Colombia

The Augustinian pope did not disappoint pilgrims waiting in the July Italian sun at Castel Gandolfo town square, delivering a reflection in a relaxed mood during his summer vacation.

“Bishops across the country have emphasized the … need to work toward a peace with social justice, based on dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for life.”

Despite the downturn, Catholicism remains Latin America’s largest religion, with Catholics in the study’s six focus nations ranging from 46% to 67% of the respective general populations. 

Over 300 faith initiatives are supported by the special collection for the Church in Latin America.

The federal government shutdown extended into its third week while the East Wing of the White House was demolished amid President Trump’s plans for a ballroom.

“We commend him now into the loving and merciful hands of our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with the help of Mary, our Blessed Mother.”

The bishops made a direct appeal to all parties involved in the conflict to abandon “the path of death and walk the path of respect for life.

“We resumed some of the proposals that emerged during the 2019 Amazon synod, like the creation of an Amazon fund that could finance part of our operations.”

An Augustinian priest in Colombia who disappeared in June has been released, his order confirmed in a July 27 statement.

Christians are often targeted in Colombia because they oppose the country’s drug cartels and guerrilla groups, according to Open Doors.