Catholic News

Full Article

The shrines dedicated to the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Our Lady of Luján, and Our Lady of Peace are part of Pope Leo XIV's itinerary through Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, respectively.

Two of these devotions are linked to the history of South American independence, while the third was a source of inspiration for Robert Prevost during his years as bishop of Chiclayo.

These are not three identical stops. In Florida, Uruguay, and Luján, Argentina, the Holy Father will celebrate the Eucharist. In Chiclayo, however, the program includes a meeting with bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and pastoral workers.

All three locations, however, share something in common: They are places where the history of their respective peoples is intertwined with faith in the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

Our Lady of the Thirty-Three and Uruguayan nationhood

The first stop will be in Florida, a city linked to one of the decisive episodes in Uruguayan history. It is home to the National Shrine of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Uruguay's patroness, whose image is associated with a tradition concerning the nation's independence.

The small, wooden carving of the Virgin Mary is believed to have arrived in the region during the 18th century. Its history became intertwined with that of the men who spearheaded the territory's emancipation.

In 1825, representatives gathered in Florida proclaimed independence and, according to a tradition preserved by the Uruguayan Church, subsequently went to pray before the image of the Virgin, entrusting the future of the nation to the Mother of God.

Monsignor Esteban Puig Tarrats recounts this episode in his book "La Aurora de América" ("The Dawn of America"). The author notes that, after drafting the Declaration of Independence, the 33 patriots proceeded to the church carrying the tricolor flag and placed the cause they had just proclaimed under the protection of Mary.

The devotion took the name "Virgin of the Thirty-Three" in reference to the key figures in the fight for independence. Decades later, in 1962, Pope John XXIII declared her the patroness of Uruguay.

St. John Paul II also visited the shrine during his visit to the country in 1988. Now, it is Pope Leo XIV who will be in Florida. On Nov. 8, he will celebrate Mass there, a visit that will join together the nation's religious heritage with one of the most significant moments in its history.

Luján: The ox cart that wouldn't budge

The story of Our Lady of Luján begins with an episode that for nearly four centuries has been part of the Argentine Catholic tradition.

In 1630, a Portuguese landowner named Antonio Farías de Sá commissioned two religious images to be made for a chapel he intended to build on his estate, located in what is now the province of Santiago del Estero. The carvings arrived at the port of Buenos Aires and began their journey toward their destination by oxcart.

Upon reaching the banks of the Luján River, the oxen refused to budge. The teamsters tried to get them moving again, but were unable to do so. According to the traditional account, the cart could only continue on its way once the crate containing the image of the Immaculate Conception was removed. Those present interpreted this as a sign that the Virgin wished to remain in that place.

The episode is also recounted in Puig's book "La Aurora de América," giving special attention to Manuel, an African slave who was entrusted with the care of the image. Known as "El Negro Manuel," he remained by its side for decades and helped spread devotion to it. He also assisted in collecting donations for the construction of a chapel.

The small image, which was initially intended to continue its journey toward Santiago del Estero, ended up becoming the center of one of the most significant Marian pilgrimages in Argentina.

Over time, a shrine was built that today welcomes thousands of the faithful. The image was solemnly crowned in 1887 and the Virgin of Luján was recognized as the patroness of Argentina. The basilica, built in a neo-Gothic style, is now closely associated with the religious identity of the country.

Leo XIV will arrive in Lujan on Nov. 11. Mass is scheduled to take place in the square in front of the basilica, where a large number of the faithful are expected to gather to attend the pope's Mass and entrust their intentions to the patroness of Argentina.

Chiclayo and the shrine to which Leo XIV returns as pope

The visit to the shrine of Our Lady of Peace will have a special significance. For Leo XIV, Chiclayo is not just another city on the itinerary: He served as bishop there and carried out a large part of his pastoral ministry in Peru.

His connection to the shrine is recorded in its visitors' book. On Oct. 21, 2015, just months after taking charge of the diocese, Prevost wrote therein a handwritten message in which he entrusted his life and his episcopal ministry to the Virgin Mary.

