Pope chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod
Pope Francis has decided the next world Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which will take place in October 2022, will have the theme: “For a synodal church: Communion, participation and mission.” “Synodality,” which literally means “walking together,” has become a key topic of Francis’ pontificate, but one which has raised questions and even confusion. […]
The Philippines: The Land of Natural Disasters
Located in the rim around the Pacific Ocean dubbed “The Ring of Fire,” the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries on earth. It is hard hit all year round by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tropical cyclones and landslides. “The Ring of Fire” – that is how scientists call that thin region of dynamic […]
Pope Francis establishes ‘climate action’ week
In view of the 5th anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical Laudato si’, Pope Francis wanted to renew his “urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis.” Pope Francis asked Catholics around the globe to participate in the international observance of “Laudato Si’ Week” May 16-24. Sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral […]
Congo, Catholic Bishops: “Coalition for what end?”
“Many of the problems the country faces remain without adequate solutions, due to the crisis that is undermining the coalition. It is unacceptable that the country is held hostage by an agreement which, moreover, is kept secret”, say the Catholic Bishops. “A year after the presidential election, several crises have arisen that cause concern for […]
Challenges Facing Africa
An examination of issues related to the extraction industries, trade agreements, land grabs, capital flight, corporate tax evasions, human trafficking, mass migrations, and the endemic conflicts. Impoverished by wealth Africa is perhaps the richest piece of land on earth, given its natural resources, rich fertile land, precious minerals and its biodiversity. Yet many Africans live […]
Africa: Illicit Financial Flows in the Mining sector.
The European Commission recognises that mining and extractive companies in Africa are responsible for 65% of tax fraud. The mechanisms that the multinationals use for tax fraud are complex, such as tax avoidance, tax evasion and transfer pricing. In the case of extractives companies, these tax fraud practices are realized through multiple stages in which […]
Kenya – Maasai: The “drinking of milk” ceremony
One of the characteristics in the life of Maasai, is the Eunoto ceremony, drinking milk and coming of age. We look at the event. At the ceremony of drinking milk first beer is brawn in a calabash which is not broken and the mother of the warrior who will go through the ceremony of drinking […]
Silencing the guns in Africa by 2020
The African Union initiative is intended to achieve a conflict-free Africa, prevent genocide, make peace a reality for all and rid the continent of wars, violent conflicts, human rights violations, and humanitarian disasters. In 2013 African Union (AU) member state representatives gathered at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the Organisation of African Unity […]
Which African countries are most vulnerable to the coronavirus?
As the coronavirus continues to spread beyond mainland China, the medical journal The Lancet has released a study ranking the vulnerability of African countries to the highly contagious respiratory disease. The study models the risk of Covid-19 exposure based on air travel from areas in China with active transmissions, and the capacity of individual African […]
Pope’s Message for Lent 2020: “The experience of mercy”
During this season of Lent, Pope Francis invites the faithful to fix their eyes on the crucified Lord, and allow ourselves “to be saved over and over again.” In his message for Lent, Pope Francis writes: “Putting the paschal mystery at the centre of our lives means feeling compassion towards the wounds of the crucified […]