Who are some of the new cardinals-designate recently named by Pope Francis? What is the state of religious liberty across the world? Why is the recently FDA-approved over the counter birth control pill dangerous to women? OSV News looked into these questions and more in stories this week.
Below is a selection of pieces picked up by our news wire clients throughout the week. We share more stories daily on social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Megan Marley
Digital Editor
Invoking Mary’s protection, Ukrainian villager shared faith under brutal occupation
In a Ukrainian village some 50 miles outside Kyiv, a retired music teacher became an unlikely catechist — and lifesaver — as Russian troops brutally attacked several residents.
Guatemala’s bishops demand election occur as scheduled
Guatemala’s bishops have demanded runoff elections occur as scheduled — a call coming amid protests over attempts by anti-corruption prosecutors to disqualify a party threatening the country’s status quo.
Be disciples mindful of Jesus’ humanity, cardinal tells Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary
In order to consider the parables of Jesus Christ with empathy, keep in mind the fullness of Jesus’ humanity and ability to tell stories with a sense of humor, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington said in a July 16 homily.
Global status of religious liberty ‘dire,’ House lawmakers warn
U.S. House lawmakers called the global status of religious liberty “dire” during a hearing July 18, citing concerns across the globe from China to Nicaragua.
Boots on, and do better, Hierarchs!
COLUMN: “A lie can travel around the globe in the time it takes the truth to get its boots on.” At this point, reaction has replaced reason and has been given unwarranted regard and respectability, like a cheap scooter that can weave through clogged traffic while the Rolls Royce of judicious thought lags behind, beautifully turned out but too heavy to keep up — soon just a speck in the rearview mirror.
‘God protected him’: Louisiana priest in stable condition after machete attack
Blue Rolfes, the diocese’s director of communications, told OSV News July 15 that Father Ugwu’s condition was improving. He has some “serious wounds,” she said, but he is receiving the care he needs, and doctors are optimistic about his recovery.
Pence pushes back on false claims about Ukraine’s religious freedom at GOP forum
“I asked the Christian leader in Kyiv if that was happening, and he assured me it was not –people were not being persecuted for their religious beliefs,” Pence said, adding that “he assured me that the Zelenskyy government was protecting religious liberty” in Ukraine while combating “small elements” of a Russian Orthodox Church run by the Kremlin.
Cardinal-designate from South Sudan seen as peacemaker in ethnic conflicts
The 59-year-old prelate has been on the front lines of the peace and reconciliation efforts in the conflict-ridden East African nation. After over 21 years of civil war, the longest running in Africa, the country gained independence in 2011. Despite this, South Sudan continues to struggle with conflicts linked to ethnicity, politics and resources, and climate change-related disasters.
Sts. Joachim and Anne: Saints for grandparents and infertile couples
FAITH FORMATION: There is the biblical tradition that the children born of elderly women who had given up the hope of offspring are destined for greatness. In conceiving the Virgin Mary, Sts. Joachim and Anne joined the likes of Abraham and Sarah.
Diocese of Ogdensburg, N.Y., files for bankruptcy in ‘difficult, painful decision’
The Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy July 17, making it the sixth of the state’s eight dioceses to do so in response to a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits.
“Oppenheimer” (Universal)
MOVIE REVIEW: If writer-director Christopher Nolan’s impressive but uneven portrait “Oppenheimer” (Universal) is anything to go by, famed theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer was a highly complex man.
