With the Myanmar military taking a more direct role in efforts to suppress protests, the death toll rose quickly on Sunday.
International
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis celebrates 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines
Pope Francis recalled that when the Christian message first arrived, “You received the joy of the Gospel: the good news that God so loved us that he gave his Son for us. And this joy is evident in your people.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
It’s official: St. Patrick’s Day is canceled in Ireland
There will be no parades in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, and the government has warned that people who try to organize parties to celebrate the day will face fines and criminal prosecution.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Interview: How Pope Francis is transforming Catholic-Muslim relations
While churches and mosques have been built for centuries in close proximity to each other, the relationship between those who worship God inside these sacred houses of prayer has not always been as close.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Iraq is Pope Francis’ most complicated papal trip ever
The journey to Iraq will be a high-risk standout among the pope’s various efforts to bring attention to the church’s margins.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Polish court acquits activists who put LGBT rainbow on icon of Mary
A Polish court on Tuesday acquitted three activists who had been accused of desecration and offending religious feelings for producing and distributing images of a revered Roman Catholic icon altered to include the LGBT rainbow.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Catholics in Quebec are leaving the church in droves. Can reinventing parish life save it?
“A prophetic church like [the one sought by Pope Francis], highlighting social justice and solidarity with the destitute and the persecuted, has the potential of closing the chasm between the church and the modern, secular culture of Quebec.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Nigeria’s Catholic priests are in fear for their lives after a slew of kidnappings and attacks
The growing attacks on priests and their ministries has left many living in fear. “The security situation is not just bad; it is extremely so,” said Father Bassey. “You want to hurry to get back home; you don’t want to be in a lonely place; you can’t step out and take a stroll.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
The Catholic Church in Spain is losing the euthanasia debate. Can it re-enter the conversation if it becomes legal?
Spanish bishops published their own letter on the issue last December, “Sowers of Hope,” in which they reminded Catholics that “there is no one that can’t be cared for even if they are incurable.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
A church survey reveals how mothers in Brazil are struggling to care for newborns in prison.
The Brazilian Constitution secures the right of women who are incarcerated to breastfeed their babies for six months. The law also allows them to serve their time at home. The decision is left to a judge.