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Rome, Italy, Jan 5, 2025 / 10:42 am (CNA).

American Cardinal James Harvey opened the holy door at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Sunday, completing the opening of all five holy doors in Rome for the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee of Hope.

Pilgrims who visit Rome during the Jubilee, a holy year celebrated every 25 years, will have the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by passing through the doors.

"The opening of the holy door marks the salvific passage opened by Christ through his Incarnation, death, and resurrection, calling all members of the Church to be reconciled with God and with one another," Harvey said.

The ceremony began in the basilica's column-lined courtyard with the ancient sound of a shofar, a ram's horn historically used by the ancient Israelites to announce jubilee years, as recorded in the Bible.

Cardinal Harvey offered a prayer, asking that Christians live the Jubilee Year with the faith of the Apostle Paul, "so that captivated by the love of Christ and converted by his mercy we may proclaim to the world the Gospel of grace." 

He then pushed open the heavy bronze doors, pausing for a moment of silent prayer at the threshold before entering as the congregation sang the Jubilee hymn, "Pilgrims of Hope."

Harvey, a Milwaukee native and archpriest of the basilica, presided over the Mass for the opening of the holy door. The 75-year-old cardinal formerly served as the prefect of the papal household for Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI. 

"With the opening of the holy door this morning at the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls … we crossed the threshold of the sacred temple with immense joy because, in a symbolic way, we passed through the door of hope," Harvey said during his homily.

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome's four papal basilicas, is built over the tomb of St. Paul and was first consecrated in 324 by Pope Sylvester. It has long been a significant site of pilgrimage, and during the Jubilee, it will play a central role as one of the five holy door locations designated by the pope.

"By crossing the threshold of this basilica with faith, we enter the time of mercy and forgiveness so that according to the right expression of our holy patron Saint Paul, the way of hope that does not disappoint may be opened to every woman and every man," Harvey said.

Pope Francis chose "Pilgrims of Hope" as the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year. In Spes Non Confundit ("Hope Does Not Disappoint"), the papal bull announcing the Jubilee, Pope Francis described hope as a virtue that "does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God's love."

In his homily, Harvey reflected on the virtue of hope, quoting Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical Spes Salvi: "We have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present: the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey."

"'The good news,' the Christian message, is the announcement of this accomplished reality of Jesus Christ died, risen, and glorified. He is our hope," Harvey added.

The Jubilee, the first ordinary one since the Great Jubilee of 2000, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. The other four holy doors of the 2025 Jubilee are located at St. Peter's Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and — for the first time in the history of Jubilees —inside Rome's Rebibbia Prison.

"The dark door of time, of the future, has been thrown open. The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life," Harvey said, quoting Benedict XVI's Spes Salvi.

Harvey explained that hope is "a theological virtue because it's infused by God and has God as its guarantor. It's not a passive virtue which merely waits for things to happen. It's a supremely active virtue that helps make them happen."

"The Church invites each pilgrim to undertake a spiritual journey in the footsteps of faith, and the Church strongly hopes that it may reignite the flame of hope," he said.

The holy door at St. Paul's will remain open until Dec. 28, 2025. "Saint Paul left us these precious words when he wrote to the Romans, 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,'" Harvey said.

"The cross of Christ, the glorious symbol of victory over sin and death, is our unique hope," he said.

"To radiate hope, to be sowers of hope … is certainly the most beautiful gift that the Church can give to all humanity, especially at this moment in its history," the cardinal added.

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CNA Newsroom, Jan 4, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

Pointing to the perils of pastoral pessimism, Pope Francis urged a congregation of teaching sisters on Saturday to cultivate joy in their ministry, warning them that stern countenances drive people away from the faith.

"Many times in my life I have encountered nuns with a vinegar face, and this is not friendly, this is not something that helps to attract people," the pope said.

Speaking to participants in the General Chapter of the Union "St. Catherine of Siena" of School Missionaries in the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Francis emphasized three essential qualities for religious educators: holiness, preparation, and friendliness.

The congregation, marking its centenary year, chose as its chapter theme "Understanding the present to comprehend together the future of the Union as it journeys with the Church" — an approach Francis praised as being "in line with the legacy" left by their founder, Venerable Luigia Tincani.

