Francis’ Plea for Economic Justice

Pope Francis is urging wealthy nations to cancel unsustainable debts and address the ecological and financial inequities burdening the Global South. The pope challenges world leaders to reimagine a system that serves humanity and the planet.

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A Call to Solidarity and Reconciliation

In Spes Non Confundit, the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis issues a heartfelt call for global justice, urging humanity to confront the scandals of hunger and debt while anchoring life in hope, mercy, and reconciliation.

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A Jubilee of Hope

On May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Ascension, Pope Francis published the Bull of Indiction for the ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit. The title is a quotation from the Letter to the Romans, “Hope does not disappoint.”

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The Virgen of the Barangay Picture

The image of Our Lady of the Barangay depicts a Virgen with distinctly Filipino features and attire. According to Antonio Gaston, “this is the only picture of Our Lady with the Infant Child holding and offering the beautiful devotion of His mother.”

My Dream of Making Her Known

As he reflects on his journey leading up to the 75th jubilee of the enduring devotion to the Virgen sang Barangay, Fr. Christopher discovers that the Virgen had been guiding him all along, revealing her maternal love in every step of his spiritual path.

A Filipino Devotion to the Virgin

In 1949, Mayor Antonio Gaston founded the Virgen sang Barangay, a Marian devotion that spread across the Philippines. The movement encouraged prayer, community-building, and devotion through the Rosary. This year, it is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

A Journey of Discovery, Reflection, and Perseverance

After nearly two decades of hesitation, Professor Randy David finally embarked on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage he had long dreamed of. This journey offered him a rare chance for reflection, connection, and immersion in the beauty of the present moment.

30 Days on the Camino de Santiago

Fr. Vladimir celebrated the 30th anniversary of his priesthood by walking the Camino de Santiago for 30 days. He describes his experience as a spiritual adventure that included moments of solitude and camaraderie, as well as opportunities to offer prayers and sacrifices for the cancer warriors of his diocese.

Discovering Life on the Camino

The ancient Camino de Santiago attracts numerous pilgrims from different religious backgrounds including people who do not profess any religion. This surge can be attributed to a growing desire for personal renewal, connection with the divine, and a break from the world’s distractions. 

One Hundred and Two

An unexpected circumstance led the author to a direct experience of the difficult living conditions of a prison setting and to a brief moment of deep solidarity with the PDLs.

EDITORIAL

2025 – A Year for Hope

In the bull Spes Non Confundit, the Pope seeks to rekindle the flame of hope in those who have passed “from confidence to fear, from serenity to discouragement, from certainty to doubt.”...

2025 – A Year for Hope

In the bull Spes Non Confundit, the Pope seeks to rekindle the flame of hope in those who have passed “from confidence to fear, from serenity to discouragement, from certainty to doubt.”

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Christmas: Hope amidst Suffering

The child Jesus came for everyone. In Him, God wants to be present in every aspect of our human condition and reality to redeem it and make it more human and divine.

A Vision for the Future

The “Pact for the Future” is a plan of action to restore dialogue between nations in the face of increasing global conflicts and inequalities. The UN and its members have been commissioned to make this plan work.

Frontiers

Nuclear War Is Now Close!

The threat of nuclear war looms once again, with recent escalations in Ukraine and increasingly dire warnings from global leaders and experts. This moment demands urgent reflection, decisive action, and a return to the path of peace.

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Insight

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

Senator Grace Poe said there are 900,000 court cases left unresolved and undecided for many years. It was an astounding revelation. The complainants are waiting for justice to be served. “Justice delayed is justice denied” is a sign hanging in many Philippine courtrooms.

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Frontline

Safe Haven for Patients in Need

The ICM sisters in the Philippines had established a dormitory in Quezon City for economically challenged patients seeking healthcare in Manila. Since it opened its doors about 40 years ago, hundreds of patients with financial difficulties from across the country have been accommodated.

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Our World

Playing a Helpful Role in a Restless Society

History reveals that when social order collapses, people instinctively rally behind a 'Strongman,' hoping for security. But today’s interconnected world demands ethical leadership and the power of intellectual communities to guide societies through the storm.

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Beyond the Synod

Francis: The Pope of Synodality

Canonically, synods are synods of bishops. But historically, synods are not synods of the ordained, nor do they refer only to the official gatherings of bishops to exercise their collegiality, cum Petro et sub Petro. Francis exerts much effort to revive the original concept of synodality.

