World News
News and Views Across the World
OTHER NEWS
A typical Bangkok street where many street vendors earn their living. (Photo by Dan Freeman)
From absolute zero to national inspiration
Thai street vendor perseveres through childhood polio and extreme poverty to find love and respect
LiCAS News has enabled Thai children to tell the stories of who matters in their society. The editorial team took off their editorial hats and transformed into teaching assistants! But the efforts were certainly worth it with these stories told by primary school children:
https://spotlight.licas.news/from-absolute-zero-to-national-inspiration/index.html
https://spotlight.licas.news/joy-of-the-elephants/index.html
THE UNIVERSITY AS A PROJECT OF HOPE
Isabel Capeloa Gil: “The university as a project of hope”
https://www.ucp.pt/news/isabel-capeloa-gil-university-project-hope?set_language=en
The Pope’s encounter and message to students at the Catholic University of Portugal during this 37th WYD. Here is the short welcome address by the Rector, Prof. Isabel Capeloa Gil, and Pope Francis’ speech.
Some interesting quotes:
“The university stands as a guardian of hope (…). The university is therefore a curator of knowledge, a philosopher of action and a manager of beauty.” (Gil)
“Unless knowledge is embraced as a responsibility, it bears little fruit.” (Francis)
“So work to bring about a new ‘choreography’, one that respects the dance of life by putting the human person at the centre.” (Francis)
Both insist on a person-centered approach of formation, research and knowledge – around the idea of “Integral Human Development”.
Pope Francis gives three examples aiming at fostering a “responsible knowledge”:
– Laudato Si and the urgency of avoiding a disaster;
– The Economy of Francesco (and of Clara) to overcome poverty, inequality and injustice;
– The Global Compact on Education to mobilize all good energies and to educate about acceptance and inclusion.
MEETING WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS to PORTUGAL
ON THE OCCASION OF THE XXXVII WORLD YOUTH DAY (2 – 6 August 2023)
MEETING WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS
“Universidade Católica Portugesa” (Lisbon)
Thursday, 3 August 2023
There is a change of date and time for Stephen Bevan’s lecture, from Saturday 19 Aug 2023 to Tuesday 22 Aug 2023, at 7.30PM
News and Views from the Vatican
VATICAN NEWS
NEWS
World Day of Peace, Pope Francis’ Message
On January 1st, the Church around the world will be celebrating the 57th World Day of Peace. The theme chosen by the Holy Father for this year is “Artificial Intelligence and Peace.”
Pope Francis is inviting us to an open dialogue about the ambivalent impact that new technologies may have on human activities, on private and social life, as well as on politics and the economy.
Watch the video presenting the 2024 World Day of Peace.
Through these words, Pope Francis recalls the necessity of keeping watch over artificial intelligence and using it at the service of the human family and the protection of the earth, our common home. The responsible use of new technologies can prevent the birth of further injustices and inequalities, helping us to build a world of peace.
Read Pope Francis’ Message here!
Please find below our infographics and other useful resources to stimulate reflection, in-depth analysis, and dialogue on the current themes that are addressed in Pope Francis’ Message.
NEWS
Pope announces 21 new Cardinals from around the world
Pope Francis announces that he will create 21 new Cardinals at a Consistory on Saturday, 27 August. They represent the Church worldwide, and reflect a wide variety of cultures, contexts and pastoral ministries.
Eight of the newly named Cardinals are from Europe, six from Asia, two from Africa, one from North America, and four from Central and Latin America. Among them is Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, Archbishop of Singapore (Singapore). Read more…
NEWS
Global Catholic institutions offer free theology classes ahead of 2023 Vatican synod
Bishops, priests, religious, and lay people can avail of free online theology classes ahead of the 2023 synod of bishops in Rome.
The program coordinated is coordinated by members of the theological commission of the general secretariat of the synod of bishops who have been collaborating with the Formación Continua of the Jesuit School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College.
It is offered by the Church of Latin America with the sponsorship of continental episcopal conferences, including the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).
The program is the first project of all the institutions that came together to support the synod.
Those interested to enroll in the classes can register here.
Those “who have been called to the process of ecclesial renewal” are invited to register and avail of the online courses on theology and the practice of “synodality” as part of the church’s two-year project.
“We invite you to get involved in the challenge of imagining and building the Church of the third millennium,” read a statement forwarded by the FABC.
NEWS
The JP2 Institute opens its doors to the world with two Open Days: the first online on 31 May and the second, presential, on 21 June.
The two initiatives will allow people to get to know a unique Institute, which promotes the family as a school for deeper humanity, as a precious resource that we must care for, protect and accompany.
The two Open Days will include the presentation of the Licentiate and Doctorate courses in THEOLOGY and in Marriage and Family SCIENCES. It will also be possible to visit the Institute’s facilities and meet the lecturers to learn more about the courses, to discuss possible study plans, as well as to meet some of the students coming from over thirty different countries and hear their testimonies.
