Europe

As the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s death approached April 2, top world leaders and thinkers gathered here to discuss the legacy of a pope whose faith continues the drive for freedom in today’s world.

Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes has decided to cover mosaics by Father Marko Rupnik at the entrance of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a move aimed at making the basilica more welcoming for all, particularly victims of abuse.

As President Donald Trump held new talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin March 18, followed by a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine March 19, bishops across Europe expressed alarm at current geopolitical developments.

As the United States continues to attempt to broker a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with the Vatican secretary of state.

Poland's day of prayer for victims of clerical sexual abuse, scheduled each year for the first Friday in Lent, was overshadowed March 7 by a controversial opinion from the legal council of the Polish bishops' conference regarding an independent commission for the investigation of abuse cases that has been under development for the past two years.

European bishops have called for unity on the continent following U.S. President Donald Trump ordering a “pause” on U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

The head of the Tuscan Bishops' Conference said the passage of a new law in Italy allowing medically assisted suicide was "not an achievement, but a defeat for everyone."

Even though a pilgrimage peak is some months away, the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated its wintery feast day Feb. 11 with a number of pilgrims who flocked to the French holy site on the anniversary of the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

Pro-life groups welcomed comments by the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales bitterly criticizing attempts by government-aligned parliamentarians to rush through a bill allowing doctor-assisted suicide.

The Catholic community in Sheffield, England, is in shock after the "tragic" stabbing of 15-year-old schoolboy Harvey Willgoose at All Saints Catholic High School led to the death of a student hailed as "one of our own" and "a best friend to all."