The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea elected Bishop Augustine Kim Jong-su of Daejeon as its new president during a plenary assembly in Seoul from October 19 to 21. The bishops also approved new guidelines addressing sexual violence within the Church, which Kim had previously helped draft. Additionally, they elected Bishop John Baptist Jung Shin-chul as vice president and Archbishop Simon Ok Hyun-jin as secretary for three-year terms. The conference further approved a guide on artificial intelligence and a sign-language Mass. They also launched a year of prayer for peace on the Korean Peninsula ahead of World Youth Day Seoul 2027. According to Yonhap, Kim stated that people have no right to interfere with life itself regarding potential abortion pill plans.
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The Vatican newspaper featured a prominent front-page article on October 29 focusing on poverty in Burundi. Staff journalist Giada Aquilino wrote the piece, titled 'Burundi: For 70 cents per day,' drawing on an Agence France-Presse report. The article discusses issues such as inflation and disease in the east-central African nation. Aquilino noted that Burundi ranks 187th out of 193 countries on the UN Human Development Index. This coverage brings international attention to the economic and social struggles faced by the population in Burundi.
Monsignor Christoph Huber, General Prefect of Kolping International, recently visited Burundi and Kenya to strengthen organizational bonds. In Burundi, he highlighted agricultural struggles driven by climate change, noting that small loans help families build sustainable livelihoods. In Kenya, Huber observed higher levels of corruption and crime, which complicate development efforts. He emphasized that Kolping supports local communities to resist criminal influences. The visit aims to foster mutual understanding between European and African branches, showcasing diverse regional needs and cultural richness while promoting global solidarity.
Salvatore Nisitelese, Bishop of Bururi in Burundi, told Agenzia Fides that promoting peace and reconciliation remains a top priority for the local church. Since 2004, the diocese has organized forums and marches to heal societal wounds from past conflicts. The bishop also emphasized the importance of strengthening families to support youth development. However, high unemployment drives many young people to seek work abroad or turn to alcohol. Additionally, the church is assisting over 80,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, collaborating with international aid organizations to provide support.
Translated from 简体中文Also reported by 1 other outlet
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea elected Bishop Augustine Kim Jong-su of Daejeon as its new president during a plenary assembly in Seoul from October 19 to 21. The bishops also approved new guidelines addressing sexual violence within the Church, which Kim had previously helped draft. Additionally, they elected Bishop John Baptist Jung Shin-chul as vice president and Archbishop Simon Ok Hyun-jin as secretary for three-year terms. The conference further approved a guide on artificial intelligence and a sign-language Mass. They also launched a year of prayer for peace on the Korean Peninsula ahead of World Youth Day Seoul 2027. According to Yonhap, Kim stated that people have no right to interfere with life itself regarding potential abortion pill plans.
The ACT Alliance has updated its appeal to address the intertwined crises of Ebola, conflict, and displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring nations. Escalating violence in eastern regions has caused mass displacement and hindered Ebola response efforts. The updated appeal coordinates aid across the DRC, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania. It provides a budget of over five million USD for a twelve-month period starting in July 2026. The response includes food security, shelter, protection, and health support for vulnerable populations affected by these overlapping emergencies.
Charles Gardner reviews Simon Guillebaud’s book Dangerously Alive, which details the missionary’s experiences in Burundi during the late 1990s civil war. Guillebaud worked for Scripture Union while dodging bullets and bombs in the Central African nation. The article notes that despite the violence, revival occurred, including miraculous healings and the conversion of a former rebel soldier who later became president. Gardner highlights Guillebaud’s perspective on spiritual warfare and his critique of Western Christianity, commending the account as a challenge for modern believers. The outlet attributes these events and reflections to Guillebaud’s narrative.
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