Those who spent time with him during those years recall that he frequently visited the shrine to pray and see the sisters there. He also took part in gatherings with priests and in retreats, and spent time at the pre-seminary. Devotion to Our Lady of Peace was a part of his daily life during his time serving as bishop of Chiclayo.

Years later, now as pope, he reaffirmed that bond. In January, Leo XIV chose the shrine in Chiclayo as the site for the main celebration of the World Day of the Sick. In a letter, he recalled that ever since his episcopal ordination he had entrusted his mission and the growth in faith of the people of God to the Virgin Mary.

This choice held special significance for the local community. The place where Prevost had so often gone to pray became the setting for a global-scale celebration dedicated to the sick and those who care for them.

On Nov. 13, the pope will return to the shrine to meet with representatives of the Peruvian Church. It will be one of the most personal moments of his visit to the country: He will return to the city where he once served as a pastor, and to a church where he entrusted his ministry to Our Lady.

3 stories that converge in Mary

The histories of these shrines differ. In Florida, devotion to the Virgin became closely associated with Uruguayan independence; in Luján, a stalled oxcart gave rise to a tradition that spread throughout Argentina; and in Chiclayo, the connection between Leo XIV and Our Lady of Peace began during his years of episcopal service.

This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article

Poland's Catholic bishops have asked the faithful to fast and do penance on Tuesday, Nov. 10, for social peace, national understanding, and reconciliation amid a political crisis over the Constitutional Tribunal.

The Permanent Council of the Polish Bishops' Conference issued the appeal after an emergency meeting Wednesday in Warsaw. In a Nov. 4 statement ahead of Independence Day on Nov. 11, the bishops said they were witnessing deep social and political divisions that had been growing for years and were turning into hatred and aggression.

They asked Catholics "to take up fervent prayer for social peace, national understanding, and reconciliation" and for "light and wisdom for those who govern," recommending Father Piotr Skarga's prayer for the homeland among other prayers. "Let us also take up fasting and penance this coming Tuesday, Nov. 10," they wrote.

Citing Article 1 of the Constitution, they recalled that the Republic of Poland "is the common good of all citizens" and that politicians "will give an account for it before God, the nation, and history."

"Out of concern for the good of the homeland and for social peace, we call once again for the conflict not to be escalated, for constructive dialogue to be taken up, for all difficulties to be resolved peacefully, and for prejudices and forceful actions to be abandoned!" the bishops wrote. "All parties to the conflict need the gifts of prudence, humility, and responsibility."

They also declared readiness "to give every possible help to initiate and support a process of mediation and dialogue" in the present crisis.

Jesuit Father Leszek Gesiak, the conference spokesman, said the bishops had carefully examined media reports from Poland. "We clearly have a serious crisis," he said, according to PAP. Asked if they would mediate if asked, he said yes — ready to initiate and support a process so that "dialogue and reconciliation" prevail.

The appeal comes amid the ongoing power struggle over the Constitutional Tribunal.

This story was first published by CNA Deutsch, the German-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article

South Korean Catholic organizers have announced the principal venues for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. Seoul World Cup Stadium will host the opening Mass, papal welcome ceremony, and Way of the Cross, while Seoul Airport in Seongnam, just outside the capital, will host the vigil and closing Mass.

Organizers expect about 500,000 registered pilgrims, including 400,000 international participants from approximately 190 countries, with up to 1 million people attending the closing Mass. The main events will take place Aug. 3–8, 2027. Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul said the gathering would encourage young people to rediscover their dignity and encounter others across their differences.

On Oct. 31, the government of South Korea, the parliament, and the Catholic Church signed a joint declaration at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul, pledging nationwide support for World Youth Day 2027, "including measures on security, immigration, transportation, legislation, and funding," according to LiCAS News.

Ethiopia's Catholic bishops decry killing of Christians

Members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) have condemned the killing of Christians and destruction of property in the country, calling on the relevant authorities to take necessary law enforcement measures to protect lives, safeguard property, and restore peace and security, according to a report by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa.

