Testimonies

A Colombian priest’s fight against violence: “Our neighbourhood has two or three murders every week”

Fr Gersaín Paz, the parish priest of one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in all of Colombia, tells Aid to the Church in Need how faith and music have changed the life of many children in Cali, the capital of the drug trade, keeping them away from drugs and the temptation of suicide.

Nov 13, 2024 09:17

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Local Church

U.S. Bishops Vote for USCCB Treasurer-elect and Committee Chairmen-elect at Fall Plenary Assembly

All six bishops will serve for one year as chairmen-elect before beginning a three-year term at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2025 Fall General Assembly.

Nov 13, 2024 09:06

ZENIT Staff

Liturgy and Divine Worship

Questions about liturgy: Deciding on Which Songs Are OK for Mass

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.

Nov 12, 2024 16:35

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

India’s Supreme Court Ends Tax Exemptions for Catholic Clergy in Government-Funded Schools

This ruling, delivered on November 7, mandates that clergy working in schools and colleges funded by the government must now pay taxes on their earnings, a decision that closes a legal chapter stretching back almost 80 years.

Nov 12, 2024 16:33

ZENIT Staff

Dicasteries•Liturgy and Divine Worship•Local Church

Vatican Limits Traditional Latin Mass in Texas Diocese Following Bishop’s Removal

The new regulations come one year after Pope Francis dismissed Bishop Joseph Strickland from his leadership role in the Diocese of Tyler, appointing Bishop Vásquez of Austin as Apostolic Administrator.

Nov 12, 2024 16:31

ZENIT Staff

Rome•Vatican City

Pope sends part of Vatican Secret Archive Library to major seminary in Rome

Pope Francis has authorized the transfer of selected documents and artifacts to new spaces at the Pontifical Roman Seminary

Nov 12, 2024 15:51

ZENIT Staff

Justice and Peace•Religious Freedom

Switzerland’s Burqa Ban to Begin January 1, Sparking Mixed Reactions

This ban places Switzerland among a handful of European countries with similar legislation, reigniting debates around religious freedom and national identity. Proponents argue that the ban promotes transparency, citing public security and societal values.

Nov 12, 2024 15:49

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

How Catholic is Italy still? The latest statistics on the state of the Church

Among those identifying as Catholic, a mere 15.3% describe themselves as regular churchgoers, and the largest share, 34.9%, attend services only occasionally, while 20.9% see themselves as “non-practicing.” The trend of “internalized faith” is reshaping how Italians relate to the Church, as more than half (56.1%) who step away from regular practice state they live out their faith privately.

Nov 12, 2024 15:46

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Vatican City

Vatican: 40 thousand signatures against the Pope’s Christmas tree

Valley of Ledro Residents Urge Pope to Spare 200-Year-Old Tree Destined for St. Peter’s Square

Nov 12, 2024 15:43

ZENIT Staff

Vatican City

Pope Francis and St. Peter’s Basilica: a reminder of what it is and working criteria

Pope Francis’ address to a delegation of technicians and workers of St. Peter’s Basilica

Nov 11, 2024 17:38

ZENIT Staff

Ecumenism•Pope Francis

Pope Francis to Catholic philanthropists: thank you for “your silent support of initiatives that enrich the Church in the United States”

Remarks by Pope Francis to a delegation of the Catholic Philanthropy Network (FADICA)

Nov 11, 2024 17:34

ZENIT Staff

Ecumenism•Pope Francis

Synodality and mission: Pope’s reflection on the contribution of Eastern Protestant Syro-Malankars to Christianity

Address of the Pope to the members of the Synod of the Syro-Malankara Church Mar Thoma (Eastern Protestant Christians)

Nov 11, 2024 17:32

ZENIT Staff