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Enrique Villegas
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Articles By Enrique Villegas

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.

Justice and Peace•Local Church

Mexican Church Calls for a National Truce on Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

As the faithful prepare to celebrate Christmas, the Church framed the truce as a gift to the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Christ Child. “Let this Christmas bring families together without the shadow of mourning caused by violence,” the message implored. By fostering peace during Advent, the Church sees an opportunity to heal wounds and rebuild a society fractured by violence.

Justice and Peace•Local Church•Persecuted Christians•Religious Freedom

Nicaragua will be left without nuns and religious: government expels them all and sets date for their departure

Many of these nuns are expected to seek refuge in Latin American countries where their congregations already have established communities. The regime has systematically dissolved nonprofit organizations affiliated with the Church, effectively cutting off the nuns’ legal framework to operate within the country