In a statement of condolence issued on Nov. 2, GBCE members referred to the tragic killing of Christians and the destruction of property that occurred in Merti and Shirka areas of Arsi Zone, South-East Oromia Region, during the month of October.

"We also wish to express our deep sorrow over additional conflicts and killings of innocent people that have taken place," the bishops said, according to ACI Africa. The Catholic leaders expressed sadness that such incidents continue to occur repeatedly in different parts of the country, strongly condemning what they described as "inhumane actions."

Australia Catholics mark Prison Sunday 2026

On Sunday, Nov. 8, Catholics in Australia mark Prison Sunday, an annual day to remember and pray for prisoners, their loved ones, and those who care for and minister to them, including prison chaplains.

Bishop Tim Norton, SVD, Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference delegate for prisons, said in a press release that prisoners, released prisoners, and their family members often find themselves stigmatized. "But all people are deserving of dignity and respect which can be shown through personal connection," he said.

Norton expressed gratitude in advance of the day for all those who minister to people in prison across Australia.

Maronite prayer hall vandalized in northern Israel

The Maronite prayer hall of Sts. Peter and Paul in Nahariya, northern Israel, was vandalized by unidentified individuals on Nov. 1, the solemnity of All Saints, Vatican News reported. The Maronite Archeparchy of Haifa firmly condemned the action, saying "such acts can neither be justified nor tolerated" and called for a formal investigation.

Archbishop Moussa El-Hage of the Maronite Archeparchy of Haifa said in his statement: "This is a grave and unacceptable attack, not only against Church property" but "above all against the sacred character of a place dedicated to worship and against the right of the faithful to practice their religion freely, safely, and with dignity."

There are approximately 60,000 people living in the Christian community in Nahariya, which is located near the border with Lebanon.

Macau Church commemorates 450 years of faith and mission

The Church in Macau in China marked 450 years of missionary heritage at an event with thousands of lay faithful, clergy, and Catholic leaders on Oct. 31 in conjunction with a continental assembly of Asian bishops and communicators who gathered for the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences Office of Social Communication.

According to LICAS News, the two events converged in a solemn pontifical Mass at the Forum de Macau, which was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization and dean of the College of Cardinals.

For the anniversary, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang of Macau issued a pastoral letter "honoring those who preserved and transmitted the apostolic faith across generations" and recalling Macau's historical role as a "Gateway of Faith" in the region. Established in 1576, the Macau Diocese was the first modern diocese created in Asia.

Christian youth festival in Holy Land draws hundreds

Over 300 young Catholics gathered the weekend of Oct. 31 with other young people from parishes across the Holy Land for an annual festival, according to Vatican News. The Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking participants "celebrated hope and unity."

Father Piotr Zelazko, patriarchal vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel, drew "attention to the wounds and difficulties that mark the daily lives and hearts of young people in the Holy Land" and said that every young person there bears "wounds inflicted by wars, suffering, and each person's individual experiences — all the burdens they carry in their hearts."

Zelazko said he hopes the festival, which was organized by the St. James Vicariate, a community of Hebrew-speaking Catholics associated with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, will continue as an annual event and eventually welcome young people from other countries as well.

Lebanese priest's court summons sparks anger

The summons of Father Najib Al-Amil, a priest in the southern Lebanese village of Rmeish, has sparked protests among Christians already facing the hardships of war and isolation, according to ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News.

According to Nidaa Al-Watan, the case stems from a construction dispute in which the priest requested a delay to prevent tensions. A judge reportedly interpreted his remarks as a threat involving Israeli forces.

Residents gathered in solidarity with the priest, who remained with his community throughout the conflict. He has agreed to appear for questioning once safe travel is possible, as the incident raises broader concerns about the state's treatment of vulnerable Christian border communities.

Iraqi Christian lawmaker warns electoral system threatens community's political voice

Iraqi Christian parliamentarian Kaldo Ramzi Oghanna is calling for electoral reforms to protect the political representation of Christians, warning that the current system allows voters outside the community to influence seats reserved for Christian candidates.