The pope quoted St. John Paul II's 1995 description of their founding vision, which called for "constant commitment to one's own sanctification, a serious theological and professional preparation, and a lifestyle that is friendly and loving toward everyone, especially young people."

Francis particularly emphasized the Dominican motto that shapes their educational ministry: "contemplata aliis tradere" (to hand on to others the fruits of contemplation).

The pope also delivered a strong warning against gossip in religious communities. "Please, distance yourself from gossip. Gossip kills, gossip poisons," he said. "Please, no gossip among you, none. And to ask this of a woman is heroic, but come on, let's go forward, and no gossip."

During an exchange about vocations, when sisters indicated they had "a dozen" novices worldwide, Francis encouraged them to actively seek new apostolates. "Look for a vocational apostolate, look for it!" he urged.

The Union of St. Catherine of Siena Missionary Teachers was founded in Italy in 1925 by Tincani. Following the spiritual heritage of St. Catherine of Siena and the Dominican tradition of combining contemplation with education, the congregation focuses on promoting Christian humanism through education, serving in schools and universities across several continents.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 4, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).

Outgoing Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina commuted the death sentences of 15 people this week but still denied the majority of clemency petitions from prisoners on death row.

Cooper announced on Tuesday that he reviewed 89 clemency petitions from death row inmates and granted 15 of them. Their sentences were commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. There are still 121 people on death row in the state.

According to the governor's office, Cooper reviewed the petitions, sought input from district attorneys, and consulted with the families of the victims prior to granting any commutations. 

"These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose," Cooper said in a statement.

"After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison," the governor added.

All 15 people were convicted of first-degree murder. The inmates' ages range from 38 to 67.

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, the executive director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, praised Cooper's decision to commute 15 sentences as "an unprecedented advancement in the ongoing shift away from the death penalty in North Carolina and a tremendous step toward honoring human dignity and the sacred value of every human life."

"As Catholics, we believe each person is created in God's image, no matter the harm one has caused or suffered," Murphy said in a statement. "While we celebrate today's move toward an end to the death penalty in North Carolina, we continue to pray for those who remain on death row."

Murphy cited No. 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states that "'the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,' and [the Church] works with determination for its abolition worldwide," quoting a speech from Pope Francis.

"By commuting these death sentences to life without parole, Gov. Cooper has given each of these 15 individuals a tangible sign of hope and a chance for rehabilitation," Murphy added.

The Catholic Mobilizing Network works closely with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on efforts to oppose the death penalty and uphold the human dignity of people who are incarcerated.

North Carolina last executed someone on death row in 2006. Ongoing litigation has kept the death penalty on hold since the August 2006 execution of Samuel Flippen, according to the governor's office.

Outgoing President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 federal prisoners on death row last week. The president declined to commute the death sentences of three prisoners.

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CNA Newsroom, Jan 4, 2025 / 08:19 am (CNA).

An Austrian bishop who played a pivotal role in shaping Catholic television in German-speaking countries died on New Year's Eve at the age of 81.

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Andreas Laun of Salzburg was "closely connected with EWTN's history from the beginning," EWTN Germany Program Director Martin Rothweiler told CNA Deutsch, CNA's German-language news partner.

"We bid farewell to a man of Faith whose commitment to the Church, life, and evangelizing leaves a lasting legacy."

Foundational figure

"Bishop Andreas Laun was closely connected with EWTN's history from the beginning," Rothweiler recalled. "As the first chairman of the program commission, he significantly shaped the development of the Catholic television broadcaster in Germany in its early days."

The prelate created some of the first German-language productions at EWTN, including the foundational series "In the Light of Faith," which provided a comprehensive introduction to Catholic teaching.

Born on Oct. 13, 1942, Laun entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales after studying philosophy. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1967 and served in various pastoral roles. He earned his doctorate in moral theology in 1973 and completed his habilitation in 1981.

From 1995 until 2017, when he reached retirement age, Laun served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Salzburg.

