A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts.
www.catholicnewsagency.com
-
Pope Francis on Sunday called for an end to the “harrowing war” in Ukraine, condemning in particular the “barbarism” of Russia’s reported attacks last week on civilians— including pregnant women and children— in the eastern city of Mariupol. Pope Francis said that Mariupol, a city of 400,000 which was founded and named for the Virgin Mary, “has become a city martyred” amid the assault.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250655/pope-francis-calls-for-an-end-to-the-massacre-in-ukraine-in-the-name-of-god
The pope’s words echoed those of a prominent Catholic leader in Ukraine, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, who on Monday called for prayer and fasting to “cast out the evil spirit of war” from his homeland.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250659/expel-evil-spirit-of-war-from-ukraine-with-prayer-and-fasting-urges-catholic-leader
On Monday, Pope Francis met a South Sudan bishop-elect whose consecration was postponed last year, after he was shot in the legs shortly after his nomination to lead Rumbek diocese. Bishop-elect Christian Carlassare was shot during the early hours of April 26, 2021, when two armed men fired multiple bullets at his door. His consecration as a bishop is scheduled for March 25.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250658/pope-francis-meets-shot-south-sudan-bishop-elect-at-vatican
The new $1.5 trillion spending bill for the US federal government promises to place millions into the pockets of Planned Parenthood. However, pro-life leaders are still celebrating it as a victory because it includes the Hyde Amendment, which largely prohibits taxpayer dollars from going toward abortions. While Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, cannot place federal funding toward abortion, pro-life groups frequently make the case that receiving funds for certain services can free up other money for abortion. The 2,741-page bill, which the US House first passed Wednesday, now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250646/hyde-amendment-federal-spending-planned-parenthood
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Matilda, the tenth-century Queen of Germany known for her considerable almsgiving. In her final years, she devoted herself to the building of many churches, convents and monasteries.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matilda-177