Sri Lanka

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Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton celebrating the 2019 Chrism Mass. Courtesy photo, Diocese of Scranton.

Social media, polarization risk fueling violence, bishop says

Apr 30, 2019

By Christine Rousselle

Religious intolerance and violence are being fueled by a polarized society and fanned by social media, Bishop Joseph Bambera of... Read more

Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard outside St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, April 29, 2019.

New safety measures in place after Sri Lanka bombings

Apr 29, 2019

One week after the Sri Lanka Easter bombings, authorities continue to seek those responsible for the violence, while enacting new... Read more

Police officers in Colombo.

Sri Lankan police chief resigns over bombings

Apr 26, 2019

The Sri Lanka chief of police resigned this week after bombings left dead more than 200 Christians on Easter morning.... Read more

 Rome's Catacombs of St. Callixtus.

Commentary: Sri Lanka, martyrdom, and the light of faith

Apr 24, 2019

By Ed Condon

On Saturday night, the Church celebrated its most solemn and joyful liturgy.  Read more

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, Jan. 13, 2015.

Sri Lanka's Ranjith: 'I would have cancelled' Easter Mass if bomb warnings were passed on

Apr 24, 2019

The Archbishop of Colombo says that government officials in Sri Lanka should be fired for failing to act on tips... Read more

Sri Lankan Catholics held a funeral Mass April 23, 2019 for the victims of the attack on St. Sabestian Church in Negambo.

Islamic State claims responsibility for Sri Lanka Easter bombings

Apr 23, 2019

By Courtney Mares

The Islamic State claimed responsibility Tuesday for the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka that killed at least 321 people and... Read more

St Anthony's church in Colombo, Sri Lanka, center of the Easter terrorist attacks. Image via Shutterstock.

'Controlled explosion' near St. Anthony's church as Sri Lanka remains on high alert

Apr 22, 2019

Local media reported scenes of panic and confusion April 22, as crowds fled the area after what has been described... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square March 14, 2018.

Pope Francis: The resurrection is the most shocking event in human history

Apr 22, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Monday that the resurrection of Christ is the most shocking event in human history.  Read more

Sri Lankan hospital workers transport a body to a hospital morgue after several bomb blasts on Easter Sunday.

Sri Lanka Easter attacks draw international condemnation, prayer for victims

Apr 21, 2019

Religious and civil leaders have responded with condolences, prayer, and calls for justice after several explosions at churches and hotels... Read more

Ambulances are seen outside the church premises with gathered people and security personnel following a blast at the St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo on April 21, 2019.

Sri Lanka Easter church and hotel bombings kill at least 200

Apr 21, 2019

At least 200 people were killed in explosions Easter morning, detonated in churches and hotels across Sri Lanka. Hundreds more... Read more

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, Jan. 13, 2015.

Sri Lankan cardinal warns against sketchy 'Sunday Mass' ad

Jun 17, 2016

The Catholic faithful shouldn’t believe a misleading newspaper ad that says Sunday Masses are being held in a hotel room... Read more

Signs posted across Colombo welcome Pope Francis, Jan. 13, 2015.

Pope's visit prompts release of more than 600 Sri Lankan prisoners

Jan 14, 2015

By Alan Holdren, Ann Schneible

Prompted by Pope Francis' visit and in keeping with the ongoing theme of reconciliation, more than 600 men and women... Read more

A statue of St. Joseph Vaz at the Jan. 14 canonization Mass in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Pope Francis lauds first Sri Lankan saint's undivided love for God

Jan 13, 2015

Pope Francis on Wednesday canonized Joseph Vaz, Sri Lanka’s first saint, praising the 17th century priest’s love for the Sri... Read more

Pope Francis arrives in Sri Lanka Jan. 13.

Pope Francis: Sri Lankans can learn to live as one family

Jan 12, 2015

By Mary Farrow

Pope Francis has begun his visit to Sri Lanka, voicing hopes for “days of friendship, dialogue and solidarity.”  Read more

Sri Lankan Catholic students.

Preparing for Francis, Sri Lanka Church considers roadmap for peace

Jan 6, 2015

Deep wounds have barely begun healing. Only few years have passed since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in May 2009.... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during the Wednesday General Audience on April 23, 2014.

What will the Pope be up to in Sri Lanka, Philippines? Take a look

Nov 14, 2014

By Elise Harris

Today the Vatican published the official itinerary for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, during which... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during the Wednesday General Audience on April 23, 2014.

Pope Francis uses fast-track move to canonize first Sri Lankan

Sep 17, 2014

By Ann Schneible

Blessed Joseph Vaz will soon become Sri Lanka's first saint after Pope Francis Sept. 17 advanced his cause for canonization... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square Oct.13, 2013.

Pope's Sri Lanka trip will be January 13-15

Jun 11, 2014

By Elise Harris

The coordinator of Sri Lankan migrants in Italy has confirmed the dates announced by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for Pope Francis’... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for World Youth Day 2013.

Pope Francis announces plans to visit Philippines, Sri Lanka

May 27, 2014

On his return flight from the Holy Land, Pope Francis announced that he will visit Sri Lanka and the Philippines... Read more

Pope Francis.

Pope calls on Church in Sri Lanka to be leaven for reconciliation

May 5, 2014

During his ad limina address Saturday, Pope Francis urged the bishops of Sri Lanka to continue their role in reconciliation... Read more