Speaking to ACI MENA, Oghanna, who heads the Sowayana-Al-Irada parliamentary bloc, proposed creating a dedicated Christian electoral register. He argued that the existing arrangement undermines independent representation and benefits political groups with support beyond the Christian community.

His concerns extend beyond elections. Decades of persecution, displacement, and emigration have significantly weakened Iraq's Christian presence, raising fears about the community's long-term survival.

Oghanna urged Iraqi authorities to address these challenges through stronger security protections, property rights, employment opportunities, and investment in Christian areas. He also called for initiatives encouraging emigrants to return, stressing that political representation should serve the community's security, rights, and future in Iraq.

First Christian elected as deputy speaker of Kurdistan Parliament

Rami Noori Syawish has become the first Christian elected deputy speaker of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Parliament since its establishment in 1992, securing 52 votes in the 100-seat legislature, ACI MENA reported Nov. 5.

His election marks a milestone for Christian political participation amid continuing concerns over emigration, security, and the reduction of Christian quota seats from six to three.

A.C. Wimmer contributed to this report.

Full Article

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Pope Leo XIV arrived in South America on Nov. 6, kicking off an 11-day trip that will take him from the continent's Southern Cone to the highlands of the Andes and Amazon rainforest.

The papal flight landed in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, at 4:17 p.m. local time (2:17 p.m. ET). Leo was scheduled later in the day to address President Yamandú Orsi and other dignitaries, and then to lead a vespers service in the city's cathedral with Uruguay's bishops, clergy, and religious.

It is Leo's first visit to the continent since his election as pope in May 2025, and one filled with personal significance for him. After stops in Uruguay and Argentina, the trip will culminate in Peru, where the man then known as Robert Prevost spent about 20 years as a missionary and a bishop.

Leo is making the demanding journey, which features over 40 public and private events in 14 cities and towns — including Cusco, over 11,000 feet above sea level — despite having undergone surgery for lung cancer less than a month ago, when doctors removed part of his right lung.

The pope's packed schedule includes many of the usual elements of an international papal visit, including open-air Masses; meetings with the local hierarchy; prayer vigils with youth; and visits to Church-affiliated charitable institutions.

Leo also will address local political leaders, when he is likely to speak about the Church's social teaching and in some cases to highlight where that teaching conflicts with government policies.

Argentina and Peru are among a majority of Latin American countries led by right-wing governments, and Leo may voice concerns there about cuts to social spending, immigration enforcement, and the need to respect human rights and the rule of law amid campaigns against drug trafficking and other forms of crime that plague the region.

In Uruguay, one of Latin America's most secular countries, currently under a center-left government, Leo may criticize last year's legalization of euthanasia.

The Argentina visit will prominently feature a tribute to Leo's immediate predecessor, Pope Francis, a former archbishop of Buenos Aires, who never returned to his native land as pope.

The longest portion of the visit, and its emotional core, will be Leo's five days in Peru, two of them in his former diocese of Chiclayo, where the U.S.-born pontiff will celebrate his return to his adopted home.

Full Article

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT — Pope Leo came to the back of the plane on Friday to greet approximately 80 journalists traveling with him to South America. He got a bunch of questions in return, most of which he answered.

The pope usually pays a visit to the journalists' section on the outbound flight of an international trip. This is not supposed to be a press conference, which typically happens on the flight home, but reporters naturally spring at the chance to pose quick questions, and Leo is generally obliging.

Many of the questions this time were, unsurprisingly, about the pope's health. He is making the 12-day trip less than a month after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

In brief remarks to the whole cabin, Leo acknowledged that "some people were doubtful about this trip taking place," but he said he "had no doubt and was convinced that this trip had to go forward."

Later, a reporter wanted to know the pope's secret for springing back so quickly from surgery. The answer: "Faith in God, good doctors, and a healthy lifestyle." Leo had advice for cancer patients: "Not to be afraid. Early detection is obviously the best way to go, and so regular checkups are a blessing. And take care of yourselves."