Other activities offered by the JP2 Institute will also be presented, such as workshops and practical training in the field of pastoral care and family counselling, as well as the research chairs (Wojtyla Chair and Gaudium et Spes Chair), which promote conferences, meetings and in-depth studies particularly dedicated to current issues.
The JP2 Institute also offers international perspectives thanks to foreign sections in the USA, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Benin and India and associated centres in Lebanon, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.
The ONLINE Open Day will take place on Tuesday 31 May starting at 4pm (CEST). Click here to register
The PRESENTIAL Open Day is scheduled for Tuesday 21 June at 10 am (CEST) as part of the World Meeting of Families. Click here to register
DISCOVER THE LICENTIATE IN THEOLOGY OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
DISCOVER THE DOCTORATE IN THEOLOGY OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
DISCOVER THE LICENTIATE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY SCIENCES
DISCOVER THE DOCTORATE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY SCIENCES
DISCOVER THE DIPLOMA IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY SCIENCES
STUDENTS’ TESTIMONIES
Julien Paparella (Canada) – Licentiate in Theology of Marriage and Family (English)
Leonardo e Luisa (Colombia) – Licentiate in Marriage and Family Sciences (Italian)
Fabio Battistella (Brasile) – Doctorate in Theology of Marriage and Family (portoghese)
FURTHER INFORMATION
Pontificio Istituto Teologico Giovanni Paolo II
Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 4
00120 Città del Vaticano
Tel.: +39 06 698 86 113
Fax: +39 06 698 86 103
E-mail: info@istitutogp2.it
NEWS
Statement by His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo, President of FABC
Concerning His Eminence Cardinal Joseph ZEN SDB
14 May 2022
As President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences, and following the arrest on 11 May of my brother Cardinal and fellow Salesian, Cardinal Joseph Zen, I wish to express my profound concern about the situation for human rights and threats to religious freedom in Hong Kong. I call on Catholics and the wider Christian community around the world to pray for Hong Kong, and I urge the international community to continue to monitor the situation and speak out for freedom and justice.
NEWS
Wars do not benefit anyone! Appeal for Prayer and Fasting for Peace and Justice
2 March 2022
Like you, the Catholic church in this region is deeply concerned over the war in Ukraine and its impact on global peace and justice, affecting the lives of peoples everywhere. The history and causes of war may be complex, but wars in the long term do not benefit anyone, including us. On the contrary, it only brings destruction and leaves a trail of immense suffering and displacements. Therefore, we join the chorus of Christian churches and leaders across Asia, together with all people of Faith and Goodwill, in humbly appealing for peace and justice.
NEWS
Suggestions for Dioceses and Episcopal Conferences on the preparation of the synthesis
Synod 2021 – 2023 For a Synodal Church:
Communion, Participation and Mission
This document is intended primarily to support the Episcopal Conferences/Synods of the Churches sui iuris in the elaboration of their synthesis, but it could also be useful to the facilitators of the synodal process within each local Church, at the level of individual dioceses/parishes, parishes, grassroots communities, associations and movements, and spontaneous groups. Each local reality is invited to creatively adapt it to its own context.
NEWS
“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest,
if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity,
let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10)
NEWS
The Vatican has extended the period during which the faithful may gain a plenary indulgence for prayers for the deceased. Because of the Covid epidemic, the Apostolic Penitentiary announced on October 28 that the indulgences—usually granted during the first eight days of November—would be available throughout the month.
The plenary indulgence is available, under the usual conditions, for those who visit a cemetery to pray for the deceased. A second indulgence for commemorating the feast of All Souls on November 2 now available throughout the month.
DICASTERO PER LA COMUNICAZIONE
Worldwide Telecasts December 2023
Information on Worldwide Telecasts December 2023
(The times noted below are for the scheduled start and conclusion of each celebration. The actual satellite feeds will begin earlier to allow for lineup.)
CLICK TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD:
Information on Worldwide Telecasts December 2023
For the latest updates, visit Christmas 2023
DICASTERO PER LA COMUNICAZIONE
Worldwide Telecasts Easter 2023
Information on Worldwide Telecasts Easter 2023
(The times noted below are for the scheduled start and conclusion of each celebration)
CLICK TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD:
Information on Worldwide Telecasts Easter 2023
For the latest updates, visit worldtelecast/Easter 2023
Website: www.orientchurch.va
DICASTERY FOR EASTERN CHURCHES
Good Friday Collections – Call to Solidarity with the Christian community of the Holy Land
Click to view/download:
Website: www.dicasteryinterreligious.va
DICASTERY FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Website: www.dicasteryinterreligious.va
Message for Guru Nanak Prakash Diwas 2023
Click to view/download:
Website: www.dicasteryinterreligious.va
MESSAGE FOR THE FEAST OF DEEPAVALI 2023
Click to view/download: