Rafael Llanes, Author at ZENIT - English

Articles By Rafael Llanes

Vatican Court Issues Sentences for Embezzlement in the Sistine Chapel Choir

The case arose in 2023 after complains and controversies posed by parents of the Pueri Cantores, members of the children’s choir. They denounced that the children’s participation in public acts was not aligned with the Choir’s original mission, founded in 1471 as “College of Singing Chaplains.”

Dec 20, 2024 09:43

Rafael Llanes

Gender Ideology

United Kingdom: Setback for Gender Ideology as Puberty Blockers Are Banned

A comprehensive Report of pediatrician Dr Hilary Cass highlighted the significant risks of the medication and the lack of evidence of the alleged benefits of the blockers during puberty. LGBTI activists challenged the sentence because they were “concerned about the safety and wellbeing of trans youngsters in the United Kingdom.” The Kingdom’s Higher Court confirmed the ban in July of 2024.

Dec 20, 2024 09:37

Rafael Llanes

Holy Land•Local Church

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

Two movements of love explained by the Pope to religious: God who comes to save and man who awaits his coming

Homily of the Holy Father on the occasion of the 30th World Day of Consecrated Life

Taiwan’s president writes to Pope Leo XIV: ‘Taipei wants peace, human rights, and democracy’

The president of Taiwan wrote to the pontiff in response to the latter’s call for a «disarmed and disarming peace” in his message of 1 January. A century ago, Chiang Wei-shui promoted nonviolence in Taiwan. The island, the world’s largest semiconductor producer, shares the pontiff’s concern for growing use of artificial intelligence in armed conflicts.