Synod to identify candidates convened for April 3. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople proposed two names, provoking a furious reaction from the Russians. The Georgian Church was one of the first to adopt a very radical and aggressive stance, withdrawing from the World Council of Churches. Theologian Čapnin: “The real problem is religious nationalism”.
Bishop Martinelli talks about the festivities in the conflict-stricken Gulf, starting with the testimony of the Missionaries of Charity. As a result of fear, some migrants have left the Emirates temporarily, while marriage and baptism courses are on hold. School and catechism classes have been "online for over a month." Church closures generated “significant media coverage”. A "people of peoples" from over a hundred countries bear witness to the faith.
The 2026 Seoul International Buddhism Expo was an unprecedented success, with more than 250,000 visitors in four days, mostly young men and women aged 20 to 30, nearly half self-identifying as non-religious. While official data point to a decline in Buddhism in Asia, the festival turned temples into true cultural and entertainment venues making the faith more accessible.
An analysis from an observer familiar with the Church's journey in mainland China notes that Pope Leo’s remarks about China clearly show him as the shepherd with the “smell of the flock" hoped for by Pope Francis. For this reason, the faithful today hope to see a change that will give hope for the future, even to those who wish to live their faith in China.
The lights of Easter Vigil illuminated a community marked by suffering. After three years, some faithful returned to the Church of Christ the King. It had been occupied by the Myanmar military, forcing the local population to flee. Bishop Celso Ba Shwe has remained with the displaced in the forest. “We ask God for a time of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
On 6 April in Bantayan, artificial structures were installed to restore marine biodiversity and support a model of responsible marine management. The project is promoted by Archbishop Alberto S. Uy and Caritas Cebu. Fish habitats have been created and local livelihoods strengthened, in line with the teachings of the encyclical Laudato Si’.
