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Breaking: Russia has invaded Ukraine, drawing strong condemnation and pleas for peace from Catholics around the world. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, supported Ukraine’s right to defend its independence as Russia attacked Ukrainian military targets on the morning of February 24. Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, the president of the Polish bishops’ conference, condemned Russia’s attack and assured Ukrainians of Poland’s “closeness, prayer and availability to help.” The Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, quote, “There is still time for good will, there is still room for negotiation, there is still room for the exercise of a wisdom that prevents the prevalence of partisan interests, protects the legitimate aspirations of each and spares the world from madness and saves the world from the folly and horrors of war.”
Go to catholicnewsagency.com for the latest on the Ukraine crisis.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250468/ukraine-major-archbishop-responds-to-russian-invasion-the-lord-is-with-us
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250469/catholics-in-europe-react-to-russia-s-invasion-of-ukraine
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250470/vatican-laments-tragic-invasion-of-ukraine-by-russia
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote next week, February 28, on a piece of legislation that one pro-life group warns would “effectively enshrine an unlimited abortion ‘right’ in federal law.” The Biden administration has repeatedly expressed support for the bill, which would override states’ pro-life laws and remove restrictions on abortion up to the point of birth in some cases. While the act is not expected to pass, the vote itself on legislation to enshrine abortion rights in federal law is the first of its kind.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250462/us-senate-to-vote-on-pro-abortion-women-s-health-protection-act
The president of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez, spoke out against the Constitutional Court’s decision to decriminalize abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. The president, who describes himself as a pro-life person, warned that the court's decision could lead to "abortion in Colombia becoming a means of contraception."
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250465/colombian-president-bishops-condemn-courts-decriminalization-of-abortion
The Vatican released Pope Francis’ Lenten message on Thursday, in which the pope recommended that Lent 2022 can be a time to put down the smartphone and encounter those in need face to face. The pope encouraged ‘authentic encounters,’ face to face and in person.” The liturgical season of Lent begins on March 2 with Ash Wednesday.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250467/pope-francis-lent-2022-message-addiction-to-digital-media-can-hurt-human-relationships
Today, the Church celebrates Blessed Thomas Maria Fusco, a 19th-century Italian priest who was known for preaching spiritual retreats and missions, teaching catechism to youth and organizing prayer for young people and adults at his parish. He worked to build a strong devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus among the people he served.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/blessed-thomas-maria-fusco-157