Pope Leo XIV visited the Saint Oscar Romero Chapel in the La Victoria district of Chiclayo, Peru, on Friday, the 13th. The pontiff had previously contributed to the building's restoration while serving as bishop of the region. He greeted the faithful, sprinkled holy water, and thanked the community for their support during his recent surgery. According to Vatican News, the Pope emphasized the importance of living as a united community of disciples. He stated that all baptized members share the mission to spread the Gospel and strengthen bonds within the Church.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 2 outlets
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has called on the federal government to amend the current euthanasia legislation. According to the National Catholic Register, the bishops are urging Parliament to split the bill so that advance requests for medical assistance in dying are not permitted. This request aims to prevent individuals from consenting to euthanasia before they lose the capacity to make such decisions. The move reflects the church's ongoing concern regarding the scope of end-of-life care laws in Canada. The bishops argue that allowing advance directives could undermine the protection of vulnerable patients.
Pope Francis visited the La Victoria district in El Salvador to inaugurate a prayer chapel dedicated to the late martyr Archbishop Oscar Romero. The facility was reconstructed with support from the local community and donors. The Pope expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that the project fulfilled a dream initiated by the former archbishop, who also served as a caretaker during the Pope's own recovery. The event highlights the ongoing reverence for Romero's legacy in the country.
A prophet in Nigeria has been remanded in prison by a state court after attempting to resurrect a late gospel musician. State police arrested the individual for filming the singer's corpse at a morgue and circulating the video online without the family's consent. He faces charges including indignity to a deceased body and conduct likely to breach public peace. A police spokesperson confirmed the remand order, stating the act caused distress to the bereaved family. The case is adjourned for further proceedings, with details regarding the specific date withheld to protect ongoing legal processes and community safety.
During his apostolic journey to Peru, Pope Leo XIV highlighted several Peruvian saints and blesseds who shaped the nation's spiritual identity. In Lima, the Pontiff referenced Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint of the New World, and Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, who cared for plague victims. He also mentioned Saint Francis Solano, known for miracles in Latin America, Saint Martin de Porres, a healer of the poor, and Saint John Macias, a servant to the needy. These figures are featured on the visit's logo, emphasizing charity and evangelization as priorities for the Church in the region.
Bishops in Canada urged lawmakers to separate advance euthanasia requests from mental illness exclusions in legislation, citing ethical concerns. In Iraq, streets in a major city were named after Christian clergy killed during past violence. A senior archbishop warned that symbolic gestures alone cannot ensure the return of displaced families. Meanwhile, a church leader in Ireland highlighted the threat of digital human trafficking. Other reports noted bishops in Indonesia addressing poverty, a coalition urging European agricultural reform, and the closure of a historic Catholic school in England due to new tax policies.
Pope Francis visited the chapel dedicated to St Oscar Romero in the La Victoria district of Chiclayo, Peru, during his apostolic journey. The pontiff expressed gratitude to the local community for realizing the project and thanked them for prayers supporting his recovery from recent surgery. He reflected on the saint's life, noting Romero's dedication to the poor and his martyrdom in El Salvador. The Pope encouraged the faithful to collaborate in the Church's mission of sharing God's love and continuing the work of Jesus Christ. After the visit, he traveled to the Bishop's residence for lunch.
Translated from Tiếng ViệtAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Authorities in a city in Shaanxi province detained lawyers and barred observers from a fraud trial involving a prominent pastor. The proceedings concluded without a verdict. Officials charged the church with fraud by misclassifying offerings, a tactic critics argue targets unregistered Protestant groups. Several legal advocates were stopped or arrested while attempting to monitor the case. The defendant’s family claims procedural violations and coerced testimony occurred. The pastor’s wife and another church leader face separate trials linked to the same investigation. The local court did not publicly address these allegations, raising concerns about judicial transparency and religious freedom in the region.
Catholic Relief Services has published an update regarding the Bia Laafia Project in Togo. The organization released a fact sheet on November 13, 2026, detailing the initiative's activities. The document is available in both English and French. This release provides information on the project's scope and impact within the Togolese region. Readers can access the full details through the provided PDF document. The update highlights ongoing efforts to support local communities through this specific program.
Mother Maria Bernardette, a missionary in Peru, recalled working with Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, in the remote highlands of Lambayeque. During his time as Bishop of Chiclayo, he traveled by horse to villages like Cañaris and Guayllabamba in 2015 and 2016. She shared these memories during a youth vigil in Lima on November 12. The sister noted his humble living conditions and close connection with locals. She hopes his visit inspires new religious vocations among Peruvian youth, emphasizing his enduring bond with the region.
A Christian organization in Cuba thanked the G7 for addressing the island's crisis but urged the alliance to move beyond mere declarations. The group called for concrete political actions to diplomatically isolate the Cuban regime and pressure it toward a democratic transition. This appeal followed a recent G7 meeting where leaders issued a statement expressing concern over Cuba's economic and humanitarian situation. The G7 encouraged political reforms and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals. The Cuban Christian group argued that international solidarity must translate into decisive actions to end repression and allow Cubans to determine their own future.
Translated from EspañolAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in Chiclayo, Peru, the city where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023. According to Vatican News, approximately one million faithful gathered in the Las Pampas de Pimentel area to attend the service. Pilgrims arrived from across Peru, including Lima and the Amazon region, to welcome their former bishop. The outlet reports that attendees expressed deep joy and requested blessings. The event highlighted the strong connection between the Pontiff and his former diocese, with locals chanting slogans of support as he arrived by plane.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 1 other outlet
A Brazilian missionary and her volunteer team encountered four children cooking snails to survive hunger in Mozambique. The children, who live with their grandmother, were found outside their thatched-roof home. Shocked by the scene, the missionaries intervened, stopping the children from eating the snails and providing them with a basic food basket and a cooked meal. The missionary stated that sharing these images is necessary to raise awareness and secure resources for aid, emphasizing that such extreme poverty is unacceptable. The organization continues its work in the country by operating an orphanage that provides food, education, and medical care.
Approximately 300 men participated in an evangelistic service at a prison in Oklahoma, United States. The event, organized by the God Behind Bars ministry and local church leaders, resulted in 200 inmates accepting Jesus and 47 being baptized. The ministry reported that many detainees were moved emotionally during the worship and preaching. Pastor Michael Todd from Transformation Church also participated, praying for freedom from spiritual oppression. The organization, founded by Jake Bodine, aims to share the Gospel in correctional facilities across the US, emphasizing that faith brings forgiveness and new life regardless of past actions.
Religion Digital reports that bishops in Nicaragua should thaw communication with colleagues in exile and recognize appointments made by the Vatican. The outlet argues that this step is necessary to heal fractures within the persecuted Catholic Church in Nicaragua. The article suggests that maintaining dialogue is crucial for unity amidst ongoing repression. This guidance aims to address internal divisions caused by the political situation. The publication highlights the importance of acknowledging ecclesiastical authority from Rome to restore cohesion among clergy members facing persecution in the country.
Gazan Christians describe increasing pressure and a dramatic population decline under Hamas control in the Gaza Strip. Naji, a former resident, told the Christian Broadcasting Network that Hamas reshaped societal views, categorizing Christians as subordinate 'People of the Book.' Another interviewee, Ahad, reported bullying and stone attacks on churches. Reports indicate the Christian population has fallen from thousands to between 300 and 400 people. A December 2024 study by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs cited anti-Christian violence and discrimination as key drivers for this exodus, warning that Christianity risks disappearing from its birthplace.
Rapper Daddy Yankee received the Personality of the Year award at the 2026 Latin Grammys in Las Vegas, USA. The Puerto Rican artist, who converted to Christianity in 2023, thanked fans and family during his acceptance speech. He stated that knowing Jesus filled his soul more than traveling the world. Yankee, known for hits like Despacito, has shifted his career toward gospel music and missionary work since his public declaration of faith in San Juan. He cited biblical verses and expressed gratitude for his new purpose in life.
Pope Leo XIV visited Peru, drawing three million people to Lima and half a million to a Mass in Chiclayo. According to ACI MENA, Vatican statistics for 2024 reveal the Catholic Church's expanding presence in the country. The baptized Catholic population reached approximately 31 million, maintaining over 91 percent of the total population. The number of parishes increased to 1,710, and priests rose to 3,000. However, baptisms and marriages declined significantly since 1980. The visit highlights both institutional growth and changing religious practices in Peru.
Ahead of World Suicide Survivor Day on November 21, experts held a roundtable in Seoul to discuss support for those left behind. Participants included leaders from suicide prevention associations, a professor, and a Christian center director. They highlighted that survivors face high risks and social stigma. The group urged the church to abandon condemning language and instead offer empathetic care. They also called for responsible media reporting and better government support systems to help families cope with loss and prevent further tragedies.
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