Photo: C-Fam

Pope Francis does not accept Cardinal Koch’s resignation: could continue at least until anniversary of Council of Nicea

Koch has served as the head of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity since 2010, overseeing the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue and collaboration among Christian denominations. His extended tenure suggests that Francis values continuity in the Church’s ecumenical work at a time when unity is both a theological and practical challenge.

Verbites: 150 years at the service of the world

Born in German-speaking countries, today more than half of the missionaries belonging to the institute founded by Arnold Janssen are from Asia, and are also on the frontline in the existential peripheries of Europe today. Now the institute is being called to reflect on mission in today’s world at an international conference In Rome from 27 to 29 March.

Two More Catholic Priests Are Abducted in Nigeria

According to information gathered by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Father Stephen Echezona was kidnapped on Saturday, March 22, in the diocese of Akwa, Ambara State, while at a gas station buying fuel. Just 24 hours later, the diocese of Owerri announced the abduction of Father John Ubaechu, kidnapped while driving on a road of Imo State.

Catholics are still growing in Asia, but priestly vocations decline further

The Pontifical Yearbook for 2022-2023 was released. The number of Catholics in the world is rising, to 1.406 billion. The number of bishops and priests is still growing in Asia (+1.6 per cent), but the number of seminarians is down by 4.2 per cent. Southeast Asia is one of the few regions where the number of women religious is increasing, slightly. About 30 per cent of all nuns and 18.2 per cent of all priests live in Asia.