Rafael Llanes, Author at ZENIT

Articles By Rafael Llanes

Syria: Muslim Jihadists Assure They Will Not Go Against Christians

Given the former relations with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, there is mistrust of the leaders now governing Syria. After a meeting with some of them, Monsignor Audo concluded: “We were all present: Bishops, Priests and Religious. The meeting was very positive.”

Dec 17, 2024 07:43

Rafael Llanes

Vatican City

Vatican To Open Its First Daycare Center

This new service, inside the Pope’s City, will care for 30 children from 3 to 36 months old. It will open next Spring, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. The project is in response to a request of Vatican City’s lay employees.

Dec 17, 2024 07:40

Rafael Llanes

Justice and Peace•Pope Francis

Pope Intercedes with Biden for Those Sentenced to the Death Penalty.

Given that the United States was one of the five countries with the most executions carried out in 2023, along with China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Somalia, Vaillancourt Murphy pointed out: “If President Biden took this step, it would have repercussions not only in the United States, but in the whole world. The Jubilee Year is the perfect moment for this Catholic President to take this historic step.”

Dec 15, 2024 06:52

Rafael Llanes

Justice and Peace•Pro Life

These are the pro-lifers facing charges for defending unborn babies that Trump could pardon

Pro-Life Activists Face Federal Sentences Amid Accusations of DOJ Bias

Dec 04, 2024 20:08

Rafael Llanes

Good News•Local Church•Vocations

African seminary with almost 800 students celebrates 100 years by ordaining 40 deacons

Nigeria’s Bigard Memorial Seminary Marks 100 Years with Jubilant Celebrations and Ordination of 40 Deacons

Dec 01, 2024 19:53

Rafael Llanes

Holy Land•Testimonies

Gaza: Catholic community resists leaving their land, bombarded by Israel

The priest also expressed hope that the global Church would amplify their plight. He praised Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, for his advocacy and revealed that Pope Francis has been making regular calls to stay updated on their dire situation.

Dec 01, 2024 19:49

Rafael Llanes

Ecumenism

Woman could become Anglican leader after Justin Welby’s resignation

The Church of England Faces a Historic Crossroads: The Search for Justin Welby’s Successor

Nov 24, 2024 21:57

Rafael Llanes

Justice and Peace•Pope Francis

Israeli victims of Hamas attacks meet the Pope

The Pope expressed deep compassion for the victims and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to advocating for the release of those still held captive in Gaza. According to reports, 63 individuals remain detained by Hamas.

Nov 20, 2024 18:25

Rafael Llanes

Church and World•Vatican Diplomacy

60th Anniversary of the Holy See’s Membership in the United Nations Organization

It was the UN’s Secretary General, U Thant, a practicing Buddhist, who promoted its presence, along with that of other faith communities, to foment their role as intermediaries between the superpowers.

Nov 03, 2024 07:21

Rafael Llanes

Religious Freedom

New Report Shows Increase in Persecution Against Christians in China

The report reflects that «the Chinese government’s persecution against the Chinese Catholic Church is directed against the hierarchs who resist the control of the Chinese Communist Party over religious affairs.»

Nov 03, 2024 07:17

Rafael Llanes

Testimonies

Mel Gibson’s Series on Christians’ Victory Against Ottoman Muslims in Malta

The defense of the island with thick bastions and stone fortresses lacked gunpowder, but had a lot of faith in the heart.

Nov 02, 2024 07:25

Rafael Llanes

Local Church

France: There Will Be No Entrance Fee to Notre Dame Cathedral: The Church Rejects The Government’s Proposal

The French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, proposed on October 24 to charge entry for tourists who visit the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, restored after the 2019 fire and which will reopen in December. The proposal has been rejected by the Church.

Oct 31, 2024 07:26

Rafael Llanes

Pope Francis Extends a Hand of Compassion to Ukraine This Christmas

Cardinal Krajewski’s journey across Ukraine will not simply be about delivering equipment. It will be a pilgrimage of presence, as he visits communities ravaged by violence to listen, pray, and share in their struggles. His goal is to help open “the door of hope” in hearts burdened by despair and to stand as a symbol of global solidarity.

Pope Francis reveals two attacks against him that ended with the death of perpetrators

Francis recounts the chilling intelligence received by the Vatican Gendarmerie upon his arrival in Baghdad. British intelligence had flagged two potential attacks: a young woman carrying explosives was reportedly heading to Mosul as a suicide bomber, while a van laden with explosives sped toward an undisclosed target.