A film producer discusses the centenary of the Cristero War in Mexico, noting that remembering the 1926-1929 religious persecution helps new generations understand the value of freedom of conscience. The movie highlights martyrs and the role of women in the conflict. The producer emphasizes that the story is not an invitation to repeat violence but a testimony to protect religious liberty. He urges audiences to support the film's theatrical release to ensure this historical episode remains known, fostering awareness of the sacrifices made for faith in that region.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by jason hu on UnsplashPersecuted church
A 67-year-old priest in a city in northern Mexico was found alive after being missing for several days. He had disappeared after leaving a medical appointment. Local security authorities confirmed his safe return to a local parish in a specific neighborhood. Although he received medical attention, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear. Diocesan and national church leaders had previously requested public assistance to locate him. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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Albana Sanz, who grew up in poverty in Casavalle, Montevideo, Uruguay, is preparing for Pope Leo XIV's visit to the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe parish on November 7, 2026. According to CNN, Sanz discovered her faith as a child in this marginalized neighborhood. The parish community supported her education, helping her overcome early academic struggles to earn six university degrees. She now works in emotional education and co-authored legislation in Uruguay. Her story illustrates how religious and social support can transform lives in vulnerable areas, highlighting the significance of the upcoming papal encounter with the local community.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on UnsplashGood news
A Memorial Pope Francis initiative held intergenerational workshops at a nursing home in Mexico to combat loneliness. The programs brought together adult volunteers, young people, and residents to share life stories. According to the outlet Desde la fe, the project aimed to foster social bonds and improve the daily dynamics of the institution. Specialists noted that the sessions allowed older adults to feel heard and valued, while volunteers gained new perspectives. The team plans to expand these efforts to other care centers and address medical and infrastructure needs.
A study in Mexico reveals that criminal organizations recruit hundreds weekly to replace losses. The outlet Desde la fe highlights four proposals from the Church to prevent this trend. These measures include creating official registries to track victims, strengthening family and school prevention, monitoring social media risks, and providing specialized support for those already recruited. The article notes that reducing recruitment could significantly lower cartel-related deaths, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protection strategies for minors in the country.
A major basilica in Mexico is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its current structure, inaugurated in 1976. Pope Leo XIV has granted a Jubilee Year valid from October 2026 to 2027. Under the guidance of the new rector, the site serves as a hub for civil and religious leaders. The article notes collaboration with local officials on community peace programs. Security measures include numerous surveillance cameras managed by a specific unit to protect visitors during the jubilee celebrations, ensuring safety for the faithful attending these significant events.
The outlet 'Desde la fe' highlights three individuals who converted to Christianity and now reside in France. One, expelled from the Soviet Union, describes her faith as transformative. Another, formerly from Iraq, fled after facing torture and a death sentence for leaving Islam. A third, formerly from India, escaped his family after converting from Islam to Catholicism. The article states that these converts found peace and courage through Christ despite severe persecution. It notes that thousands of people change religions annually, emphasizing the impact of their decisions on their communities and families.
A citizen platform in Mexico filed a request with the Attorney General for an investigation and protection for a bishop in a central Mexican city. This follows a social media post attributed to a YouTuber, which offered money for an attack on the bishop. The threat emerged after the bishop criticized government contradictions during a homily. The president of the Mexican Episcopal Conference warned the message aimed to intimidate church leaders. Local officials and family groups have also called for the bishop's safety amid rising violence against clergy in Mexico.
The Catholic Church in Mexico is preparing for the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. Pope Leo XIV has issued a message with the theme 'One in Christ, united in mission,' urging all baptized Christians to share the Gospel. A representative from the Archdiocese explains that missionary work involves daily acts of solidarity and accompaniment, not just travel. The event, originally instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926, aims to strengthen evangelization efforts and support communities facing poverty and violence through collective commitment.
According to the 2023 Statistical Yearbook of the Holy See, the Catholic Church manages over 103,000 health, assistance, and charity centers worldwide. The network includes more than 5,300 hospitals and nearly 14,000 outpatient clinics. One country ranks among the top ten with thousands of institutions. Data shows Europe and America hold the largest shares of these facilities. While the total number of institutions decreased by 7.2 percent since 2016, hospital numbers slightly increased. The report highlights the Church's ongoing commitment to caring for the sick and vulnerable across diverse regions.
