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ACI MENA, Sep 2, 2025 / 14:15 pm (CNA).

In the city of Mosul, Iraq, an official celebration was held on Monday, Sept. 1 to mark the reopening of the churches of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception known as Al-Tahera Church (for Syriac Catholics) and Our Lady of the Hour ((within the Dominican Monastery), after their full restoration. 

The event was attended by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, several government officials, and representatives of the organizations that supported the reconstruction.

Speaking inside the Church of the Immaculate Conception, al-Sudani declared: "This church rises from the rubble to represent the house where the Lord gathers people's hearts without division or hostility, in a coexistence as old as Iraq itself." He emphasized that the reopening is a return to "the spirit of Mosul and the brotherhood that unites its people."

Archbishop Benedictus Younan Hanno, bishop of Mosul and its surroundings for the Syriac Catholics, urged the prime minister to extend the same care shown to Iraqi heritage toward "rebuilding the Christian people."

He stressed: "The people of Nineveh need your care and attention, and someone to listen to their cries, especially your sons and daughters from the Christian community."

Hanno noted that around 80% of Iraq's Christians today "suffer violations and denial of their rights," with many forced into exile.

"Iraqi Christians migrated under compulsion, leaving their homeland in tears and pain, and they continue to look forward to returning, longing to see Iraq as a beautiful country again, able to embrace its Christian children alongside their brothers from other communities," he said.

Following the speeches, Hanno, al-Sudani, and other participants rang the church bell and planted an olive tree in its courtyard as a symbol of peace. The prime minister then moved on to the Dominican Monastery to reopen the Church of Our Lady of the Hour.

Destruction and restoration

The churches of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of the Hour, together with the Great al-Nuri Mosque and its famous leaning minaret, all located in Mosul's Old City, suffered extensive destruction during the occupation of the city by the terrorist group ISIS (2014–2017).

After the liberation, UNESCO undertook the restoration of these landmarks as part of its "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" initiative, rebuilding them according to their original designs. The effort was funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU).

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA's Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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ACI Prensa Staff, Sep 2, 2025 / 14:53 pm (CNA).

The bishop of Paterson, New Jersey, Kevin Sweeney, mourned the suicide of Father Rafael Ciro, a Colombian-born priest who served as pastor of St. Stephen's Church. The prelate said he is praying for him and asked for prayers, entrusting him to God's mercy.

In a statement Sweeney noted that the priest, born in 1979 in Colombia, had been "faithful, joyful, and dedicated" since his ordination on May 25, 2013.

The deceased priest served at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson, St. Mary's in Passaic, St. Nicholas in Passaic, and Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary in Dover before being appointed pastor of St. Stephen's in Paterson.

Speaking to Univision, María Rodríguez said that Ciro "was a very good priest. He was very well-loved; he had many people who loved him, even though he is no longer with us. We miss him."

A priest 'is not exempt from illness'

In his statement, the bishop pointed out that "A priest is a human being, and none of us is immune to illness. Though most of us realize that physical illness can be fatal, we may not always realize that the same is true of other illnesses."

"Father Rafael fought the good fight in his struggles with mental illness with the support and care of friends, counselors, and brother priests," he emphasized.

Sweeney also noted that "profound desperation that insidiously led a person of deep faith to this earthly conclusion is impossible to comprehend. Therefore, we lift Father Rafael and his grieving loved ones and colleagues up in prayer for the consolation that only God gives."

A call to hope

"Shaken to the core by this tragedy, our faith in eternal life through Christ is our light in darkness," the bishop affirmed.

"No one of us can – nor will we ever – have complete understanding of Father Rafael's fears and struggles. We do know that he fought with courage to find equilibrium and tranquility that would allow him to live with the peaceful heart for which he longed. The long shadow of this moment does not diminish the bright light of his spirit," he pointed out.

"Grant him, Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace," the prelate prayed.

Funeral services for Father Rafael Ciro

The wake for the priest was scheduled for Sept. 2 at St. Stephen's Parish. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, located at 387-389 Grand Street, Paterson. The Eucharist can be followed at this link.