Rothweiler noted Laun's "unwavering commitment to protecting unborn life" and described him as "a prophetic voice" in defending Christian ethics, marriage, and family during times of social change. "At the same time, he was always committed to interreligious dialogue and religious freedom."

This article was first published by CNA Deutsch, CNA's German-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by CNA. 

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CNA Newsroom, Jan 4, 2025 / 08:58 am (CNA).

Pope Francis warned that bullying in schools prepares students for war rather than peace in a powerful appeal to Catholic educators gathered at the Vatican on Saturday.

Speaking to around 2,000 Italian teachers, educators, and parents, the pontiff repeatedly emphasized his message against bullying, having participants pledge "No bullying!" during the audience.

"If at school you wage war among yourselves, if you bully girls and boys who have problems, you are preparing for war, not peace," Francis told the Paul VI Audience Hall gathering.

The meeting on Jan. 4 marked the 80th anniversary of the Italian Association of Catholic Teachers and the 50th anniversary of the Association of Catholic School Parents. Francis used the occasion to outline "God's pedagogy" of closeness, compassion, and tenderness.

Warning against a "remote pedagogy, distant from people," the Holy Father stressed that effective education requires proximity and engagement. He illustrated this point with an anecdote about a family he had heard about, where parents and children sat together at a restaurant but remained fixated on their mobile phones instead of conversing.

"Please, in families, let's talk!" the pope implored, emphasizing that "family is dialogue, it is dialogue that makes us grow."

The papal address coincided with the beginning of the Jubilee journey, which Francis noted has "much to say" to the world of education. He called educators to be "pilgrims of hope" who devote themselves with trust and patience to human growth.

"Their hope is not naive," Francis explained, "it is rooted in reality and sustained by the conviction that every educational effort has value and that every person has dignity and a vocation worthy of being cultivated."

The pontiff concluded by encouraging the formation of a "pact between associations" to better witness to the Church's presence both in and for schools, reminding participants once more to stand firm against bullying.

The Holy Father's strong message against bullying came on the same day he addressed another group of Catholic educators, the Union of St. Catherine of Siena Missionary Teachers, where he emphasized the importance of joyful witness in Catholic education.

Speaking to the teaching sisters in the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Francis warned against what he called "vinegar faces," saying stern countenances drive people away from the faith. The dual addresses highlighted the pope's vision for Catholic education: combining warm, welcoming pedagogy with firm opposition to behaviors that undermine human dignity and peace.

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CNA Staff, Jan 4, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose feast is celebrated on Jan. 4, led a bold and faith-filled life, which led to her becoming the first native-born American to be canonized in the Catholic Church on Sept. 14, 1975.

Now, 50 years later, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, has begun its yearlong celebration honoring the anniversary of the saint's canonization. The special events and programming kick off on Jan. 4 with a Mass at the shrine celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, which will be aired nationally on EWTN at 6 p.m. ET.

On the same day, a new exhibit will open in the shrine's museum called "One of Us," which tells the backstory of Seton's canonization — one of the most monumental days in the American Catholic Church during the 20th century.

The exhibit aims to take visitors back to 1975 to give them an understanding of the magnitude of Seton's impact and her relevance today. In addition, there will be special artifacts on display including the canonization decree from Pope Paul VI and personal scrapbooks from those who attended the proceedings in Rome or watched them in Emmitsburg.

Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine, told CNA in an interview that the shrine wants to use the celebration and the anniversary "as an opportunity to remind people of the significance of that event for the Church in our country."

"If you take yourself back to 1975, our country had been in existence for 200 years, almost, and we hadn't had an American saint," he said. "So, that was just a tremendous boost for the Church, for Americans to see one of their own be recognized for her life of holiness."

He added that the exhibit aims to "take them [visitors] back to the emotion behind that moment."

An original mural will also be unveiled by Frederick, Maryland, artist Ellen Byrne, which will depict Seton's journey to sainthood. A separate wall will contain information about other Americans in various stages of the canonization process.

The shrine will also be organizing a series of events throughout the year leading up to the 50th anniversary of Seton's canonization in order to bring people closer to better understand the saint's life and legacy. 

