U.S.
New partnership aims to support Church’s ministry to migrants, refugees
WASHINGTON — A group including Catholic organizations announced Jan. 21 a new partnership — The Catholic Immigrant Prophetic Action Project — that aims to assist the Catholic Church in the U.S. in organizing a robust response on behalf of migrants and refugees in the country, including those with legal status, who are affected by mass deportation efforts. The project — a partnership between the Hope Border Institute, a group that works to apply the perspective of Catholic social teaching in policy and practice to the U.S.-Mexico border region and the Center for Migration Studies — aims to assist the U.S. Catholic Church in offering a robust response on behalf of migrants and refugees through research, communications and other support. The project will directly support dioceses and archdioceses to strengthen the Church’s response to mass deportations, organizers said. On a call announcing the partnership, Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, pointed to the “special pastoral message on immigration,” issued by the bishops at their annual fall plenary. (OSV News)
New musical on life of St. Bernadette begins U.S. tour in Chicago
CHICAGO — Following a successful tour in Europe, a newly developed English version of a French musical about Bernadette Soubirous will open in Chicago Feb. 19 before touring nationwide. “Bernadette, the Musical” brings to life the story of Bernadette, a poor, uneducated teenager in 19th-century France who endured skepticism and ridicule after witnessing Marian apparitions. The two-hour theatrical production draws from official accounts, historical documentation and firsthand testimonies. In Chicago, the musical will run Feb. 12-March 15 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought &Culture, with preview performances held Feb. 12-18 and the opening scheduled for Feb. 19. Following performances are scheduled to take place in New Haven, Connecticut; Detroit; Boston; Philadelphia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Houston; Dallas; Tampa, Florida; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; and Atlanta. (OSV News)
WORLD
Russia aims to ‘freeze’ Ukrainians, prelate says
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia’s latest missile strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure and show clear signs of crimes against humanity, according to Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Major Archbishop Shevchuk said attacks have intensified along the entire front line, with Kyiv emerging as a major epicenter. Major Archbishop Shevchuk said the goal is to destroy Ukraine’s energy system and freeze the population during winter, warning that power outages quickly turn apartment buildings into deadly “cold traps.” Cardinal Konrad Krajewski called the winter bombardment of infrastructure “genocide.” He also criticized waning international attention. “Ukraine has been abandoned,” Cardinal Krajewski said. “Since the focus of the world is on Venezuela, Gaza and other places, Russia is deliberately targeting Ukraine, thinking they can do whatever they want.” (OSV News)
Conflicting reports of recent kidnappings in Nigeria raise alarm for Christian advocates
KADUNA, Nigeria — Conflicting reports fueled anxiety among Christian communities in northern Nigeria after claims that more than 160 Christians were kidnapped during church services in Kaduna state. Christian leaders initially said armed attackers stormed two churches on Jan. 18, forcing worshippers into nearby forests. But some state and local police later denied that any mass kidnapping occurred, calling the reports false and saying no victims could be identified. However, Afiniki Moses, whose relatives were allegedly kidnapped, confirmed to Reuters that the armed gang seized more than 170 people during a church service from two churches, including her husband and two children. On the evening of Jan. 20, Nigerian police eventually confirmed that the abduction happened, and residents confirmed to the BBC 177 people were taken and 11 managed to later escape. The contradictory accounts have deepened mistrust as Christians already face persistent threats from extremist groups, bandits and criminal networks. Advocates say attacks on Christians often go unpunished and accuse Nigerian authorities of complicity or indifference. Kidnappings remain widespread across Nigeria. (OSV News)
Milan Archdiocese unveils ‘For Each Other’ initiative ahead of Winter Games
MILAN, Italy — As Milan prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the Archdiocese of Milan is launching a faith-based initiative aimed at offering athletes and visitors space for prayer, reflection and community amid the intensity of the Games. Unveiled Jan. 23, the program — called “For Each Other” — will run from Jan. 29 through mid-March, overlapping both Olympic and Paralympic competitions. Archbishop Mario Delpini said the initiative emphasizes that athletes are more than performance and competition — they are whole persons, body and soul. Co-sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, the initiative includes multilingual Masses, cultural events, discussions with athletes and educational programs hosted in parishes across Milan. The historic Basilica of San Babila will serve as the “Church of Athletes,” anchoring the activities. (OSV News)
We are not created for algorithms, but human encounter, Pope Leo says in message on AI
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has used his first message for World Communications Day as a sweeping warning — and a call to action — on artificial intelligence, framing it as a defining challenge of the modern age. Writing in a text released Jan. 24, the pope said AI and digital technologies are reshaping human communication, creativity and identity, with the greatest dangers not technical, but deeply human. The pope warned that systems simulating human faces and voices risk eroding relationships, critical thinking and personal responsibility. Pope Leo stressed that technology must assist, not replace, human thinking and imagination. He called for responsible regulation, transparency, digital literacy and ethical leadership from tech companies, lawmakers and media organizations. (OSV News)