A private funeral service will be held for the family in Colombia.

In the announcement regarding the funeral service, the Diocese of Paterson asked for continued prayers for Ciro, "his mother, Doña Elena Guarín, his siblings, the priests of Paterson, and his many friends."

Condolences may be sent to the Clergy Personnel Office, St. Paul Inside the Walls, 205 Madison Avenue, Madison, New Jersey 07940.

What does the Catholic Church say about suicide?

The Church's teaching on suicide is found in Nos. 2280-2283 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In his statement, the bishop quoted 2283 which says: "We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives."

Furthermore, although suicide "is contrary to love for the living God," the catechism also establishes in No. 2282 that "Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide."

"With this certainty, we entrust Father Raphael to the infinite mercy of God, rich in compassion," the bishop of Paterson added.

Seek help

If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis or suicidal thoughts, remember that the Catholic Church offers spiritual guidance, prayer, and someone to talk to and encourages seeking professional help.

You can contact helplines, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) for your country, or go to your parish, where you will find pastoral support and resources.

The Catholic Church teaches that life is a gift from God. The Church accompanies those who suffer with compassion and without judgment, offering hope, prayer, and consolation to the affected families.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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ACI Prensa Staff, Sep 2, 2025 / 17:42 pm (CNA).

A new HBO series on Marcial Maciel has once again placed the spotlight on the founder of the Legionaries of Christ and the complaints of sexual abuse against him.

The congregation in Rome confirmed to ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner, that it had known about the production for years and agreed to be interviewed to address their past and show the changes the order has undertaken since the scandal.

"Yes, we are aware of the production," the congregation told ACI Prensa. "At the end of 2022, we received an interview request from the documentary's producers. The project, according to what they said, would address events that were mostly already publicly known thanks to complaints from victims, former members, and specialists, as well as investigations conducted by the congregation and the Holy See," the congregation noted.

They specified that Father Andreas Schöggl, LC, former secretary-general and currently archivist of the congregation, was the only one to grant an interview, "due to his thorough knowledge of the history of the Legion and his ability to explain it accurately and transparently."

The Legionnaires emphasized that "agreeing to the interview did not mean they were collaborating in the production or influencing" the final cut. "We answered every question with complete openness and clarity," they said.

They noted that their website has a specific section on Marcial Maciel and five annual "Truth, Justice, and Healing" reports. They have also implemented a Safe Environment program and a process of outreach and reparation for victims.

Context of the series

The HBO Max documentary series examines the career of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ.

Maciel was considered a charismatic leader and effective fundraiser for decades, but it was later revealed that he had sexually abused at least 60 minors, battled addiction to a morphine derivative, led a hidden double life, and had at least one daughter.

The first season of the series directed by Matías Gueilburt consists of four episodes. The first, set in the 1940s in Mexico, chronicles the founding of the Legionaries of Christ and the initial warning signs about Maciel, which were ignored. 

The second episode, set in the 1950s, describes the Legion's expansion to Spain and Italy, as well as the start of investigations after the first reports of abuse and his addiction to a morphine derivative became known. 

The third, set in the 1990s, depicts his closeness to Pope John Paul II, the launch of Regnum Christi, the revelation of his double life through a 1997 report, and the strategies employed to avoid exposure under growing international scrutiny. The fourth episode aired on Aug. 28. 

The series draws on archives, multiple sources such as journalists and specialists, and testimonies from victims, such as former Legionaries Juan Vaca, Alejandro Espinoza, and José Barba, who recount in detail the abuses perpetrated by Maciel. Throughout the episodes the documentary maintains a respectful tone toward the Church and the victims and uses dramatizations in certain scenes to create a powerful impact. 

The congregation explained that, from the beginning, it conditioned its participation on doing so "with openness and humility: facing up to our history, acknowledging the harm caused, and showing the path of renewal we have taken."

The objective, the congregation stated, was to "contribute to a more complete account of the events" and, at the same time, reaffirm their "commitment to the truth and to the victims, make known the renewal process, to bear witness to the service we provide to the Church today, and to share information about the events verified and compared with multiple sources." 

