U.S.
Knights of Columbus novena for Ukraine urges prayers ‘for hope’
KRAKOW, Poland — As the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, the Knights of Columbus are launching a novena on Feb. 15 to pray for all those affected by the war. The nine-day prayer event will focus on widows, youth, orphans, veterans and others impacted by the conflict. Szymon Czyszek, director of international growth for the Knights, emphasized that this initiative is a “gift” of solidarity with their 3,000 brother Knights and families in Ukraine. The novena aims to rekindle hope and call attention to the ongoing crisis, reminding people not to become indifferent to the suffering. The final day of prayer will fall on Feb. 23, the eve of the anniversary of the full-scale Russian aggression. The novena was written by a Ukrainian woman who lives in Poland. The apostolic nuncio in Ukrainie, Lithuanian Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, told the Knights before the launch of the novena that what Ukrainians need, above all, is hope and faith. “Please, do not stop praying for us,” he said. The Knights have already raised over $24 million for Ukraine, supporting more than 2 million people. (OSV News)
Catholic research institutions express concern about future of NIH funding
WASHINGTON — Ongoing uncertainty about funding from the National Institutes of Health could imperil medical research at academic institutions all over the country, including Catholic institutions, multiple people said. NIH recently announced it would limit the amount of funding for “indirect funds,” those meant for administrative costs, to 15 percent, which would result in cuts of about $4 billion in federal funding for research at the nation’s universities, cancer centers and hospitals. The announcement pointed to lower rates for private grants. The White House argued the move would reduce “exorbitant” overhead and would not amount to “any cuts to actual research.” But researchers said those funds are necessary to purchase and maintain necessary components of their research, such as electricity bills, security and maintaining sterile environments or sophisticated equipment. Catholic research institutions were among those who expressed concern about the future of their research endeavors as a result of potential funding cuts. (CNS)
WORLD
Cardinal Parolin: Palestinians must not be deported from Gaza
ROME — The same week U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his idea of emptying Gaza of more than 2 million Palestinians so it could become a “Riviera of the Middle East,” a top Vatican official said there must be no deportations. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said one of the “key points” of what must happen in Gaza is “no deportations.” The cardinal spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony at the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See Feb. 13. According to Vatican News, Cardinal Parolin told reporters that “neighboring countries are not willing (to take in refugees); we heard for example the king of Jordan recently who absolutely said ‘no.’” (CNS)
Pope appoints religious sister to run office governing Vatican City
VATICAN CITY — Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist Raffaella Petrini, secretary-general of the office governing Vatican City State, will become president of the office March 1, the Vatican confirmed. On an Italian television program in January, Pope Francis had announced that Sister Petrini would succeed Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga. The Vatican announcement Feb. 15 said Sister Petrini’s appointment would take effect March 1, the day Cardinal Vérgez turns 80 and is required to step down. Sister Petrini, 56, was born in Rome and made her perpetual vows with the U.S.-based Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 2007. The Vatican governor’s office oversees departments as diverse as the Vatican Museums, post office and police force. (OSV News)
As rebels in Congo take Bukavu, Church leaders decry violence, disrespect for international law
BUKAVU, Congo — As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced into Bukavu Feb. 16, seizing the capital of South Kivu, experts and Catholic leaders warn this signals a dangerous push for a permanent foreign presence in eastern Congo. Johan Viljoen of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, run by the Southern African bishops, condemned the violation of Congo’s sovereignty, noting the M23’s actions threaten the country’s territorial integrity. Despite international ceasefire efforts, the response has been criticized as inadequate, even “pathetic,” Viljoen said. Meanwhile, violence fueled by rich mineral deposits has displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed nearly 3,000 lives in recent weeks. Congolese bishops, including Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, emphasized dialogue as key to peace. “The nation is in danger,” the cardinal said, emphasizing that “every passing minute is crucial” for Congo. (OSV News)