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Young Heart

“Let Go, Let God!”

Are you full of hurtful feelings? Boiled up angst? Does it feel like you’ve been wronged a lot of times in your life that you feel like nothing is happening and you’ve got nowhere else to go? Know when to let go and when to let God!

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Vatican II

Paul VI: Missionary Pope of Vatican II

From pioneering papal travels to advancing interreligious dialogue, Paul VI modeled a Church reaching out to the world, inspired by the Gospel’s transformative power. His missionary zeal and the Vatican II spirit he embodied are his enduring legacy.

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Follow Me

Amos, the Prophet of Boldness

God’s call often comes unexpectedly, as it did for the prophet Amos, a humble shepherd and sycamore grower. His story reminds us that God’s choice is not about our qualifications but His purpose. Amos boldly embraced his vocation, proclaiming truth and justice in a world resistant to change.

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Combonis in Asia

Seeds of Faith in Taiwan

In 2002, the Comboni missionaries started planting their first seeds of missionary work in Taiwan. Over time, the community has become a vibrant presence in the capital Taipei, offering pastoral care, social outreach, and unwavering faith amidst a predominantly Buddhist and Taoist society.

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Editorial

Christmas: Hope amidst Suffering

The child Jesus came for everyone. In Him, God wants to be present in every aspect of our human condition and reality to redeem it and make it more human and divine.

WM Special

A Filipino Devotion to the Virgin

In 1949, Mayor Antonio Gaston founded the Virgen sang Barangay, a Marian devotion that spread across the Philippines. The movement encouraged prayer, community-building, and devotion through the Rosary. This year, it is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

WM Special

My Dream of Making Her Known

As he reflects on his journey leading up to the 75th jubilee of the enduring devotion to the Virgen sang Barangay, Fr. Christopher discovers that the Virgen had been guiding him all along, revealing her maternal love in every step of his spiritual path.

WM Special

The Virgen of the Barangay Picture

The image of Our Lady of the Barangay depicts a Virgen with distinctly Filipino features and attire. According to Antonio Gaston, “this is the only picture of Our Lady with the Infant Child holding and offering the beautiful devotion of His mother.”

Frontiers

After the Elections, the Hard Work Begins!

The more demanding task before us is to continually insist that elected officials make it their priority to protect the lives, and promote the dignity, of the poor and vulnerable everywhere. Promoting these moral values is our duty as Catholic citizens.

Insight

The Brave Filipino Rights Advocates

The brave Filipinos who love their country are committed to helping the poor and the exploited and are changing the culture of corruption and injustice that pervades our nation are being killed and arbitrarily arrested. Good people must support them and demand an end to the violence against them.

Frontline

Inspiring Hope through Art

Brother Christopher Villanueva, a member of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), harnesses his creativity in painting to restore and strengthen hope among victims of conflict and natural disasters. He wishes his painting can also encourage the people to grow more in faith.

In Focus

Sacred Heart Shows the Way in ‘Superficial’ Age

Pope Francis published a new encyclical calling for a renewed understanding of devotion to the Sacred Heart in the modern era. Archbishop Bruno Forte said the encyclical expressed “the inspiring motive of the whole magisterium of Pope Francis.”

Our World

Women’s Inspiring Role in Leadership

From Mary hastening to help her cousin Elizabeth to Joan of Arc plunging into the defense of her people, women have always been on the frontline serving the common cause. Taking the initiative is leadership.

Vatican II

Council Documents Brief Synthesis

A comprehensive list of Vatican Council II documents provides a brief overview of each document, shedding light on how Vatican II reshaped the Church’s mission, structure and relationship with contemporary society.

A Taste of Tradition

“For You I Am a Bishop, With You I Am a Christian.”

With this simple but pregnant sentence, Saint Augustine speaks of our Baptismal Priesthood and its relationship with the ordained task of being a Bishop that the Lord has given him.

Follow Me

Here I Am, Lord! Send Me!

The vocation of the prophet Isaiah helps us discover the secret of good discernment: knowing how to contemplate and listen to the voice of the Lord. Faced with God’s irrevocable call, he responds promptly and generously: “Here I am, Lord! Send me!”

Follow Me

Discovering the Better Part

When a vocation opens up, plans are changed, new encounters take place, and discoveries are made. Fr. Pierpaolo has experienced this and shares some personal thoughts.

Philippines

Religious Leaders Commit To Peace And Justice

Religious leaders in Mindanao have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and sustainable development during the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MiRLeC), held in Davao City.