Producer Sebastián Gamba's perspective

Sebastián Gamba, executive producer of Anima Films and the docuseries, explained in an interview with the Spanish-language edition of EWTN News that the Maciel case "really resonates in recent Mexican history" and that the decision to address it was made seven years ago.

Regarding the series' title, he explained that the reference to Maciel as a "wolf" perfectly represents the person of Maciel, "a sinister character who hides behind religion to commit as much evil as possible."

Gamba stated that the greatest challenge the production faced was telling a "very painful" story, protecting the victims and showing "the full scope, which is not only the most dramatic and darkest aspect — that of sexual abuse — but many other aspects."

The producer noted the inclusion of journalists and researchers from various countries, such as Raúl Ormos (author of the Spanish-language investigative book "The Financial Empire of the Legionaries of Christ"), Jason Berry (one of the first to decry abuse in the U.S. in the 1990s), and Idoia Sota (who published a report in 2009 that revealed the existence of Norma Hilda Rivas Baños, a daughter Maciel allegedly conceived with a 17-year-old girl named Norma Baños), among others. "The great challenge was being able to include all these voices and, of course, the voices of the victims," he said.

The production took almost four years because, according to Gamba, "there's a whole process of getting to know each other, of understanding from every angle what the project is trying to accomplish, so that the other person really feels like participating or not."

Regarding the Legionaries of Christ's participation in the documentary, the producer said that "of course, they condemn Maciel's entire life" and that "there wasn't any kind of resistance or obstacles" coming from the congregation or the Vatican.

Regarding how they handled the victims' testimony, Gamba emphasized that the amount of time allotted was essential to avoid sensationalism.

The subject matter "is treated very carefully. The interesting thing about making a series is that you can give a much more complete overview of these stories." The person is first presented as a child, "fascinated by the world they found, and then comes the horrific part. This narrative arc avoids sensationalism," he said.

The producer clarified that the series does not seek to attack faith. "Here, neither religion nor the Catholic Church is called into question. It specifically talks about one person, Marcial Maciel, and his story, which is reprehensible and which absolutely no one defends today, for obvious reasons."

"I think faith is a wonderful thing; the Catholic religion, for those who live it, is a wonderful thing. And it's not about that, but rather about showing what human nature can come to, epitomized by a person who committed every evil and abuse within his reach," he commented.

Reactions following 4th episode 

The day the fourth episode aired, on Aug. 28, the congregation released a statement reiterating their solidarity with the victims of the serial abuser and expressing their "recognition for their courage in reporting these incidents and making possible the process of conversion and renewal that we continue to undertake." 

In particular, they thanked several older members of the community who called for a course correction "regarding sexual abuse and the abuse of power and conscience that Father Marcial Maciel and other Legionaries were committing." 

"Among them, we mention Federico Domínguez and Father Luis Ferreira with their 1956 reports. Also Juan José Vaca with his 1976 letter; and Juan Manuel Fernández Amenábar, who in 1995 said he forgave but also demanded justice. Beginning in 1997, victims abused by Maciel started leveling public accusations against him: Fathers Félix Alarcón, José Barba, Saúl Barrales, Alejandro Espinosa, Arturo Jurado, José Antonio and Fernando Pérez Olvera, and the aforementioned Juan José Vaca," some of whom appear in the HBO Max documentary.

"We sincerely regret that images of individuals — including minors at the time, former consecrated women, and priests — have been used without their authorization or ours, which has upset several of them. We respect their dignity, their background, and their right to privacy," the Legionaries made clear.

The statement, signed by Pablo Pérez de la Vega, director of communications for the congregation, was published on social media by the Mexican Bishops' Conference (CEM, by its Spanish acronym). The Legion was founded by Maciel in Mexico in 1941. 

"As the Church in Mexico, we remain committed to the importance of continuing to advance a culture of transparency, prevention, and care for the most vulnerable," the CEM stated.

"We reiterate our commitment to preventing abuse in all areas of ecclesial life, to cooperating with the relevant civil and ecclesiastical bodies, and to promoting safe spaces where trust can be rebuilt," the bishops emphasized.

