Archive for November 20, 2019

Pope Francis greets His Holiness Somdej Phra Maga Muneewong at the Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram Temple in Bangkok Nov. 21. ?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a meeting with Thailand's Supreme Buddhist Patriarch, Pope Francis encourages peace

Catholics and Buddhists share should work together to advance the cause of mercy in the world, Pope Francis said Thursday... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to authorities in Bangkok, Thailand Nov. 21, 2019. ?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

Strive for unity amid diversity, Pope Francis tells authorities in Thailand

In his first official speech in Thailand Thursday, Pope Francis encouraged the Thai authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps to... Read more

Illustration of the Japanese Tanabata mythology. ?w=200&h=150

Tokyo archbishop: Japanese Shinto celebrations a chance for evangelization

Though it is mostly an irreligious country, seemingly untroubled by matters of the hereafter, Japan is over-run with festivals and... Read more

Students, friends, and relatives of political prisoners protest in front of a police line at the Universidad Centroamericana in Managua, Nov. 19, 2019. ?w=200&h=150

Opposition activists hold hunger strikes in Nicaraguan churches

Pro-government forces have ended a siege of the Managua cathedral as mothers holding a hunger strike there were evacuated, though... Read more

People line up for new coats Nov. 20 at a Denver coat giveaway organized by the Knights of Columbus. ?w=200&h=150

By Mary Farrow

Knights of Columbus give hundreds of new coats to Denver’s homeless before snowfall

On a partly cloudy and relatively pleasant November morning in downtown Denver, volunteers with the Knights of Columbus set up... Read more

Indian wedding. ?w=200&h=150

Catholic Church in India launches website to help widows remarry

The Catholic Church in Kerala is hoping to help widows in India - who often suffer from social stigmas -... Read more

Flag and cross at sunset. ?w=200&h=150

By Matt Hadro

Support for religious freedom still strong despite culture wars

A new report by a leading legal group claims that, despite deep division and polarization in the U.S., there is... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta. ?w=200&h=150

Prosecutor calls for arrest of Vatican bishop charged with abusing Argentine seminarians

A criminal prosecutor in Argentina has requested the arrest of Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, who is accused of sexually abusing two... Read more

Staff members changing hospital bed sheets. ?w=200&h=150

Third judge finds against conscience protection rule for medical workers

A third federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s conscience protection rule for medical professionals who object to abortions... Read more

Syrian Refugees Camp at Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. ?w=200&h=150

Lebanon on the brink: Syrian crisis threatens 'last safe haven' for Christians

A new report claims that the Syrian refugee crisis is severely burdening Lebanon’s limited resources and threatens its pluralism, requiring immediate... Read more

Pope Francis arrives in Thailand Nov. 20, 2019. ?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

Thai bishop: Pope’s visit a significant moment for small Catholic community

Pope Francis’ trip to Thailand is a meaningful moment for the small Catholic community, and marks an important anniversary in... Read more

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Politician of Spain's Vox party offers ultrasounds outside Madrid abortion clinics

Gádor Joya, a pediatrician and a legislator of the Assembly of Madrid from the Vox party, operates the “Life Ambulance... Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin. ?w=200&h=150

By Ed Condon,JD Flynn

Cardinal Parolin says he arranged controversial hospital loan, Papal Foundation grant

The Vatican Secretary of State told CNA this week that he is responsible for arranging a controversial loan for the... Read more

Palestine and Israel border. ?w=200&h=150

Vatican affirms need for two-state solution after U.S. shift on Israeli settlements

The Holy See on Wednesday reaffirmed its support of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, after recent shifts in... Read more

Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo. CNA file photo.?w=200&h=150

Archbishop of Tokyo: ‘Collapse of traditional family system’ a challenge for irreligious Japan

The Archbishop of Tokyo, Isao Kikuchi, spoke with CNA about the challenge for Japanese Catholic churches to keep Catholics engaged,... Read more

A soldier from Burkina Faso takes part in a training exercise near Ouagadougo, Burkina Faso in April 2018. ?w=200&h=150

In West Africa, Church leaders meet to discuss humanitarian crisis

Bishops and Catholic leaders from West Africa concluded a two-day meeting last week by reaffirming their commitment to work for... Read more