Ukraine bishop predicts new exodus of refugees: ‘How can they stay?’ October 21, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, War in Ukraine, World News A Ukrainian bishop has warned of a humanitarian disaster caused by Russian attacks on his country’s power and water supplies and predicted a “huge new wave of refugees” desperate to survive winter.
Russian bishops: Nation must recognize conscientious objection to war September 29, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, War in Ukraine, World News Russia’s bishops said Catholics face dilemmas responding to a mass call-up for the war in Ukraine, and they urged President Vladimir Putin’s government to recognize conscientious objection.
Russian priest says Catholics, including clerics, fear conscription September 22, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, War in Ukraine, World News A senior Russian priest dismissed President Vladimir Putin’s threats of nuclear war as “just words,” but said many young Catholics now fear being forcibly conscripted with their priests to join the war against Ukraine.
Catholics ‘upbeat’ on Ukraine’s independence day, despite fear of attacks August 24, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, War in Ukraine, World News Many of Ukraine’s Catholics remain “upbeat and determined” despite fears of intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Independence Day, said a senior priest, who added that parish life was also continuing under tight surveillance in occupied areas.
Bucharest Archdiocese welcomes order to demolish building near cathedral August 1, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, World News Romanian officials have ordered the demolition of a 23-story office building overshadowing Bucharest’s Catholic cathedral, 10 years after a ruling that it was built illegally and endangers the historic landmark.
Lithuanian archbishop urges firmer church stance on war in Ukraine July 22, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News The top representative of Europe’s Catholic bishops said the Vatican is changing its approach to the war in Ukraine because of the unlikelihood of a mediated settlement, and praised the resilience of Ukrainians in withstanding Russian aggression.
Ecumenical patriarch pledges solidarity with Ukrainians during Warsaw visit March 28, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople pledged solidarity with Ukrainians forced to flee their country and thanked neighboring Poland for showing “generosity, charity and hospitality” since the start of the Russian invasion.
Russian Catholics cautious about opinions but welcome consecration to Mary March 18, 2022By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News Although Russia’s Catholics hold different views about the conflict in Ukraine, a spokesman for the country’s bishops said all are united in welcoming Pope Francis’ plan to consecrate their country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary March 25 in a service at the Vatican.
Polish cardinal could face jail time for failing to report abuse March 16, 2021By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, World News A Polish cardinal, former secretary to St. John Paul II, could face jail time after a Polish state commission accused him of ignoring sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
Spanish lawyers act to prevent removal of crosses by local officials February 15, 2021By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, World News A group of Spanish lawyers has launched petitions and lawsuits to prevent the removal of crosses by local officials, after claims that Christian symbols are linked with the country’s former dictatorship.
Russian Catholic urges nation’s bishops to speak out on massive arrests February 4, 2021By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, World News A prominent Russian Catholic urged his nation’s bishops to condemn the mass arrest and beating of protesters, but the Moscow archdiocesan chancellor said the church could not comment on “political matters.”
EU Catholic leaders urge tougher policies to protect Arctic November 19, 2020By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service Filed Under: Environment, Feature, News, World News Two European Catholic commissions warned that Arctic warming is intensifying competition over the region’s resources and urged tougher policies to protect its biodiversity and Indigenous communities.