Finally, the conference encouraged the faithful to unite "in prayer and continue working together so that truth, justice, and peace may flourish in every community of the Church in Mexico."

Background and reports on Maciel and the congregation

Father Marcial Maciel (1920–2008), founder of the Legionaries of Christ in 1941, was investigated by the Vatican in the 1950s for allegations of sexual abuse of minors and misuse of morphine.

He was temporarily removed from office in 1956 and then reinstated two years later. In 2006, 50 years after the Vatican investigation, Pope Benedict XVI removed Maciel from active ministry, based on an investigation the Congregation (now Dicastery) for the Doctrine of the Faith conducted when as Joseph Ratzinger he was at the helm before being elected pope in 2005. The pontiff asked Maciel to lead a life of prayer and penance.

On May 19, 2006, the Holy See issued a statement on the case with the following information: "After having subjected the results of the investigation to careful study, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the guidance of the new prefect, His Eminence Cardinal William Levada, has decided, taking into account both Reverend Maciel's advanced age and his poor health, to forgo a canonical process and invite the priest to a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing all public ministry. The Holy Father has approved these decisions. Regardless of the person of the founder, the worthy apostolate of the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi association is gratefully acknowledged."

The progressive discovery of Maciel's double life provoked a series of crises within both the Legion and Regnum Christi. The Holy See therefore deemed it necessary to conduct an apostolic visitation. The concluding statement of May 1, 2010, reads:

"The apostolic visitation was able to ascertain that the conduct of Father Marcial Maciel Degollado has given rise to serious consequences in the life and structure of the Legion, such as to require a process of profound reevaluation. The very grave and objectively immoral actions of Father Maciel, confirmed by incontrovertible testimonies, in some cases constitute real crimes and manifest a life devoid of scruples and authentic religious meaning. This life was unknown to the great majority of the Legionaries." 

At the same time, the congregation's superiors launched a process of institutional introspection.  

According to the Legionaries of Christ's 1941–2019 Report, 175 minors were victims of sexual abuse committed by 33 priests of the congregation throughout its history and in different countries. This number includes at least 60 minors abused by Maciel, according to the report. The majority of the victims were adolescents between the ages of 11 and 16.

According to the fifth annual report "Truth, Justice, and Healing," published in April of this year, since the presentation of the first report in 2019 and through Dec. 31, 2024, the congregation has received 20 additional complaints against Legionary priests not accounted for in the historical report and occurring in different decades.

The latest report also reveals that 61 people who suffered sexual abuse as minors are currently undergoing therapy for healing, 40 of whom are receiving care through the independent organization Eshmá. Since 2022, 21 victims have received financial compensation and comprehensive support.

The document also reports that the reaccreditation of safe environments has begun in various territories, with training programs and follow-up on historical cases. In addition, a study commission on the abuse of authority has been created, the results of which will be presented to the general chapter in January 2026.

A call to discernment

When asked whether Catholics could watch the series confident it accurately portrays the events, the Legionaries in Rome responded that "all information must be approached with discernment" and noted that they make available all the information "on the history of the congregation and aspects of Marcial Maciel's life" for those who wish to learn more.

Regarding the potential impact of the production, they stated that "to the extent that the damage caused is recognized and the firm commitment to not repeating it, it is useful for the Church, the congregation, and society in general."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It was translated and adapted by CNA on Aug. 28, 2025. It has been further updated to include additional reactions from the Legionaries and the Mexican Bishops' Conference.

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CNA Staff, Sep 2, 2025 / 12:32 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for the month of September is for our relationship with all of creation. 

In a video released Sept. 2, the Holy Father asked the faithful to pray "that inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect."

According to a press release, this month's video was made in collaboration with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

In the video, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month's prayer intention.

Here is Pope Leo's full prayer:

Lord, You love everything You have created,
and nothing exists outside the mystery of Your tenderness.
Every creature, no matter how small,
is the fruit of Your love and has a place in this world.

Even the simplest or shortest life is surrounded by Your care.
Like St. Francis of Assisi, today we too want to say:
"Praised be You, my Lord!"

