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Author
Enrique Villegas
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Articles By Enrique Villegas

Cardinals and Bishops•Local Church•Protection of vulnerable people

Crisis Deepens in Lima Archdiocese Amid Abuse Allegations and Accusations of Mismanagement Under Cardinal Castillo

A key flashpoint involves a contemplative nun who claims she was sexually manipulated by Fr. Nilton Zárate, a priest allegedly close to Cardinal Castillo. According to a 2024 sworn statement obtained by U.S.-based outlet The Pillar, the nun describes years of inappropriate spiritual direction that veered into manipulation and coercion

Cardinals and Bishops•Local Church

Pope Francis’ confessor dies in Argentina at age 98

Pope Francis would later speak of Dri as a model of merciful priesthood. When struggling with the idea of forgiving too generously, the pope said, “I think of Father Dri, and I find peace.” His elevation to the College of Cardinals was not a reward for administrative service or theological prominence, but a public recognition of a priest whose holiness was rooted in listening, forgiving, and welcoming.

Local Church

Scandal in Brazil: Anglican “Priestess” (Concelebrates? And Receives the Eucharist During Inauguration Mass of New Catholic Bishop

Archbishop Odelir José Magri, who assumed his position after being appointed by Pope Francis in November of 2024, praised the ecumenical character of the event in his homily, mentioning Vivian De Oliveira by name. However, her inclusion in the celebration has generated a debate on the limits of inter-religious dialogue and fidelity to the norms established by Canon Law.

Local Church•Persecuted Christians

Nicaragua: regime expropriates convent of Poor Clare nuns, after expelling them and expropriating also a seminary

The suppression of Catholic institutions has accelerated dramatically, with priests, religious orders, and even bishops becoming direct targets of Ortega’s government. Since his return to power, the Diocese of Matagalpa alone has lost over 60 percent of its clergy. Nationally, Nicaragua has seen a 20 percent reduction in its Catholic clergy due to arrests, expulsions, and forced exile.

Jubilee 2025•Justice and Peace•Local Church•Vatican Diplomacy

Cuba responds to the Pope by releasing half a thousand prisoners in the context of Jubilee 2025

The announcement came on the same day the U.S. government revealed a policy shift that included removing Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and easing certain restrictions on the island nation. While the Cuban government did not explicitly link its prisoner release to these U.S. measures, both actions reflect a renewed focus on fostering dialogue and improving living conditions for the Cuban people.