Nicaragua to tax Churches on offerings and donations

Nicaragua to tax Churches on offerings and donations

Vatican news Nicaragua’s parliament has approved new tax measures that will require churches and religious organizations of all denominations to pay taxes on offerings received from the faithful. By Giancarlo La Vella Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved on August 20 a tax reform that removes tax exemptions for religious institutions, requiring them to pay income tax…

Pope: Christians called to share Gospel of peace, even amid persecution

Pope: Christians called to share Gospel of peace, even amid persecution

Vatican news Pope Francis thanks Catholics in the Italian city of Rimini for praying the rosary each month in their town square and urges Christians to spread the Gospel of peace, even when faced with persecution. By Devin Watkins For ten years, Catholics have gathered in Rimini, in northern Italy, on the 20th of each…

Cardinal Sako: Middle East still suffering after Iraq’s tragedy in 2014

Cardinal Sako: Middle East still suffering after Iraq’s tragedy in 2014

Vatican news The Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad issues a message on the 10th anniversary of the Islamic State’s takeover of Iraq, calling on Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders to unite their voices against the extremism and hatred fueling the ongoing wars in the Middle East. By Lisa Zengarini As Iraq marks the 10th anniversary of…

Nicaragua exiles seven priests to Rome

Nicaragua exiles seven priests to Rome

Vatican news Following a series of recent detentions, the Nicaraguan government is exiling seven priests, sending them to Rome. VATICAN NEWS Among the priests detained in Nicaragua, seven were exiled this Wednesday, August 7, and sent to Rome, where they arrived Thursday afternoon. They are Víctor Godoy, Jairo Pravia, Silvio Romero, Edgar Sacasa, Harvin Torres,…

Indian bishops meet PM Modi to discuss attacks on Christians

Indian bishops meet PM Modi to discuss attacks on Christians

Vatican news A Church delegation led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath meets with the newly re-elected Hindu nationalist prime minister to express the bishops’ concern over growing anti-Christian violence in the country. By Lisa Zengarini Catholic bishops in India have expressed concern over the growing hostility faced by Christians in the country. During a meeting with…

Christians in Pakistan protest yet another attack over blasphemy

Christians in Pakistan protest yet another attack over blasphemy

Vatican news Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses solidarity with Christians protesting in Pakistan following the latest mob attack on a Christian family accused of blasphemy against the Quran in Sargodha, Punjab. By Lisa Zengarini Christians in Pakistan have taken to the streets of the Muslim-majority country following a new mob attack over…