Asked if his surgery, which removed part of his right lung, had given him a new sense of urgency about his agenda, Leo replied that the experience had strengthened his desire to be close to the sick, and his conviction that "healthcare should be a right of all people" — a point he said he planned to make later in the day in a speech to Uruguay's president and other dignitaries.

The pope revealed that his reading in the hospital had consisted of his breviary, prayer book, and unspecified newspapers, and that he has not resumed his tennis game but intends to do so.

Leo said that, at the time of his September visit to the French shrine of Lourdes, where he prayed with the sick, "there were no signs of any difficulties" with his own health, and he was "much more concerned about the health of those there."

The pope was also asked about the recent news that he had voted in this month's election in Illinois by absentee ballot. "I'm proud to be an American and to exercise the right," he said. He declined to comment on election results.

The U.S.-born Leo, who is a naturalized citizen of Peru, said he would have voted earlier this year in that country's elections if he had been able to do so from Rome: "I didn't vote because it wasn't possible, but I would've done it, it's a good thing."

The pope also introduced the press to the new prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, Montse Alvarado, who took office Nov. 1 and is accompanying the pope on his trip to South America. Leo praised Alvarado, who until this month was president and chief operating office of EWTN News, for her "wonderful experience, creativity, and liveliness."

Full Article

An annual forum on artificial intelligence held in Rome this week aimed to foster a new interdisciplinary community dedicated to supporting the development of AI products that serve the Church's mission.

The Builders AI Forum, held Nov. 5–6 at the Pontifical Gregorian University, was centered on Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and brought together companies leading in Catholic AI, venture capital, and angel investors as well as prominent AI thought leaders and researchers.

In his opening remarks, Cardinal Michael Czerny, a founder of the Vatican's inter-dicastery commission on artificial intelligence, drew on his work with the commission to remind participants that we "cannot treat learning as an isolated, transactional process but rather a communal, dialogue form." He went on to say that "we are all impacted by AI but nobody's listening [to one another]."

Vincent Higgins, CEO of the Builders AI Forum, said the event aims to cover four areas: AI in evangelization, in healthcare, in education, and in building and scaling AI for responsible development in creating critical safeguards online.

The prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, Maria Montserrat "Montse" Alvarado, echoed the importance of collaboration — not only with those in the AI community — but also with the Holy Father. She asked the forum participants to ask themselves, "Who are we supposed to be as we develop and shape this technology?", reminding them that they must not lose their interdependence but "leverage the network through the people in this room."

The future of AI policy

Over the course of the two-day summit, religious and industry leaders, as well as policy advocates, gave testimonies reflecting what was being discussed in the workshop groups.

One participant was Megan Garcia, who tragically lost her son, Sewell, by suicide after forming a romantic attachment with a chatbot. She told EWTN News the primary message she wants to advocate for is accountability — "Who is responsible when AI hurts a child?"

To make AI chatbots safe for children in the future, Garcia said that companies need to partake in third-party release testing and make sure that they cannot release, retain, or sell children's data. Speaking through her personal experience, Garcia highlighted that any policy that is designed to protect children against the dangers of AI would absolutely need to include a measure of accountability.

Repeated many times over the conference, many participants said AI in Catholic schools needs to be kept in line with our Church systems, teaching, and philosophies. Families are operating in their own bubbles, but they need to start having a larger conversation with the community so everyone can be in tune with what is available for families and what should be censored, people at the forum argued.

Speaking on the importance of aligning AI with Catholic morals and beliefs, Matthew Sanders, CEO of Longbeard, a company that organizes the Builders AI Forum, told EWTN News: "AI when it is designed today is designed to align with a billion people, which is an impossible task."

AI access to information

A common theme through every workshop group, especially among AI entrepreneurs, was the need to train their own models by making sure they have access to all the right information. This has been a main focus for Longbeard, particularly its product, Magisterium AI, which Bishop Stephen Wang of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in England mentioned when speaking about priestly formation and AI.

"The reality is that so many people are discovering the faith or seeking answers to their questions through the internet, through AI... this is the starting point," Wang said in comments to EWTN News, noting the importance of using AI as a tool.

