Catholic News
Pope Leo XIV is back in Peru, his adopted homeland, where he was welcomed by President Keiko Fujimori and addressed the nation's leaders.
The American R&B singer and others will perform in the presence of Pope Leo XIV on Dec. 5.
Grammy- and Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson will usher in the Christmas season at the Vatican with a concert for the poor.
The R&B artist will perform on Dec. 5 at the seventh edition of the Concert with the Poor in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. As in 2025, Pope Leo XIV will attend the concert, which will support approximately 3,000 people in need served by volunteer organizations around Rome.
Hudson will become the first American vocalist to perform at the Christmas concert, singing alongside the renowned priest and composer Monsignor Marco Frisina, Italian actress and singer Serena Autieri, and the choir of the Diocese of Rome. It will also mark Hudson's second performance at the Vatican, following her 2025 appearance with others at "Grace for the World," in tribute to Pope Francis, who died earlier that year.
The 2025 edition, which hosted a pope for the first time in its history, featured Canadian singer Michael Bublé, who described the experience as an encouragement to others to discuss their Christian faith openly.
"My hope is that there's a young person who might listen to me today who might be afraid to share their faith or to be open about it, and they look at me and they say, 'Wow, look at Bublé. He's not afraid to share it,' and maybe it will give them the strength to do the same," Bublé told EWTN News.
Pope Leo XIV has attended at least eight musical events since his election in 2025; his most recent was the "Canticle of Peace" musical prayer service at Castel Gandolfo in July, performed by Andrea Bocelli.
Tickets for the Dec. 5 concert are free, with registration opening on Nov. 19 through the website.
The Accra Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women called for prompt investigations into child sexual abuse and legal accountability for perpetrators, urging stronger protection for children.
ACCRA, Ghana — Members of the Accra Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women in Ghana have called for prompt investigations into child sexual abuse and legal accountability for perpetrators, urging stronger protection for children in schools, homes, and communities.
In a statement condemning sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation of children, the council members urged authorities to investigate every reported case promptly and professionally, regardless of the alleged perpetrator's social standing, influence, or institutional position.
"Sexual abuse is a crime, not a disciplinary matter," the Catholic women said.
The council members further stressed that responding to abuse involves responsibilities for child protection, justice, and human rights, and requires national action. Institutions and individuals have a duty to protect children from further abuse, prevent exploitation, and ensure their safety, they said.
The women called for allegations to be reported to the appropriate authorities so that investigations can be conducted and perpetrators held accountable through established legal procedures.
People who interfere with investigations, threaten victims or witnesses, or tamper with evidence should also face accountability, they added.
To strengthen institutional oversight, members of the council urged the Ghana Education Service and other relevant agencies to publish regular, anonymized information on abuse complaints, the handling and outcomes of investigations, and measures introduced to improve child safeguarding.
They also called on lawmakers and oversight institutions to strengthen their scrutiny of abuse allegations and institutional responses, and to ensure that necessary interventions are implemented.
Alongside these demands, the Catholic women called for accessible, confidential reporting mechanisms that children and witnesses can use without fear of exposure or intimidation.
Survivors should receive appropriate healthcare, psychological assistance, and legal support, the council said, together with protection from discrimination, threats, and reprisals. Schools must provide secure and supportive environments where children can learn and develop without fear, it added.
In their statement, the Catholic women also raised concern about incest and sexual abuse within families, including fathers abusing their daughters, describing such acts as grave violations of children's rights, dignity, and safety.
"Their bodies are not bargaining tools," the council members declared.
Their appeal stressed children's rights to dignity, safety, bodily integrity, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.
They also cautioned against overlooking boys in safeguarding efforts, pointing out that they, too, are vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation. They urged parents, religious institutions, and local communities to strengthen protection for all children, regardless of gender.
The Catholic women further called for reported child abuse cases, including those affecting abandoned and unaccompanied children, to be examined and acted upon, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the protection they need.
They maintained that safeguarding children in schools, homes, and communities must be recognized as a shared national responsibility.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
Actor Neal McDonough said he hopes a new film about Jimmy Stewart will inspire Americans to rediscover the importance of faith, sacrifice, and service.
For Catholic actor Neal McDonough, the story of Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart is about more than fame or military heroism. It's also a story of faith, sacrifice, and the importance of putting God and country before oneself.
McDonough portrays Alexander Stewart, Jimmy Stewart's father, in the new film "Jimmy," produced by Papaian Studios and Burns & Co. The film, which premiered Nov. 6, explores the transformative time of Stewart's service in World War II as a bomber pilot and how this experience impacted his portrayal of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life."
Alexander Stewart, who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I, had a profound influence on his son and inspired Jimmy's desire to serve his country. Before Jimmy went to war, his father slipped a handwritten letter — a copy of Psalm 91 — and a devotional into Jimmy's pocket. Jimmy carried and read these items before every single bombing mission he went on during his service in World War II.
That scene of a father passing down his faith to his son resonated with McDonough, who has sought to do the same with his wife, Ruvé, in raising their five children.