A Mexican bishop faces threats after criticizing the federal government for failing to protect citizens from crime. Political allies of the ruling party, including a deputy and a communicator, attacked the bishop online. One individual allegedly offered money for an attack, described as incitement to violence. Church leaders, including the president of the national episcopal conference, condemned the threats as intimidation tactics aimed at silencing dissent. The incident highlights concerns about freedom of speech and safety for religious figures in Mexico following the bishop's recent comments on national security.
Church leaders in Mexico are collaborating with local authorities to develop a new 350-kilometer walking route in Jalisco. This path will connect rural communities and heritage sites across multiple municipalities. The journey concludes at a monastery featuring a replica of the Holy Sepulchre. Organizers plan to open the path to pilgrims in late October or early November 2026. Prior to opening, test runs will be conducted to ensure safety and smooth operations for participants.
A family in Mexico preserves a large Christ statue passed down through their maternal line for over two centuries. Published on the centenary of the Cristero War, the article details how the image and sacred vessels were hidden during 1920s religious persecution. It recounts stories of local Catholics defending their faith, including a priest executed by federal troops and women smuggling supplies. The statue stands as a silent witness to this history, reminding readers of the sacrifices made for religious liberty in Mexico. The outlet highlights the enduring legacy of those who died for their beliefs.
The author visited a Central Asian nation where nearly 97 percent of the population is Muslim. Only about 200 Catholics reside there, worshipping in a simple parish in the capital. Despite being a tiny minority, the community demonstrates strong spiritual fervor and social service. The article contrasts this relative religious freedom with the severe restrictions in Saudi Arabia, where public worship is banned. According to the outlet, Catholics maintain their faith through humility and action, following the example of domestic catechists who preserved religious traditions during the communist era. The author notes this as a privilege compared to countries with stricter limitations.
A Catholic priest died and four others were injured on Thursday, September 24, after a stabbing attack at a Benedictine monastery in Jarosław, Poland. The suspect, a 31-year-old Ukrainian man, was detained by authorities. According to the monastery superior, Father Stanisław Zbojnowicz attempted to protect the faithful by closing doors during the assault. He later died in the hospital. The District Prosecutor's Office of Przemyśl confirmed the casualties. Police are investigating the motive, which remains unknown, and checking if the attacker was under the influence of substances. Initial reports incorrectly stated a second priest died, but Father Marek Pieńkowski is undergoing surgery.
A major archdiocese in Mexico has launched a new pastoral initiative focused on community listening. The coordinator explains that the project prioritizes diagnosing local needs before action, covering digital evangelization, peacebuilding, life defense, and ecology. Parishes will tailor activities to their specific contexts to address issues like poverty and social isolation. The goal is to foster a permanent missionary culture where Catholics actively engage with their surroundings to transform societal challenges through concrete charitable and spiritual efforts, ensuring the mission remains relevant to diverse local realities.
A rescue instructor in Mexico has spent five decades responding to disasters. He began his work during a devastating earthquake in the capital, witnessing widespread destruction in various neighborhoods. He emphasizes that prayer and faith are essential before entering disaster zones to cope with trauma. He recounts surviving an accident and a rescue mission abroad as moments that strengthened his conviction. The outlet reports that he views his voluntary service as a divine calling to help others, highlighting the role of spirituality in humanitarian efforts.
San Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean Catholic priest, was martyred in Seoul in 1846 for his faith. Born in 1821, he studied in Macao and was ordained in Shanghai in 1845 by Bishop Jean Joseph Ferreol. He returned to Korea to lead the small Catholic community, celebrating secret masses despite official persecution. He was tortured and beheaded at age 25. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1984 during a historic visit to Korea, marking the first canonization outside Rome in 700 years. His feast day is celebrated on September 20. The outlet notes he remains a symbol of perseverance for Catholics in South Korea.
A major archdiocese in Mexico and a prominent basilica are organizing a charity race to support elderly priests facing health and financial hardships. The event aims to raise funds for a foundation dedicated to assisting vulnerable clergy members in the region. Participants can choose from various distances, starting and ending at the sacred site. The archdiocese emphasizes that this initiative promotes family unity and hope while providing crucial aid to those in need. Registration details are available through official channels, encouraging community participation to support the church's most vulnerable members.
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