Through his experience at the Venerable English College in Rome, Wang reflected that young men coming into seminary are already immersed in AI, so it is important to give them the tools for discernment. The process of priestly formation is very holistic, and it is important to acknowledge the presence and utility of AI in this formation, he said.

Communicating through AI

According to in-house statistics by Magisterium AI and Hallow, their AI tools have helped bring people to the faith and into the Church. Erich Kerekes, CEO and founder of the Hallow app, told EWTN News that "prayer is fundamentally a relationship... coming before God, bringing your needs before him... that is something AI will never be able to come up with." Alvarado reiterated this notion, saying: "The message can't be communicated by AI. It's communicated through AI. AI is not a person, AI is a tool."

"The first thing AI builders need to hear from the Church is that [we're] listening... if they feel accompanied, we'll find a way together," said Czerny, as Sanders said builders should "start from the world and what you want to build and work backwards."

Jeffrey Quesnelle, co-founder and CTO of Nous Research, said in comments to EWTN News that "humans in our messiness and our incompleteness are a source of friction in a lot of instances in life." Ultimately, he added, "AI should make you better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today."

Full Article

A long-running dispute between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Egyptian government over St. Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula and its surrounding lands appears to be nearing resolution after more than a year of negotiations.

The development follows an agreement by Archbishop Symeon Papadopoulos, the monastery's abbot, to sign a contract regulating its legal status. The proposed settlement is expected to be signed in December and to "ensure the continuation of monastic life at the monastery under Egyptian sovereignty" and bring ongoing legal proceedings to an end.

However, some provisions remain unclear, and opposition persists within certain Church circles.

Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had received a letter from Papadopoulos confirming his willingness to sign the agreement concerning the monastery and its surrounding lands.

Abdelatty welcomed the move, reaffirming Egypt's commitment to preserving the monastery and its religious significance as a historic landmark embodying the values of tolerance and coexistence among religions and civilizations.

Speaking to ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, Nader Shukry, a researcher specializing in citizenship issues and Coptic affairs, said an agreement was close to being finalized following lengthy negotiations.

According to Shukry, the proposed settlement has been welcomed by Greece and the three Greek Orthodox patriarchates of Jerusalem, under whose jurisdiction the monastery falls, Constantinople (the Ecumenical Patriarchate), and Alexandria.

Shukry explained that the agreement's full provisions have not yet been officially disclosed. However, information circulating about the negotiations suggests that the settlement will address the status of 72 plots of land surrounding the monastery, some of which have been cultivated by its monks.

In 2015, the South Sinai Governorate filed a lawsuit concerning the properties. In May 2025, an appeals court ruled that the monastery had no legal entitlement to the disputed lands, imposed a fine of 10 million Egyptian pounds, and ordered the monks to vacate the properties.

According to the reported terms of the proposed agreement, the monks would be allowed to continue using the lands they cultivate under a lease arrangement involving a nominal rent. However, the fate of all 72 plots remains uncertain, including whether the monks will be required to vacate some of them.

Shukry also noted that a hearing before Egypt's Court of Cassation, originally scheduled for October, has been postponed until Dec. 27 to allow sufficient time for the agreement to be signed before the court issues its ruling.

He attributed the delay in finalizing the agreement to Papadopoulos' health condition, noting that the archbishop is currently in Greece.

The settlement is also expected to address the residency status of the monastery's monks, all of whom are foreign nationals, by facilitating the renewal of their residence permits.

Following the agreement, a presidential decree is also expected to formally recognize Papadopoulos as head of the monastery, enabling him to conduct banking transactions and complete official administrative procedures.

Shukry pointed to the precedent of Papadopoulos' predecessor, Archbishop Damianos, whose position was formally recognized by a similar decree issued by the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Damianos was also granted Egyptian citizenship.

Shukry believes the settlement will bring greater stability to the monastery while allowing the Egyptian government to proceed with its Great Transfiguration project, an initiative aimed at transforming the St. Catherine area into an international religious tourism destination.