In an interview with EWTN News, McDonough shared that while his daughter Catherine was playing volleyball in college, she wrote a verse from Philippians on her shoe and his son, who is a baseball pitcher, always draws a cross in the dirt on the pitcher's mound before he begins to pitch.
"It makes me think, 'OK, my wife Ruvé and I did the right thing,'" he said. "We brought our kids up correctly that they're putting God first and country first before themselves."
With this in mind, McDonough pointed out that young people today need more examples of what it looks like to put something bigger than yourself first.
"Nowadays, we're pretty selfish about a lot of things, not just in America, all over the world. Social media has kind of ruined a lot of kids and a lot of thought processes … I can't imagine being 16 years old and looking at a phone and thinking, 'I could never be as cool or as pretty or as handsome as that person,' or 'Gosh, I'm a loser.' Wow, what a horrible way to start your day," he shared.
He added: "We need to have more heroes. We need to have films where kids can go to a movie theater and think, 'Oh wow, that dude did it. I can do it, too. I can work a little bit harder and not worry so much about what I'm wearing or what I'm saying or what my hair looks like. I can care more about what's the right thing for the United States of America.'"
McDonough also recalled President John F. Kennedy's famous call to service, arguing that Americans need to rediscover the spirit behind the words "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
The actor lamented that this spirit of service has been "lost nowadays," pointing to declining trust in institutions as one reason Americans may feel powerless to bring about change. However, he encouraged people not to let that discourage them.
"There are great journalists out there. There are some terrible journalists out there, but keep going towards the good ones. There are great politicians out there. There are some not so great politicians — keep going towards the good ones and you'll weed out the bad things after a while," he said.
"But if you let the bad ones permeate into your soul and make you realize, 'Oh, there's nothing I can do as an American. I can't change the system.' Yeah, you can. You can stand up for what is right by being the best version of yourself for God and for your country, not just for yourself. That was Jimmy Stewart."
Ultimately, McDonough said, he hopes the film will encourage a new generation to recognize the importance of faith, selflessness, and service.
"It's OK to do the right thing. It's OK to put God first before yourself. It's OK to put country first before yourself," he said. "And in a day and age where people just tear heroes down so much, there are few heroes left. Jimmy Stewart is one of those heroes. And it's time for us to start building up some heroes again."
Pope Leo XIV is back in Peru, his adopted homeland, where he was welcomed by President Keiko Fujimori and addresses the nation's leaders.
On his first night back in Peru, his adopted homeland, Pope Leo XIV told the country's leaders that his return has "a very special meaning" and urged them to open paths for young people.
LIMA, Peru — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in a spectacular homecoming that drew an estimated three million people to the streets to greet him.
Leo, a U.S. citizen but also a naturalized citizen of the country where he served as a missionary and bishop for about 20 years before becoming pope, met privately with President Keiko Fujimori, then addressed her and other dignitaries about Peru's current state and prospects.
"For decades, I shared in the lives of its people, listened to their concerns, and learned from their faith," the pope said, drawing laughter when he noted that he also ate ceviche, a traditional Peruvian dish based on raw fish.
"Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you."
Invoking his deep personal experience — "I recall seemingly simple conversations in which the difficulties of a family or the hopes of an entire community came to light" — Leo called on Fujimori and other public officeholders to listen to their citizens.
The pope referred gently to the national reconciliation process still underway in Peru after decades of left-wing terrorism, followed by years of a counterterrorism campaign led by President Alberto Fujimori, which was denounced for violations of human rights. The future Pope Leo, then Father Robert Prevost, criticized both the left-wing insurgents and the government at the time. He also called on the elder Fujimori to ask forgiveness.
In his speech on Wednesday the pope addressed the related problem of polarization, encouraging everyone "to cultivate honesty, integrity, and a willingness to engage with others — qualities that sustain trust among people and give strength to the life of institutions."
He also addressed the issue of violent crime, an urgent concern not just in Peru but across Latin America.
"For families, peace has a very concrete meaning: going out to work without fear, caring for one's children, and returning home with peace of mind. These are simple aspirations, but no one should be deprived of them. The Church is aware of the suffering caused by violence and wishes to remain close to those who endure it, encouraging the efforts of all who work to protect the life, dignity, and rights of people through law and justice," the pope said.
At a time when many Latin American governments have moved to the right and hence to favor less social spending, Leo took a contrary position:
"When a person falls ill or needs ongoing care, the lives of those around them also change. Anyone who has cared for a loved one knows how much timely medical care, a friendly presence and a word of comfort mean. I think of the elderly, people with disabilities, and those suffering from loneliness or mental health challenges. Many families quietly shoulder this burden, often with great sacrifice. I encourage the authorities to support this dedication by providing them with accessible health services and strengthening preventive medicine."
After the speech, Leo went to the apostolic nunciature in Lima, where a large crowd was waiting for him. On Thursday he is scheduled to meet Peru's bishops, visit Lima's cathedral and lead an evening vigil with young people.