Through the beauty of creation,
You reveal Yourself as a source of goodness. We ask You:
open our eyes to recognize You,
learning from the mystery of Your closeness to all creation
that the world is infinitely more than a problem to solve.
It is a mystery to be contemplated with gratitude and hope.

Help us to discover Your presence in all creation,
so that, in fully recognizing it,
we may feel and know ourselves to be responsible for this common home
where You invite us to care for, respect, and protect
life in all its forms and possibilities.

Praised be You, Lord!
Amen.

The video prayer intention is promoted by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, which raises awareness of monthly papal prayer intentions.

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ACI Africa, Sep 2, 2025 / 13:05 pm (CNA).

A Catholic priest in Sierra Leone's Diocese of Kenema was murdered Aug. 30 as he was preparing to take on a new assignment in the diocese.

According to the communication department of the Archdiocese of Freetown in Sierra Leone, Father Augustine Amadu, who served at Kenema's Immaculate Conception Parish, was preparing for his Sunday, Aug. 31 farewell Mass when suspected robbers ended his life.

His next pastoral assignment would have been at St. John Kailahun Parish in the Kenema Diocese.

"We are saddened by the shocking news reaching us this morning (Sunday, Aug. 31) about the demise of Reverend Father Augustine Amadu who was stabbed to death by armed robbers at his parish house in Kenema Diocese," the message said.

"Father Amadu was wrapping up his final days of his pastoral work at Immaculate Conception Parish, Kenema, preparing for his farewell Mass on Sunday before departing for his new assignment at St. John Parish, Kailahun after five years of devoted service."

According to the Sierra Leonean Police (SLP), Amadu was attacked at night in the parish house where he lived alone. The authorities said in a statement on Aug. 30 that parishioners at Immaculate Conception Parish raised the alarm about the murder.

"At about 07:43 hours, the SLP received a report from a Catholic parishioner indicating that Rev. Father Amadu had been attacked overnight by unidentified armed men at his parish residence. The parish house, which the late priest occupied alone, was forcibly entered by the assailants through a damaged window," read the police report.

"At this stage, it is unclear whether any property was taken away by the perpetrators," the SLP reported, adding that the remains of Father Amadu had been taken for a post-mortem examination. 

According to the Sierra Leonean authorities, no suspects had been identified in the priest's murder as of Aug. 30. The SLP said, however, that a number of parishioners and church authorities who reported for early morning service at the parish were assisting with the investigation.

"The Sierra Leone Police wishes to assure the public, particularly the Catholic community, that a full-scale investigation is underway to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice," the SLP said.

This article was originally piublished by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa and has been adapted for CNA.

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Vatican City, Sep 1, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV met in a private audience with Father James Martin, S.J., at the Vatican on Monday.

Martin, who is in Rome to lead a Jubilee pilgrimage for his LGBTQ ministry, Outreach, also had one-on-one audiences with Pope Francis on at least two occasions.

The Vatican does not customarily comment on papal audiences with individuals and the Holy See Press Office did not immediately respond to a request for information about the meeting.

Responding to a request for comment from CNA, Martin wrote: "I was honored and grateful to meet with the Holy Father this morning in an audience in the Apostolic Palace, and heard the same message I heard from Pope Francis on LGBTQ people, which is one of openness and welcome: 'Todos, todos, todos.' I found the Pope serene, joyful and encouraging."

The Jesuit priest, an author and editor at large at America Media, is the founder of Outreach, which describes itself as an "LGBTQ Catholic resource" operating under the auspices of America Media.

Writing on X on Aug. 29, Martin said he is in Rome until Sept. 8 to lead an Outreach pilgrimage with 40 people for the 2025 Jubilee of Hope.

Martin's ministry to people with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria has been criticized by some Catholics, who say his approach minimizes or even conflicts with the Church's teaching on sexual morality. He has also been criticized for promoting initiatives that some say affirm same-sex orientation as an identity.

The priest was also supportive of Pope Francis' 2023 declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which allows priests to offer private, non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples.

Despite the controversy over Martin's ministry, Pope Francis encouraged it both in private meetings with Martin and in letters.

