Pope Francis surprised a group of teenagers on April 23 in St. Peter’s Square, telling them that happiness is not a downloadable app and then hearing the confessions of 16 teens as he joined 150 other priests offering the sacrament of reconciliation. • Bishop Ägidius Zsifkovics of Austria refused to allow the installation of a fence on church property by border officials, arguing on April 21 that the barrier, meant to keep out refugees, was contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. • Zambians are shocked and ashamed of the xenophobic violence primarily against Rwandans in the capital, Lusaka, a church spokesperson said on April 22. • On the same day that Pope Francis brought 12 Syrian refugees to Rome from Greece, April 20, a merchant ship picked up 41 refugees in the Mediterranean who told human rights workers they had seen as many as 500 people drown when their boat capsized. • Pope Francis’ plea for humanitarian aid for Ukraine is bringing needed attention to a forgotten war, said Ukrainian Catholic leaders, as parishes throughout Europe prepared to take up a special collection the pope requested for Ukraine on April 24.
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“His presence brings prestige to our nation and to the entire Group of 7. It is the first time that a pope will participate in the work of the G7,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
“Many conflicting, divergent and often contradictory views of the human person have found wide acceptance … they have led to holders of traditional theories being cancelled or even losing their jobs,” the bishops said.
Robots can give you facts. But they can’t give you faith.
“Irena’s Vow” is true story of a Catholic nurse who used her position to shelter a dozen Jews in World War II-era Poland.