The Holy Father will conclude his historic South American visit with nearly a week in Peru.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Argentina on Nov. 11 and departed for Peru, his adopted country where he spent years as a bishop and where he will finish his historic South American papal voyage.
The Holy Father spent his last hours in Argentina visiting prisoners at a federal prison complex and holding a public Mass before flying to the Peruvian city of Callao, where he took part in welcoming ceremonies and met with civil authorities.
Here are photos of Pope Leo's activities in Argentina and Peru on Nov. 11:
Pope Leo XIV is back in Peru, his adopted homeland, where he was welcomed by President Keiko Fujimori and addresses the nation's leaders.
The decree by the Peruvian government acknowledges the saint's legacy in defending the most vulnerable and mandates initiatives to promote his life and work.
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo (Toribio in Spanish), the second archbishop of Lima, Peru, was officially recognized by the Peruvian state as the patron of human rights in the country and a precursor in the defense of human dignity.
The decision was established through Supreme Decree No. 016-2026-JUS, published in the official government gazette El Peruano and signed by the ministers of Justice and Human Rights and Foreign Affairs.
But what does the recognition entail? The regulation mandates that the Ministry of Justice research and disseminate information regarding the life and work of St. Turibius, in addition to organizing academic activities focused on human dignity. It also tasks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with promoting his legacy outside of Peru.
Furthermore, the decree establishes that his legacy be commemorated every April 27 as an occasion of civic and historical significance.
For Father Luis Gaspar, secretary of the Peruvian Association of Canon Law, it is an important decision because it provides recognition on a state level of the work St. Turibius carried out on behalf of those most in need.
"It is a timely and illuminating recognition," Gaspar told EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. The priest explained that the decision does not mean the state is assuming a role proper to the Church but rather that it is valuing the contribution of this historical figure.
"The state isn't arrogating to itself what properly belongs to the Church; rather, from within its own civil sphere, it is honoring a person who was a father and defender of the poorest," he explained.
Gaspar also noted the timing of the recognition, which came just ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru. The pontiff is scheduled to close the jubilee year marking the 300th anniversary of the canonization of St. Turibius with a celebration in Zaña, Lambayeque region, the place where the saint died.
Why is St. Turibius considered a defender of human rights?
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538–1606) was one of the most important figures in the Church in Peru during the colonial period. As archbishop of Lima, he defended the Indigenous people and slaves against the abuses of his time.
He also advocated for the teaching of the faith in the languages ??of the Indigenous peoples, particularly Quechua and Aymara. Furthermore, he promoted the publication of a trilingual catechism, which is considered the first book printed in South America.
His defense of the most vulnerable even led him to confront civil authorities whenever he believed their decisions were detrimental to the poorest among them.
Although the modern concept of human rights did not yet exist in his time, his work was marked by the defense of the dignity of every person.
In 1985, during his visit to Peru, St. John Paul II highlighted this dimension of his legacy, describing him as a "courageous defender or promoter of the dignity of the person."
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.
Servant of God Joseph Walijewski served as a missionary priest in Bolivia and Peru. His canonization cause will be reviewed by the prelates at the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Vatican theologians unanimously voted in favor of advancing the canonization cause of Servant of God Joseph Walijewski, a priest from the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who served as a missionary in Latin America.
The nine members of the Theological Congress of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints examined the "positio" for Walijewski, which is the formal document about his life that shows evidence of heroic virtue, a reputation for holiness, and his intercessory power.
In a unanimous vote, the theologians voted in favor of affirming the merits of his cause. The positio will be reviewed by the cardinals and bishops at the dicastery, who will determine whether to recommend his cause favorably to the pope. If they do, it would be up to Pope Leo XIV to decide whether to beatify him and grant him the title "venerable."
"This marks a significant milestone and an important step forward in the advancement of his cause," Diocese of La Crosse Bishop Gerard W. Battersby said in an announcement. "... While additional steps remain, the favorable vote of the Theological Congress represents a noteworthy affirmation and source of encouragement."
Walijewski was born in 1924 to poor Polish immigrants in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and planned to eventually become a priest while he was selling newspapers as a child. He promised God he would serve in Latin America if he were ordained a priest.
According to the Father Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild, the servant of God began missionary work in Bolivia, where he built a parish in a jungle along with a rectory and a school. The location is now part of the urban center of Santa Cruz. He later served as a missionary in Peru, where he served the poor and operated an orphanage.
Battersby said the diocese received this news on Nov. 6, on the same day they celebrated the legacy of Walijewski and the work of Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II, a home for youth in Peru. The bishop expressed gratitude for the "dedicated work of the theological experts, the dedication of those who have promoted the Cause, and the many faithful whose prayers continue to accompany this journey."
"We give thanks to God, whose grace was evident in Father Joe's priestly ministry and continues to bear fruit today through the lives he touched and the mission he inspired," the bishop added. "I invite the faithful to continue praying for the successful advancement of the Cause according to God's holy will."
