Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre ‘resurrected’ for Palm Sunday Mass as pilgrims return
Jerusalem, Israel Reuters Prayers in Arabic and Latin echoed in the rotunda of Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday as Christians from around the world were once again able to attend Palm Sunday mass after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Around 500 worshippers passed through the huge wooden doors of the church […]
As battle looms in Ukraine’s east, Austrian leader to meet Putin
Kyiv/Buzova, Ukraine Reuters Russian forces pounded targets in eastern Ukraine with missiles and artillery on Sunday as Austria’s leader planned to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Washington pledged to give Ukraine “the weapons it needs” to defend itself against a new Russian offensive. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he would meet with Putin […]
On Palm Sunday, Pope calls for Easter truce in Ukraine
Vatican CityReuters Pope Francis on Sunday called for an Easter truce in Ukraine, and in an apparent reference to Russia, questioned the value of planting a victory flag “on a heap of rubble”. Francis spoke at the end of a Palm Sunday service for about 50,000 people in St Peter’s Square, the first time since […]
Catholic award for US environmental justice advocate
New Orleans, USAP A retired special education teacher turned environmental justice advocate will receive what the University of Notre Dame describes as the oldest and most prestigious honour for American Catholics. The university will present its Laetare Medal to Rise St James founder Sharon Lavigne on 15th May, during commencement ceremonies in South Bend, Indiana. In this 11th March, […]
Space station’s first all-private astronaut team welcomed aboard orbiting platform
Reuters The first all-private team of astronauts ever launched to the International Space Station were welcomed aboard the orbiting research platform on Saturday to begin a weeklong science mission hailed as a milestone in commercial spaceflight. Their arrival came about 21 hours after the four-man team representing Houston-based startup company Axiom Space Inc lifted off […]
Australia PM sets general election for 21st May
Melbourne/Sydney, Australia Reuters Australia will hold a general election on 21st May, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday, triggering a campaign expected to be fought over cost-of-living pressures, climate change and questions of trust and competence of the major parties. Morrison played up economic uncertainties and security threats in announcing the election, saying this […]
Sharif, frontrunner as next Pakistani PM, seen as “can-do” administrator
Islamabad, PakistanReuters Shehbaz Sharif, the person most likely to be Pakistan’s next prime minister, is little known outside his home country but has a reputation domestically as an effective administrator more than as a politician. The younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz, 70, led a successful bid by the opposition in parliament […]
From boxer to priest: ‘Father Stu’ is Mark Wahlberg’s “love letter to God”
EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, reports on the impact bringing Father Stu’s story to the big screen has had on actor Mark Walhberg…
Pressure mounts on Sri Lanka leader to quit as protests continue; Catholic clergy call for “new beginning”
Colombo, Sri Lanka AP Thousands of Sri Lankans rallied in the country’s main business district and Christian clergy marched in the capital to observe a day of protest on Saturday calling on the debt-ridden nation’s president to resign, as anxiety and anger over shortages simmered. Protesters carrying national flags and placards, some bemoaning the hardships […]
Global donors pledge 9.1 billion euros to support Ukrainian refugees
Brussels, BelgiumReuters Donors including the Canadian Government and the European Commission on Saturday pledged a €9.1 billion in donations, loans and grants to support refugees fleeing the war following Russia’s invasion. The fundraising event in Warsaw, Poland, €1.8 billion to support internally displaced people inside Ukraine, and €7.3 billion for refugees who have fled the […]