In 2021, Martin published a handwritten note he had received from Francis, in which the pope thanked him for his "ability to be close to people" and also told him, "to continue this way."

Francis in 2022 also sent a written response to a letter from Martin with three questions about the Catholic Church and the LGBT community. 

After his first meeting with Francis, in 2019, Martin wrote on Twitter (now X), that he "felt encouraged, consoled and inspired by the Holy Father today." The Jesuit priest also met one-on-one with Pope Francis in 2022.

Pope Francis also personally nominated Martin to participate in the Synod on Synodality assemblies held at the Vatican in 2023 and 2024.

Martin is the author of "Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity" and frequently speaks on issues pertaining to homosexuality and Catholicism.

Martin is one of 21 consultors for the Dicastery for Communication. He was nominated in 2017.

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CNA Staff, Sep 1, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

A recent study found that the rate of mental-health-related hospitalizations doubled for women who had abortions compared with women who gave birth. 

The study, published this summer in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, compared abortions with other pregnancies in hospitals in Quebec, Canada, between 2006 and 2022, tracking data on women for up to 17 years.

The study, which compared more than 1.2 million women who gave birth in Quebec hospitals with more than 28,000 women who had abortions, found that "rates of mental-health-related hospitalization were higher following induced abortions than other pregnancies." 

Abortion was associated with a number of mental-health-related difficulties including hospitalization for psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts, the study found.

This association was especially high for women who were younger than 25 years at the time of their abortions, as well as for patients who already had an existing mental illness.

The risk of mental health hospitalization was highest within five years of the abortion. The risk decreased gradually after the five-year point, but only after 17 years did the risk begin "to resemble" pregnancies carried to term, according to the study.

Tessa Cox, senior research associate at the think tank Charlotte Lozier Institute, said the study was "particularly powerful." 

"This recent study out of Canada, which has more comprehensive health care data than the U.S., adds to a mounting body of research suggesting that abortion can harm women's mental health," Cox said.

"The abortion industry downplays the evidence, so the fact that this new study included more than a million women and took prior mental health and other related factors into account makes it particularly powerful," she told CNA.

"Women deserve to have all the facts — and women and men who have been harmed by abortion need to know that forgiveness and healing are possible," Cox said.

Another scholar called the study "robust," noting that it followed the data over an extended period of time and had constants that enabled the information to be more accurate.

Michael New, senior associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute and assistant professor of practice at The Catholic University of America, noted that the study "provides strong statistical evidence that abortion increases the risk of a range of mental health problems."

New said the study had many strengths, including its large sample size, the way it tracked women over an extended period of time, and how the authors analyzed data from an extended period of time.

This method was rare, according to the study, which noted that "large population-based studies with long-term follow-up are rare yet necessary to understand the mental health needs of women post abortion."

New called this study's results "robust," noting that this study stands firm against criticism that similar studies have faced.

The study is one of several that have investigated correlation between mental health challenges and abortion.

"While other research has found that women who obtain abortions are likely to suffer from mental health disorders, critics of these studies have argued that women with mental health problems are more likely to obtain abortions in the first place," New said.

"Most importantly it holds constant whether or not the women in the study had been hospitalized with mental health problems in the past," he said of the Canadian study.

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Vatican City, Sep 1, 2025 / 09:47 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV on Monday welcomed members of the Opera San Francesco per i Poveri ("St. Francis' Work for the Poor") to the Vatican, thanking the society for their witness of charity according to the Franciscan tradition.  

"When you see a poor person," the Holy Father said, recalling the words of St. Francis of Assisi, "you are placed before the mirror of the Lord and his poor Mother."

"Likewise, in the sick, know how to see the infirmities with which Jesus took on himself," he added. 

Each year, the Opera San Francesco per i Poveri provides a wide variety of services to more than 30,000 people. Their charitable works include managing cafeterias and health clinics, as well as providing job counseling and psychological support for those in need.  

Thanking the society for nearly 70 years of service, Pope Leo highlighted the spirit of fraternity and faithfulness that continues to guide its members since its foundation.  

"Your institution has been committed to 'ensuring assistance and hospitality to people in need and [...] promoting the comprehensive human development of the person in accordance with Christian tradition, especially Franciscan tradition, the doctrine of the Church and its Magisterium," Leo said, quoting the society's statutes.

Several men and women, wearing white shirts with the society's logo and the phrase "a helping hand to man every day," had the opportunity to individually greet the Holy Father in the Vatican's Clementine Hall following his short address. 

Describing the Milan-based society's founder Venerable Fra Cecilio Maria Cortinovis as a "humble doorman" with a generous heart, Pope Leo said the Lord answered his prayers by placing other generous people alongside him in order to better serve the poor.

"Thus began the beautiful adventure of which all of you are witnesses and protagonists today," he said.

To celebrate the "story of charity" born from the faith of Cortinovis, Pope Leo told the Franciscan society to be faithful to the three "fundamental aspects of charity" outlined in their statues: to assist, to welcome, and to promote.

"Assisting means being present for the needs of others," he said. "And in this regard, the quantity and variety of services you've managed to organize and offer to those who turn to you over the years is impressive."

"This is accompanied by welcoming, that is, making room for others in our hearts and lives, offering time, listening, support, and prayer," he added. 

Emphasizing the teaching of Pope John Paul II on the dignity and creativity of each person, Pope Leo advised his listeners to help others to discover God and their own vocation in life.  

"And so we come to the third point: promoting," he said. "Here, the selflessness of giving and respect for the dignity of people come into play, so that we care for those we encounter simply for their good, so that they can grow to their full potential and proceed on their own path, without expecting anything in return and without imposing conditions." 

The Holy Father imparted his blessing at the end of the private Monday audience and assured them of his prayerful accompaniment.

"Thank you for what you do and for the witness you give by your journey together!"

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Vatican City, Sep 1, 2025 / 11:05 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences for the more than 800 dead left by the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, with a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale, also causing widespread destruction.

According to local authorities, more than 800 people died and 1,500 were injured, especially in the districts of Nurgal, Sawkay, Watapur, Dara Pech, and Chapi Dara.

"Deeply saddened by the significant loss of life caused by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV offers fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased, the wounded, and those still missing," reads the telegram sent on behalf of the Pontiff.

The telegram, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, states that the Pontiff entrusts "all affected by this disaster to the providence of the Almighty."

The Pope also expresses "his heartfelt solidarity in particular with those who mourn the loss of loved ones and with the emergency personnel and civil authorities involved in rescue and recovery efforts."

The main quake, recorded around midnight, was followed by two magnitude 5.2 aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was located 27 kilometers east of Nangarhar province, at a depth of eight kilometers, which normally amplifies the destructive power.

Mud and stone houses facilitated the collapse

According to the Afghan news agency Khaama Press, the earthquake destroyed several entire villages because the epicenter was close to the surface and many homes were built with stone and mud.

For now, rescue teams continue working to locate survivors among the rubble, although they say operations are being hampered by landslides that have blocked key roads.

Deputy Information Minister and Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on his social media account X that "local officials and residents are involved in the rescue efforts, and all available resources will be used to save lives."

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Denver, Colo., Sep 1, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

As the U.S. celebrates Labor Day, Catholics have a wealth of resources in biblical interpretation, Church teaching, and social thought that address the nature of work and the place of the worker in society and in God's creation.

But are Catholics, and others, aware of these resources?

One Catholic leader considering such questions is Father Sinclair Oubre, a priest of the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas. He is the spiritual moderator of the Catholic Labor Network, a Catholic association that promotes Catholic teaching about work and labor unions. It also supports labor organizing.

"All work, no matter what the work is, is essential," Oubre likes to say. In his view, if a woman in janitorial work at a major software company does not show up to clean the toilets and empty the trash, all production in the office will nosedive.

Centuries of Catholic teaching about labor can be found compiled in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, published in 2004 by the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace. It dedicates its entire sixth chapter to human work and labor, its place in God's plan, its role in society, and the rights and duties of workers.

"The Compendium gathers together in one place those rights that are found in Catholic social teaching, whether it's Rerum Novarum or Quadragesimo Anno, or Centesimus Annus, and synthesizes them," Oubre told CNA, referring to the respective encyclicals of popes Leo XIII, Pius XI, and John Paul II.

"It's a beautiful reflection on human work in the world and a very mature and in-depth discussion of the place of work, the place of labor, and the communal nature of it," Oubre said.

Labor, politics, and spirituality

Oubre said Catholic teaching is a challenge regardless of people's political views.

"It's a challenge to the right, but it's also a challenge to the left," he said. Catholicism encourages those on the political right not simply to pray novenas and commit themselves to spiritual actions. It is a challenge not to leave other questions about work and labor to the market.

For the political left, Catholic social teaching "means you have to enter into a more intimate relationship with your Church and your relationship with Jesus and not just be as a social justice person by throwing a couple of little quotes around. It requires you to enter into that deeper spiritual relationship."

Oubre stressed the importance of starting from the view of Catholic spirituality, not only social justice, because if we don't, our approach "becomes ideological and polemic." The spiritual approach "brings us closer to Jesus Christ."

"No matter how dirty, how uncomfortable, how awful the job is, we are participating in God's ongoing creation. It's important that we do that job in a way that gives glory to God," Oubre said.

God and man at work

The Compendium's reflection on work begins with its biblical aspects: There is a human duty to "cultivate and care for the earth" and other good things created by God, it says. Work existed before the fall of Adam and Eve, and it is not a punishment or curse until the break with God transforms it into "toil and pain." However, God's rest on the seventh day of creation is the sign of the "fuller freedom" of the "eternal Sabbath."

The life of Jesus Christ is a mission of work, from his early life helping St. Joseph in the work of a carpenter to his ministry of preaching and healing, and most of all in his redemptive labors on the cross.

The Compendium presents human labor as a way of supporting oneself and one's loved ones, but also a way to serve the needy. Work is a way to make God's creation more beautiful, since humankind shares in God's art and wisdom.

"Human work, directed to charity as its final goal, becomes an occasion for contemplation, it becomes devout prayer, vigilantly rising towards and in anxious hope of the day that will not end," the Compendium says.

The rights of labor

God's rest on the seventh day of creation, the Compendium says, means men and women must enjoy "sufficient rest and free time that will allow them to tend to their family, cultural, social, and religious life."

The Compendium outlines and explains the many rights of workers: the right to rest from work; the right to a working environment that is not harmful to a worker's health or moral integrity; the right to unemployment protections; the right to a pension and insurance for old age, disability, and work-related accidents; the right to social security for working mothers; and the right to assemble and form associations; the right to just wages and remuneration; and the right to strike.

Labor unions play a "fundamental role" in serving the common good and promoting social order and solidarity, though they must not abuse their role in society or become simply arms of a political party.

"The recognition of workers' rights has always been a difficult problem to resolve because this recognition takes place within complex historical and institutional processes, and still today it remains incomplete," the Compendium says. "This makes the practice of authentic solidarity among workers more fitting and necessary than ever."

A challenge for Catholics and institutions

Catholic teaching has a lengthy paper record. But as in other areas, there is a challenge to practice it.

"What I find over and over again that the Church — our Church — gives us wonderful documents of guidance… and we never go back and read them," Oubre told CNA.

He cited the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' 1996 pastoral letter "Economic Justice for All," which says the Church should be a model for labor rights and treating workers justly.

However, Oubre said that in his experience Catholic parishes often neglect to provide unemployment insurance to employees if the law allows them to opt out. Catholic institutions often act as "at-will" employers in which management can fire employees for any reason. They may show preferences for nonunion labor over unionized labor when planning and funding construction projects.

"You're going to undercut the guy who has actually followed the Church's teachings in regards to work by hiring somebody who may be not offering medical insurance for his employees," the priest lamented.

For Labor Day, Oubre encouraged parishes, dioceses, and other institutions to make sure to adopt policies that put Catholic labor teaching into practice.

This story was first published on Sept. 4, 2023, and has been updated.

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