He emphasized that the development project does not affect the monastery itself, rejecting reports suggesting that Egyptian authorities intend to expel the monks or take control of the historic religious site.

Shukry said he expects the agreement to be signed before the Dec. 27 court hearing.

Nevertheless, opposition remains among some monks and clergy, including former abbot Damianos, who reject any agreement recognizing Egyptian state ownership of the monastery and its surrounding lands.

Those opposing the proposed settlement maintain that historical documents preserved at the monastery establish the Church's ownership rights over the property.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Full Article

MAKURDI, Nigeria — Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Nigeria's Diocese of Makurdi has faulted the government over persistent attacks in Benue state and other parts of the country, saying authorities have the capacity to end the violence but lack the political will.

In a Nov. 3 interview with ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, Anagbe alleged that repeated warnings before the deadly attack on the Yelwata community went unheeded.

"If the government wants this problem to stop, it can stop. Nigeria is capable of handling this issue, but they are not willing to do so. It is not that they lack the capacity; they lack the willingness," he said.

The bishop spoke while attending a national workshop for lay leaders of various Church groups organized by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).

Referring to the attack on the Yelwata community, he said warnings were issued about a month and three weeks before the violence, and again 24 hours before the attack.

According to Anagbe, local vigilantes responsible for alerting the people issued the warnings, but no preventive action followed.

He said the attack lasted about four hours, which he believed provided sufficient time for security personnel to intervene.

"But no help came," he lamented.

The Nigerian member of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF/Claretian Missionaries) maintained that local vigilante groups could contribute to addressing the violence if the government demonstrated sufficient commitment.

"If the government wants, even the vigilantes in the villages can handle this issue. I am not even talking about the police," he said.

The bishop also expressed concern about the government's approach to former insurgents described as repentant fighters, warning of the possibility of such individuals infiltrating security structures.

Remembering the victims of Yelwata

Anagbe assured families affected by the violence that the Church had not forgotten their suffering.

He said the victims were initially denied a proper burial. The Church later gave them a Christian burial and inscribed their individual names on a memorial in Yelwata.

"The message is simple: The people must know that the Church has not forgotten them. We remember what they went through, how they died, and the fact that they did not have a proper burial," he said.

The bishop, who began his episcopal ministry in October 2014 as coadjutor bishop of Makurdi Diocese, said the memorial would preserve the victims' identities for future generations.

"By putting their names on the memorial, we ensure that their memory is preserved for generations. These are not fictitious names; each victim's name is recorded there," he said.

Catholic faith in public service

Anagbe, who chairs the Episcopal Commission for Laity at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), also urged lay Catholics to translate their faith into action through political leadership, education, economic development, and the promotion of justice.

Describing the laity as the backbone of the Church, he said they have many apostolates in which they must participate fully. Their presence in different professions and institutions, he added, gives them significant opportunities to influence society.

"They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world," he said.

"Let them truly be the salt that enlivens, refreshes, and gives taste and meaning to life and society. When you eat food without salt, it becomes tasteless. And without light, you can easily stumble and fall," he added.

Anagbe said baptism and confirmation call lay Catholics to bear witness to Christ beyond their participation in Church activities. He identified politics, socioeconomic development, sports, and education as areas in which they should demonstrate their commitment to the Gospel.

Their professional roles and positions of authority, he said, give them greater opportunities than clergy to influence these sectors.

The bishop expressed concern that some Catholic politicians fail to reflect Christian values in public office, stressing that religious affiliation alone does not guarantee authentic Christian witness.

"We do not simply need politicians who identify as Catholics. Some may belong to the Church, but their actions show that they are not living the faith in their public responsibilities," he said.

He urged Catholic politicians to demonstrate consistency between their religious identity and the way they exercise public responsibility.

"You must be a genuine Catholic and a politician at the same time. It is not enough to attend Mass and worship God during election campaigns while failing to live the Christian life in your daily responsibilities," he said.

"Being a Catholic must be evident in both words and deeds. That is what it means to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world."

This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

Full Article

Full Article