U.S.
USCCB-hosted synod event tackles the dignity of work, role of unions
WASHINGTON — At the U.S. bishops’ headquarters in Washington, a July 28–29 gathering brought together Church leaders, labor organizers and international partners from North, Central and South America for a major synodal dialogue focused on work, justice and the environment. Titled “Third Synodal Meeting Fratelli Tutti: North-South Socio-Environmental Dialogue,” the event was co-hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Latin American Episcopal Council, or CELAM, and the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Latin America. More than 40 labor groups joined bishops and Church leaders to strengthen cooperation between the global North and South — offering proposals to promote dignified work and build a more just, sustainable economy rooted in Catholic social teaching. “Synodality, at the heart of the matter, is an openness to actually keeping it real,” said Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, who represented the North. Representing the Global South was Bishop José Reginaldo Andrietta of Brazil; the Vatican was represented by Msgr. Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, permanent observer of the Holy See to the Organization of American States. (OSV News)
Pope appoints priest as San Jose auxiliary bishop
WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Andres “Andy” Ligot as the new auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San Jose, California. The appointment was announced Aug. 29 in Washington by Msgr. Veceslav Tumir, chargé d’affaires at the apostolic nunciature, in the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop-designate Ligot, 59, is currently vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, as well as pastor of St. Elizabeth of Portugal Parish in Milpitas. Originally from Laoag City in the Philippines, he was ordained in 1992 and has served in California since 1999. (OSV News)
WORLD
Pope offers prayer following deadly earthquake in Afghanistan
JALALABAD, Afghanistan — Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow following a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan that left hundreds dead and thousands injured. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck near Jalalabad on Aug. 31, about 95 miles from Kabul. In a telegram sent on the pope’s behalf, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy Father was “deeply saddened by the significant loss of life” and assured prayers for the victims, the injured and those still missing. He also offered solidarity to grieving families, rescue workers and local authorities coordinating relief efforts. Afghan officials estimate at least 800 people have died and more than 2,500 were injured, with the toll expected to rise as search operations continue in Kunar, Nangarhar, and neighboring provinces. The United Nations and international aid groups have mobilized emergency assistance. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres pledged full solidarity, promising that support teams are on the ground helping survivors. (OSV News)
Irish missionary freed after monthlong kidnapping in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — An Irish missionary held hostage in Haiti has been freed after nearly a month in captivity. Gena Heraty, who has served in Haiti for three decades, was taken on Aug. 3 when armed men stormed the Saint-Hélène orphanage near Port-au-Prince. Heraty and several others, including a 3-year-old child with disabilities, are now safe and receiving medical and psychological care. Agenzia Fides, a news branch of the Dicastery for Evangelization, confirmed the release Sept. 1. Heraty leads the orphanage, part of an international network. Her family expressed “deep gratitude” for the global prayers and efforts that secured her release, while asking for privacy as she recovers. The abduction highlights the worsening crisis in Haiti, where gangs control most of the capital and millions face severe hunger. Church leaders warn that escalating violence is crippling ministry and humanitarian work. Between the beginning of April and the end of June, armed violence in Haiti killed 1,520 people and injured 609 more, according to a new report on human rights in Haiti released on Aug. 1 by the U.N. (OSV News)
Pope renews membership of Dicastery for Clergy
VATICAN CITY — Renewing the membership of the Vatican Dicastery for Clergy, Pope Leo XIV included as members the secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, a Canadian cardinal and two U.S. bishops. The pope named eight cardinals and 14 bishops to five-year terms as members of the dicastery, which is led by South Korean Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik. The new members, announced by the Vatican Aug. 28, included: Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto; Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera, secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors; Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey; and Bishop Edward M. Lohse of Kalamazoo, Michigan. (CNS)
Nicaraguan-style law used to expel religious groups stokes fears in El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Catholic-led nonprofits in El Salvador say their future is at risk under a new “foreign agents” law that mirrors one used in neighboring Nicaragua to silence Church groups and charities. For more than 30 years, the Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad, or CIS, has partnered with Catholic parishes in the U.S. and Canada to fund scholarships, teach languages and provide resources to keep Salvadorans from migrating north. But co-founder Leslie Schuld warns the new law — approved in May — could cripple nonprofits by taxing up to 30% of foreign donations if groups criticize the government. Analysts fear a repeat of Nicaragua, where Catholic organizations were expelled and property seized under similar measures. Already, El Salvador has seen journalists and human rights groups forced out amid arrests and harassment. CIS leaders say they’re nonpartisan but fear their work on human rights and education could still make them a target. The government has said the crackdown is necessary to keep the gangs that long terrorized El Salvador at bay. In May, Ernesto Castro, the president of the country’s legislative assembly, accused nonprofits (without naming them) of being delinquents and thugs. (OSV News)
Norway: Bishops ‘troubled’ by growing support for euthanasia
OSLO, Norway — Norway’s Catholic bishops are raising alarms over growing public support for euthanasia, calling it a dangerous trend that undermines the dignity of human life. In a pastoral letter released Aug. 30, ahead of the country’s Sept. 8 parliamentary elections, the bishops said every person — from the unborn to the elderly, refugees and victims of violence —must be protected. Signed by Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim and Bishop Fredrik Hansen of Oslo, the letter stressed that while the Church does not endorse political parties, Catholics should weigh their choices carefully at the ballot box. The bishops argue that euthanasia and assisted suicide, both illegal in Norway, represent “no help at all” to those who suffer, urging instead greater investment in care and support for patients and families. They also reminded Catholics of their responsibility to promote solidarity beyond Norway’s borders, especially in a time of global conflict and uncertainty. (OSV News)
