An international peace conference in Italy opened, urging attendees to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action. The event marks the 40th anniversary of a historic gathering. A regional director for a women’s initiative highlighted the severe crisis in Sudan. She stated that over 250,000 civilians have been killed in four years, with widespread attacks on homes, religious sites, and women. The group emphasizes that faith institutions must unite to address these escalating conflicts in East Africa and protect human life.
Christian leaders in Jerusalem issued a strong condemnation of the attack on the Christian village of Tybeeh in the West Bank on October 7, 2019. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated that the assault targeted residents and visiting diplomats. The leaders criticized recent religious rulings allowing Jewish settlements and praised Israeli President Isaac Herzog for opposing them. They called for accountability and urged the international community to ensure the safety of Christians in the region, reaffirming their support for the Tybeeh community.
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Antonio Helu, founder of the Lebanon Faith Tours agency, says his organization is promoting Lebanon's natural and religious heritage despite ongoing conflict with Israel and Hezbollah. Based in Beirut, Helu leads tours to historic Christian sites in safer northern areas, such as the ancient shrine of Saint Charbel in Anaya. He emphasizes that these locations are vibrant communities rather than just buildings. Although the country faces security challenges, Helu asserts that northern regions remain safe for visitors. He also shares videos on Instagram to highlight the nation's unique spiritual and natural beauty to a global audience.
The Catholic Church in Ethiopia marked World Mission Day at a cathedral in the capital. The event highlighted the centenary of the observance, which began in 1926 under Pope Pius XI. A national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies urged Christians to support evangelization through prayer and financial contributions. Pope Francis emphasized unity and reconciliation in his message. The day aims to remind believers of their responsibility to spread the Gospel and support missionary work globally.
A bishop from a district in Papua New Guinea recounted his unexpected call to missionary service. Appointed by Pope Francis, he traveled to the remote archipelago, where 95 percent of the territory is water. He described logistical challenges, including boat trips lasting up to three days to reach distant parishes. The bishop, formerly a school principal in Ethiopia, emphasized prayer and the importance of a church that goes out to people. He also shared his appointment as bishop by Pope Leo XIV and his dedication to serving the faithful in difficult conditions.
Bishop John Obala of the Ngoni diocese in Kenya emphasized that the Church must actively address social challenges like poverty, unemployment, and family breakdown. Speaking to Vatican News, he highlighted the work of centers such as Tone La Magi in Koinonia, which supports street children and vulnerable youth. The diocese, established in 1959, serves a population of 2.2 million, with Catholics comprising 15 percent. Bishop Obala noted that young people are crucial to the future but face risks of political exploitation and violence. He stressed that the Church cannot ignore the suffering of its community and must engage in practical service alongside evangelization to provide psychological support and education.
Translated from አማርኛ
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