communities on this Day.”

This year, World Mission Day falls on October 18. All donations collected worldwide on this Sunday will be entrusted to the Pontifical Mission Societies to support projects and initiatives for proclaiming the Gospel, particularly in countries in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. A network of dedication and missionary passion makes the Pontifical Mission Societies a dynamic organization that is not solely focused on fundraising.

“The Pontifical Mission Societies,” Pope Francis reminded them in his message to the Pontifical Mission Societies on May 21, 2020, “are an instrument of service for the mission of the particular Churches, against the backdrop of the mission of the universal Church. This is the ever-precious contribution that the Societies make to the spread of the Gospel. All of us are called to nurture by means of love and gratitude, as well as by our works, the seeds of divine life that the Spirit of Christ causes to blossom and grow where he wills, even in the deserts. Please, in your prayer ask above all that the Lord make everyone better prepared to recognize the signs of his activity, in order then to reveal them to the whole world.”

AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - Ebola: The Diocese of Tombura-Yambio raises surveillance and emergency preparedness

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:17:33 +0200

Juba - The Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan is under heightened epidemic surveillance following the spread of the Ebola virus in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Although no confirmed cases have yet been reported in our area, the risk of cross-border transmission remains high due to the frequent population movements within the region. Therefore, we cannot remain inactive or unprepared,” writes Father Charles Mbikoyo, director of diocesan Caritas, in a statement sent to Fides.
Father Mbikoyo has instructed “the Department of Health Services for Wellbeing and Integration, through St. Theresa Mission Hospital, to immediately intensify alert, preparedness, and public awareness measures in order to safeguard our communities and institutions.”
The Health Department is therefore tasked with “strengthening surveillance and early detection mechanisms in all health facilities and communities; intensifying awareness and public health education about Ebola symptoms, preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of timely reporting; preparing emergency teams and, in cooperation with health authorities, ensuring isolation readiness; urging the population to remain calm and vigilant, avoid unnecessary panic, and strictly follow public health guidelines; cooperating with the Office of the Minister of Health and all relevant governmental and humanitarian health partners; and mobilizing community leaders, churches, schools, and local organizations to support prevention campaigns and responsible behavior among the population.”
Father Mbikoyo concludes with an urgent appeal to the population to avoid unnecessary contact with potentially infected individuals or bodies suspected of being infected, to maintain good hygiene, to promptly report any unusual symptoms of illness to the nearest health facility, and to refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation.
So far, South Sudanese authorities have not reported any Ebola cases within their territory, but have implemented surveillance, screening, and precautionary measures.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are approximately 105 confirmed cases and over 900 suspected cases . Estimates suggest the total number of suspected and confirmed cases exceeds 1,000, with at least 241 reported deaths. Uganda has about ten confirmed cases and one death.

ASIA/INDIA - An ethical framework for Artificial Intelligence: the Indian Church welcomes "Magnifica Humanitas" as a guide for the faithful

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:42:34 +0200

New Delhi - Establishing an ethical framework for artificial intelligence and disarming it, placing it at the service of human dignity, and the protection of the poor and vulnerable: these are some of the key points of the encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," which the Indian bishops welcomed, as they announced in a statement following the publication of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India described the text as "a valuable contribution to the Social Doctrine of the Church, in continuity with Rerum Novarum" and as "a guide for dealing with the challenges of AI," which are manifold in the Indian context: unemployment, inequality, surveillance, and the concentration of power. The perspective from which to approach these problems, the CBCI emphasized—as is clearly evident in the encyclical—is the reaffirmation of the “centrality of the human person, created in the image of God” and the endeavor to ensure that technological development is “guided by ethical principles grounded in human dignity, justice, and the common good.”
The Indian Church—a community of some 20 million faithful—intends to use the encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” to educate and raise awareness on this topic in parishes and educational institutions. Given the rapid digitalization and increasing spread of artificial intelligence in India, which are fundamentally transforming education, work, and society, the CBCI recommends the encyclical as a valuable guide for pastors, educators, policymakers, and the faithful. The bishops are committed to deepening and disseminating the encyclical, particularly in formation programs, Catholic educational institutions, and social apostolate.
Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the CBCI, emphasizes that the document offers “a clear moral compass in a time of rapid technological change” and underscores the need to protect the most vulnerable, especially the poor, young people, and marginalized communities, from the potentially negative effects of uncontrolled artificial intelligence. “The CBCI encourages all Catholics and people of good will to read the encyclical in a spirit of prayer and to foster a culture in which technology is at the service of the integral development of every human being.”
One of the Church’s particular concerns is the impact of AI on Dalits: On the one hand, there is a risk of exacerbating historical discrimination; on the other hand, AI, if used according to ethical and developmental criteria, offers potential for inclusion.
In India, one of the most active countries in AI development, also through government investment, “Magnifica Humanitas” is being published at a time when the ethics and impact of AI on society, the education sector, and social justice, especially for the poorest, are being intensely debated.
In this context, the Pope's text also attracted interest in the Indian media: The Hindu newspaper, for example, highlighted the Pope's call to "disarm" AI, contextualizing the encyclical as a "global ethical manifesto" that also calls on India to implement appropriate regulatory measures.
Among the most interesting aspects in the Indian context, examined in analyses by newspapers such as the "Economic Times" and the "Times of India," is the issue of employment, given the potentially high risks to jobs due to the country's significant IT sector. In general, the Indian media welcomed the call for the necessary regulation of AI processes and the insistence on the primacy of the individual over profit and innovation.

