Nicaragua Intensifies Crackdown on Catholic Church

Nicaragua Intensifies Crackdown on Catholic Church, Blocking Priests from Administering Last Rites

ZENIT Staff

The right to receive spiritual care in times of illness and death is considered by many a fundamental one, and the government’s recent prohibitions have sparked concern worldwide over the trajectory of religious rights under the Ortega administration.

Pope appoints new preacher: Father Raniero Cantalamessa retires after 44 years as Vatican preacher

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis selected Pasolini to succeed Cantalamessa as the Preacher to the Papal Household, entrusting him with the weighty task of guiding the Curia’s spiritual reflections during the key liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. Known for his dynamic involvement in pastoral work, Father Pasolini brings his own unique background to the role.

Australian Catholic University awards honorary doctorate to Grand Master of the Order of Malta

ZENIT Staff

At the end of the lectio magistralis, in which the Grand Master said he was honoured by the recognition bestowed on him by one of the elite top 5% universities globally, the official ceremony of conferring an honorary doctorate was held.

Mexican Cardinal receives medal for “defense” of traditional Mass

Tim Daniels

Cardinal Sandoval Íñiguez and Composer Sir James MacMillan Honored for Liturgical Contributions

Weapons in space: Vatican takes a stand at the UN

Tim Daniels

Vatican Calls for Space as a Peaceful Commons Amid Rising Tensions Over Orbital Militarization

Colombia: Bombing destroys bishops’ residence and offices in Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi

ZENIT Staff

The explosion left the Church buildings “practically destroyed, tearing down walls, doors, windows and the ceiling of the curia and of the bishops’ house, leaving them in ruins,” said Fr Arnulfo Moreno Quiñonez, the provicar of Guapi, who expressed his grief for the loss of human life and the effect of the explosion on the local community.

Nigerian Priest Freed After Offering Himself as Captive, While Abductions of Clergy Surge in the Region

Elizabeth Owens

His release brings a moment of relief amid the tension gripping Nigeria’s Christian communities as clergy face growing threats of kidnapping across the country’s southern region. Just this week, new abductions were reported.

Dire Warnings from Holy Land Leaders as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza, Lebanon, and West Bank

Faris Fayes

Joseph Hazboun, CNEWA’s regional director in Jerusalem, reported unimaginable devastation in Gaza after 14 months of relentless conflict, which has displaced 90% of the population and left its infrastructure in ruins.