Sudan

The Ignored Humanitarian Catastrophe

The ongoing war in Sudan, stemming from a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to severe humanitarian crises, with thousands killed, millions displaced, and widespread atrocities, yet it remains largely overlooked by global media.

Synod on Synodality

Cardinal-Designate David Calls For A ‘more Welcoming Church’

The success of the just concluded Synod on Synodality hinges on the Church becoming more welcoming, even to non-Catholics, Cardinal-designate Pablo Virgilio David (in photo) said. Speaking to CBCP News at the end of the month-long second session of the Synod of Bishops’ 16th general assembly, the bishop of Kalookan said this was his hope for the particular churches, or dioceses and eparchies, across the world.

Catholicism

Catholic Population Growing In Africa

New statistics from the Vatican’s Agenzia Fides news agency revealed that while Europe’s Catholic population decreased by nearly half a million in 2022, growth occurred in other areas. Globally, the Catholic population reached approximately 1.39 billion, an increase of over 13 million. Catholics now make up about 17.7% of the world’s population.

Ecumenism

Joint Catholic-Orthodox Celebration Of Nicaea Anniversary

Pope Francis has proposed celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea together with Orthodox leaders in a personal letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

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Jubilee 2025

Churches To Celebrate Local Saints Every November 9

Pope Francis has called on local churches to add a new date to their calendars. Starting November 9, 2025, they will be invited to “commemorate and honor” annually the local spiritual figures–saints, blessed, venerable, and servants of God from their regions.

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Europe

Anti-Christian Hate Crimes On The Rise

A recently released report from a European watchdog group has found nearly 2,500 documented instances of hate crimes against Christians living in Europe. Approximately 1,000 of these attacks took place in France.

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Comboni Missionaries

Superior General Appointed Bishop

Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie (in photo), M.C.C.J., Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries as auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Catholicism

Catholic Population Growing In Africa

New statistics from the Vatican’s Agenzia Fides news agency revealed that while Europe’s Catholic population decreased by nearly half a million in 2022, growth occurred in other areas. Globally, the Catholic population reached approximately 1.39 billion, an increase of over 13 million. Catholics now make up about 17.7% of the world’s population.

Synod on Synodality

Cardinal-Designate David Calls For A ‘more Welcoming Church’

The success of the just concluded Synod on Synodality hinges on the Church becoming more welcoming, even to non-Catholics, Cardinal-designate Pablo Virgilio David (in photo) said. Speaking to CBCP News at the end of the month-long second session of the Synod of Bishops’ 16th general assembly, the bishop of Kalookan said this was his hope for the particular churches, or dioceses and eparchies, across the world.

Sudan

The Ignored Humanitarian Catastrophe

The ongoing war in Sudan, stemming from a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to severe humanitarian crises, with thousands killed, millions displaced, and widespread atrocities, yet it remains largely overlooked by global media.

Philippines

Religious Leaders Commit To Peace And Justice

Religious leaders in Mindanao have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and sustainable development during the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MiRLeC), held in Davao City.

Popular Movements

Pope Calls For Universal Basic Income

In a meeting with representatives of Popular Movements marking the 10th anniversary of their first encounter at the Vatican, Pope Francis encouraged the participants to fight against social injustices, reiterating his proposal for a Universal Basic Income and higher taxes for billionaires.

Synod

Parish Priests to Become “Missionaries Of Synodality”

In a significant address to parish priests gathered for the International Meeting “Parish Priests for the Synod,” Pope Francis issued a heartfelt appeal for priests worldwide to engage in the ongoing synodal process actively.

Comboni Missionaries

New Bishop

Pope Francis appointed Comboni Missionary Fr. Victor Hugo Castillo Matarrita (in photo) as Bishop of Kaga-Bandoro in the Central African Republic.

Vatican

Theme For World Youth Day In South Korea

The Vatican has announced the theme for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “This theme resonates deeply with the challenges confronting today’s youth,” wrote Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee, general coordinator for WYD Seoul 2027.

New Blessed

A Missionary Among Fellow Prisoners

Jan Havlik (in illustration), who died at the age of 37 from the consequences of torture in Soviet-era prisons, was proclaimed blessed in recognition of his faith and suffering. Jan Havlik, born in 1928 in Dubovce, Trnava region, Slovakia, was a member of the Missionary Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 

Philippines

Ramon Magsaysay 2024 Awards

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Award recipients.

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