ASIA/MYANMAR - Radio Veritas speaks two new languages: the "Good News" for ethnic minorities, amid displacement and uncertainty

Tue, 26 May 2026 14:37:18 +0200

Yangon - “Radio Veritas Asia” , the radio station of the Catholic communities on the Asian continent, is expanding its language coverage in Myanmar and launching broadcasts in Akha and Kayan. The station aims to spread the Gospel in Shan and Karenni States and thus reach ethnic minorities. This was announced on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, at at St. Mary's Cathedral in Yangon. Cardinal Charles Bo, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar, called it a “blessed day for the Church in Myanmar.”
The new programs are intended to reach two ethnic communities in Myanmar: The Akha program is aimed at approximately 700,000 members of the Akha ethnic group, particularly in Shan State, as well as many faithful in the Diocese of Kengtung. The Kayan Service serves approximately 250,000 people in Kayah State , with communities concentrated primarily in the dioceses of Pekhon, Loikaw, Taungngu, and Taunggyi. The initiative sparked great joy and gratitude, expressed by the head of the Akha RVA Service, John Saw Yaw Han, Bishop of Kengtung, and the head of the Kayan RVA Service, Most Rev. Felice Ba Htoo, Coadjutor Bishop of Pekhon.
Radio Veritas Asia broadcasts include religious content, daily refelctions, Sunday homilies, Church news, lives of saints, programs for youth and families, and messages from the Pope. "RVA's ministry is also an opportunity to remain in constant contact and communion with the Pope and the universal Church," the bishops stated, "and provides vital spiritual guidance through the Word of God for the needy, the weary, and the displaced."
Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of Loikaw remarked, “RVA brings the message of the Gospel to the margins of society; the Good News reaches families, young people, the elderly, and society as a whole, touching people’s hearts.” The national coordinator of Radio Veritas in Myanmar, Father Patrick Soe Htun, described “Radio Veritas” as “a bridge connecting people across borders and difficulties, especially during the challenging times Myanmar is going through.”
Monsignor Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Holy See to Myanmar, welcomed the expansion of the service, urging the new communicators to become “voices of hope” amidst suffering and uncertainty. The two new services broadcast their programs particularly in areas affected by the civil war: the social situation in Shan State remains extremely unstable and marked by clashes between the army and local groups. The tightening of economic blockades is leading to critical food insecurity for the most vulnerable populations and acute malnutrition among internally displaced persons. The situation in Kayah State, Myanmar's smallest state, is among the most dramatic of the entire Burmese civil war. Heavy fighting is taking place there. An estimated more than half of the State's population has been forced to flee, and tens of thousands of internally displaced persons have sought refuge in the jungle or along the Thai border. The war has plunged the state into a permanent humanitarian crisis, with the civilian population caught between fighting and severe difficulties in securing their daily livelihoods. RVA's current language service offerings in Myanmar now include the following languages: Burmese, Sgaw Karen, Pwo Karen, Kachin Jinghpaw, Kachin Lisu, Kachin Rawang, Hakha Chin, Falam Chin, Tedim Chin, K'Cho, Akha, and Kayan. With these two new language services, RVA now covers 12 local languages in Myanmar, bringing the total number of languages offered by RVA to 23.

