Hunger is so severe in drought-ridden southern Madagascar that many people in remote villages have eaten almost nothing but cactus fruit for up to four years.
Africa
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Bishops of Rwanda ask forgiveness for Catholics’ role in 1994 genocide
In 14 points, the bishops ask forgiveness for the role that some members of the Catholic Church played during the genocide, especially for the pastors that “sowed seeds of hate.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
News briefs
The Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which includes the bishops of Sudan and South Sudan, said in a statement released on Nov. 8 that “there is nothing more needed than forgiveness”; to heal the divisions both countries have experienced over decades of conflict.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
News Briefs
Iraqi Christians gathered on Oct. 25 at the Church of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ainkawa, Turkey, to offer prayers of support for Iraqi forces pressing an offensive against the Islamic State around Mosul. • President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela met privately with Pope Francis an Oct. 24 as the Vatican began a mediation […]
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
In South Africa, are student demonstrations a sideshow to the nation’s real problems?
Chaos and intransigence in the universities is matched by absurd criminal charges against a minister of finance who may only be doing his job too well.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
South Africa Bishops Urge Government to Reconsider Withdrawal from International Court
The bishops said they were deeply concerned that a South African withdrawal will “influence and encourage other African countries to leave the court en masse.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
In South Africa a Jesuit church will remain a sanctuary, but not a meeting place for ending fees conflict
The vice chancellor had to be escorted out of the church, over the sanctuary and through the back entrance, protected by clergy, peace monitors and organizers of the meeting.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
The ‘safe and neutral space’ of Jesuit church closes amid South African university crisis
“Since genuine attempts to dialogue and find a resolution to the crisis seem to have ended, Trinity is regrettably no longer available as a venue for meeting,” the Jesuits said.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
News Briefs
In his message for World Food Day on Oct. 14, Pope Francis urged consumers to take responsibility for their use and waste of food and actions that harm the environment. • The Diocese of Baton Rouge has been helping flood victims deal with the stress of “letting go” and adjusting to
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Cardinal welcomes released Chibok girls with open arms, but heavy heart for remaining captives
The release of the 21 girls was part of a deal brokered by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss and Nigerian governments.