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The best in Catholic news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Italian official says ‘it seems’ Italian Jesuit was kidnapped in Syria
After more than a week with no word from Jesuit Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, an Italian priest who worked for decades in Syria, Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said, “it seems he has been kidnapped by an Islamist group” that is a “local version of al-Qaida,” the terrorist group.
Madagascar archbishops confirm no contraceptives in CRS programs
Two Madagascar archbishops confirmed in talks with leading U.S. church leaders that Catholic Relief Services is not providing or facilitating access to contraceptives and abortifacients in its health care programs in their archdioceses.
Zimbabwean bishops urge political parties to accept election results
As Zimbabwe’s church leaders called on the country’s political parties to accept the results of July 31 elections, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference said he hoped that the church can help mediate a peaceful resolution.
Pope writes to world’s Muslims at end of Ramadan, urges mutual respect
As a sign of his “esteem and friendship,” Pope Francis said he personally wanted to write this year’s Vatican message to Muslims about to celebrate the end of their monthlong Ramadan fast.
Motherly tenderness: Pope says church must embody, mirror God’s mercy
Mercy is a word Pope Francis uses often, and an attitude he believes the Catholic Church must embody and all Catholics must mirror.
Against the tide: the pope rallies a counterculture
At a weekly public audience earlier this year, the pope underscored one of his characteristic themes: the countercultural implications of membership in the church.
Zimbabwe church leaders cite irregularities, laud ‘peaceful’ election
Zimbabwe’s general elections took place peacefully and have put the country “on the path to a democratic dispensation,” said Father Frederick Chiromba, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Bishop urges Nigerians to watch out for potential bombers
Nigerians who live in areas targeted by Islamist insurgents Boko Haram must be observant and vigilant about happenings around them, said a bishop in an area hit by recent bombings.
Peace committee says foreigners support South Sudan rebel leader
A committee of religious and civic leaders said a South Sudanese rebel leader was being supported by a foreign government in an effort to destabilize the young nation.
Pope, with fellow Jesuits, prays for ‘grace of shame,’ humility
Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius with more than 200 of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis prayed that he and all of them would receive “the grace of shame” for their failures and the humility to recognize that whatever good they accomplish is really done by the Lord.