ASIA/INDIA - Instability, roadblocks, and protests in Manipur: high tensions and hostage crisis continues

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:38:36 +0200

Imphal - There is no peace in Manipur. According to local Fides sources, the state is experiencing a new escalation of instability and protests demanding the release of 14 Kuki and 6 Naga hostages, abducted by armed groups, amidst chaos and social tensions. Roadblocks and protests are underway in several areas, and traffic on highways in the hilly districts has been disrupted. The hostage crisis between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities is now in its second week and has not yet been resolved, despite negotiations, mediation efforts by religious leaders, and operations by security forces.
The crisis began after an ambush on a convoy of Baptist pastors and the murder of three pastors: Vumthang Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou . The subsequent kidnappings, carried out in retaliation, demonstrate how quickly the situation deteriorated into widespread instability. Despite the attacks they have suffered, Christian religious leaders have been directly involved in the crisis, which involves civilian hostages from both communities, alongside tribal organizations, civil society groups, local authorities, and security forces, to mediate the release of the abductees. Meanwhile, investigations continue to find those responsible for the ambush and the murder of the three pastors. Currently, the attackers have not yet been identified, and the reasons for this massacre, which targeted people deeply committed to peace and reconciliation, remain unclear.
Five people wounded in the ambush are still hospitalized in Imphal. This attack raises serious concerns about the safety of religious leaders operating in an area of open conflict, "as Christian communities committed to peace face increasing vulnerability," a local priest told Fides. "Right now," he noted, "it is essential to protect religious leaders engaged in reconciliation within the inter-ethnic conflict between the Kuki, Meitei, and Naga ethnic groups." Manipur has been gripped by a conflict since 2023 that initially pitted the Kuki and Meitei groups against each other, and has since expanded to include the Naga.

ASIA/LAOS AND CAMBODIA - Confirmation of the Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:29:49 +0200

Vatican City - On October 4, 2025, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , confirmed Father Paul Chatsirey Roeung as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Laos and Cambodia for the five-year term 2025-2030. EG

AFRICA/TUNISIA - Confirmation of the Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:26:09 +0200

Vatican City - On August 1, 2025, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , confirmed Msgr. Nicolas Pierre Jean Lhernould, Archbishop of the Diocese of Tunis, as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Tunisia for the five-year period 2025-2030 . EG

AFRICA/NIGERIA - Nine dead and 25 kidnapped in three months in attacks against parish communities in Kaduna State

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:23:23 +0200

Abuja – At least nine people have been killed and another 25 kidnapped in the last three months in various attacks against parish communities in Kurmin Dangana, Kaduna State, in north-central Nigeria. This was reported by Father Christian Okewu Emmanuel, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, in a letter sent to the Catholic General Secretariat in Abuja.
“I write to notify you of the incessant terrorist attacks on some communities and outstations under the pastoral care of Saints Peter and Paul parish in Kurmin Dangana District of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the letter reads.
“The latest attack took place on Thursday, May 21, at Kurmin Bongo station.”The Terrorist struck between 10:00pm and 1:00am, during a heavy rainfall. In spite of the efforts of the vigilante group, five persons were killed, while ten others were abducted, out of which two were rescued through the efforts of the vigilante group."
The Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kaduna also recalled that there had already been two other attacks in the outstations of Kasaru-B on the 2nd of March, and Sabon Gari on the 1st of May. During the attack on Kasaru-B, one person was shot dead, another sustained several gun-shot injuries, while eight others including the Mai Wa'azi, were abducted. Although they later regained their freedom, two of them were killed in the terrorists' den."
"The attack in Sabo Gari outstation took place barely two weeks after victims from Kasaru-B were released, two persons sustained gun-shot injuries, while ten others were abducted. One of them was also killed while still in the camp of the terrorists." The repeated attacks have also led to the displacement of numerous residents from the affected communities. The Archdiocese has asked the government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the besieged areas. The serious insecurity affects several states in the Federation and impacts communities of different religious affiliations, not only Christian ones. Even an association of Fulani herders, sometimes considered among the attackers of settled communities, has denounced the insecurity in Kogi State. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria , an informal pressure group that promotes the interests of Fulani herders, denounced the murder of eight of its members in the Ankpa Local Government Area, in Kogi State. In response to increased security threats, an aide to President Bola Tinubu has asked residents of Kwara and Kogi states to temporarily suspend religious celebrations in mountainous and forested areas. Finally, the 37 worshippers captured on Easter Sunday, April 5, in the community of Ariko, in the Kachia Local Government Area, remain in captivity . The kidnappers are demanding 1 billion naira and 35 motorcycles for their release, threatening to kill the hostages if their demands are not met.