News Watch

Reflections on Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Africa 

The conclusion of Pope Leo XIV’s eleven-day apostolic journey to Africa marked not only the end of a significant pastoral mission but also the beginning of lasting spiritual reflection among those who experienced it. 

The final Mass, held at Malabo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea on 23 April 2026, served as a powerful culmination of a trip that spanned Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Describing his journey as ‘grace-filled,’ the Pope expressed gratitude for what he called an enduring treasure of faith, hope, and charity gathered from the continent. His words resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom described the visit as transformative and spiritually enriching. 

Father Jose Fernando Liso highlighted that the visit’s impact will depend on the personal responsibility of individuals in fostering growth within both the Church and society. Similarly, Maria Lourdes Ndong Esono shared a deeply personal perspective, recalling her childhood experience of seeing Pope John Paul II in 1982 and expressing gratitude for witnessing another historic papal moment decades later. For Sister Gertrude Ehizokhale, the Pope’s message carried particular weight amid local grief following the recent loss of a Church leader. She noted that his words offered encouragement, urging generosity, compassion, and care for the most vulnerable. 

Together, these voices reflect a shared sentiment: that Pope Leo XIV’s visit was not only a historic event but also a profound moment of unity, renewal, and faith. 

Pope Leo expresses support to abolish death penalty 

Pope Leo XIV has expressed strong support for efforts to abolish the death penalty both in the United States and globally, emphasising the need to uphold human dignity in all circumstances. 

In a video message addressed to participants at an event hosted by DePaul University marking 15 years since Illinois ended capital punishment, he affirmed that a person’s dignity remains intact, even after committing serious crimes. 

The Pope welcomed the anniversary of Illinois’ 2011 decision and aligned himself with advocates working to end the death penalty worldwide. He voiced hope that such efforts would deepen recognition of every individual’s inherent worth and encourage broader support for abolition. He also highlighted that modern justice systems are capable of protecting society without eliminating the chance for offenders to reform. 

Echoing the teachings of Pope Francis and earlier Church leaders, he noted that justice and the common good can be upheld without resorting to capital punishment. Referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he reiterated that the death penalty is unacceptable because it violates human dignity. He further stressed that protecting life – from conception to natural death – is fundamental, as the right to life underpins all other human rights and is essential for a just and flourishing society. 

Finland’s first Catholic school to open in August 

A long-held vision of establishing the first Catholic school in Finland may soon become reality, according to Bishop Raimo Goyarrola. In a country where Catholicism largely vanished after the 16th-century Protestant Reformation led to the adoption of Lutheranism, the initiative represents a significant step for the small but growing Catholic community. 

The bishop plans to open the school in August on the premises of a Lutheran church on Lauttasaari, an island near Helsinki. Initially, it will operate as a home-schooling model recognised by the state, offering early primary grades and emphasising a holistic education grounded in Christian values and liturgical traditions. Although open to all, the main challenge lies in attracting enough Catholic families. Bishop Goyarrola hopes to begin with 12 students, symbolically reflecting the apostles. 

Appointed by Pope Francis in 2023, the bishop has identified the school as a priority among the needs of the local Church. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, he remains optimistic, expressing strong faith that the project will succeed. With teachers, facilities, and materials already prepared, only student enrollment remains uncertain. 

Though Catholics number only about 20,000 in Finland, their presence is gradually increasing through immigration, baptisms, and conversions, making the project both timely and promising.

Eucharist remains intact amid destruction in Lebanon 

Amid the devastation of war in southern Lebanon, a striking event in the village of Tibnin has brought hope to a suffering community. Inside St George Church, what many describe as a ‘miracle’ has become a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. 

When Father Marios Khairallah returned to the damaged church on April 17 following a ceasefire, he found the consecrated Eucharistic bread exactly as it had been left 47 days earlier, despite the absence of people and the destruction surrounding it. For him and his parishioners, this was not merely unusual but a profound affirmation of Christ’s enduring presence. He explained that while there may be no scientific explanation, such an occurrence aligns with belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 

The priest described the discovery as a message of hope for the local community, that even amid ruin, faith remains alive. He also noted that a statue of the Virgin Mary remained standing, symbolising steadfast maternal care in the midst of suffering. 

The wider situation in Tibnin, however, remains dire. Around 55 Melkite Catholic families were displaced by the conflict; many now relying on temporary shelter with limited aid. Basic necessities such as water, electricity, and communication services are largely unavailable, compounding the hardships faced by residents. 

Despite these challenges, the event at St George Church has offered spiritual encouragement, reminding the faithful that even in times of war and loss, hope and belief endure. 

Singapore sees the highest number of baptisms in a decade this Easter 

The Catholic Church in Singapore welcomed its largest group of new members in a decade this Easter, marking a significant moment of growth for the local faith community. According to the Office for Catechesis, more than 1,200 individuals – including catechumens and candidates – have taken part in the Rite of Election and related ceremonies in recent months. 

This rite, typically held at the beginning of Lent, represents the final stage of preparation for those entering the Church. Catechumens, who have not yet been baptised, and candidates, who come from other Christian traditions, formally express their commitment to the faith. A key moment in the liturgy is the signing of the ‘Book of the Elect,’ symbolising their readiness to receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. 

Church leaders emphasised that this journey is ultimately a response to God’s call. Participants were encouraged to use the Lenten season as a time for deeper personal conversion rather than simply outward sacrifice. 

Many of those who joined the Church shared personal stories of conversion, often shaped by relationships, life challenges, and spiritual searching. Church officials attribute the rising numbers partly to active evangelisation and the influence of Pope Francis’ 2024 visit.