These events include an outreach program to more than 200 parishes and schools in the U.S. under her patronage to reintroduce the faithful to Elizabeth Ann Seton through a variety of resources, a digital content campaign showing the personal impacts she and the shrine have had on the faithful, and the expansion of the shrine's "Seeds of Hope" program, which offers retreats to those living in poverty. 

The shrine will also host a series of pilgrimage initiatives, including a partnership with the Camino of Maryland, a 14-day, 218-mile journey in June that will end at the shrine.

"As a shrine, we're a pilgrimage destination and, of course, that is very analogous to life — we're on a lifelong pilgrimage to be with God. So, we try to promote pilgrimage in everything we do as an opportunity to encounter Our Lord, to grow closer to him," Judge explained.

The series of events will end on Sept. 14 with a "Day of Joy," which will include the celebration of Mass followed by an afternoon of food, music, and prayer at the shrine. 

Judge said he hopes that those who participate in the various events celebrating Seton this year will come to realize "that holiness is something that we can all achieve through grace in very little, simple ways."

He added that he hopes people will see St. Elizabeth Ann Seton "as an ordinary woman who believed that God could be sought and found in this life, that he would take care of her, that he loved her, that he had a plan for her, and [see] those little steps he used that, through his grace, transformed her."

"To me as just a layperson, that gives me a lot of hope," he said. "I don't have to do great things, I can do simple, little things and respond to God's grace knowing that he'll use that."

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ACI MENA, Jan 4, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

As Syria navigates a transitional phase, questions abound regarding the Church's role in shaping the new Syrian nation. Has the picture become any clearer after the meeting between Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the new Syrian transitional administration, and Church leaders at the People's Palace in Damascus?

The recent gathering included significant participation from Franciscan friars, including Father Ibrahim Faltas, deputy custodian of the Holy Land, along with other Church representatives.

In a press conference, Father Rami Elias, SJ, revealed that the purpose of the meeting between al-Sharaa and Christian clergy was introductory, allowing Church leaders to voice their concerns and questions.

The clerics discussed issues related to the Syrian Constitution, democracy, and equality. Al-Sharaa responded by citing his long years living alongside Christians in Damascus and Daraa. He affirmed that Christians are an integral component of Syrian society.

When asked about al-Sharaa, Elias remarked: "It is ambiguous — we cannot discern his true intentions."

He noted that al-Sharaa openly expressed his desire to implement a civil legislative system of governance.

"There are no guarantees, and we remain in limbo," Elias added. "In my opinion, if the United States and European nations maintain their current stance on Syria, we could see the establishment of a civil state, possibly with an Islamic but moderate tone. However, we will be powerless if these nations shift their position." 

Elias did not hide his unease about the uncertain reality, as the future path for Syrians remains unknown. Nonetheless, he urged Christians not to fear, stating: "Our situation will not be worse than it was before."

Elias emphasized the importance of the Church taking advantage of the present moment to draft its proposal for the upcoming constitution. He foresees that the 1950 constitution might gather widespread approval, albeit with certain amendments.

The meeting did not include the three patriarchs of the Antiochian See residing in Damascus but rather their representatives.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA's Arabic-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan 3, 2025 / 19:35 pm (CNA).

Next year's SEEK Conference is scheduled to be held in Denver; Columbus, Ohio; and Fort Worth, Texas, the annual Catholic event announced this week.

Denver is the headquarters of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), which runs the yearly event, while the Fort Worth location may draw students from Texas A&M, the University of Dallas, and beyond.

The Columbus location, meanwhile, is near Franciscan University of Steubenville. Columbus Bishop Earl Fernandes on Friday shared his excitement at the announcement of the new location. 

"We are pleased and excited to be able to host SEEK26! It will be a boost for our diocese and our city," Fernandes said in a press release shared with CNA. 

"People will see that the Church is young and alive! It will be a tremendous opportunity for our young people to encounter Christ and other young people from around the country," Fernandes continued. 

"It is another sign of the commitment of the Diocese of Columbus to college students, young adults, and their families. Together we will proclaim the joy of the Gospel!"

2025 conference breaks records

SEEK25, which has been held in both Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C., this year, brought a record-breaking 21,115 attendees hailing from all over the United States and Canada. Hundreds of priests attended, with a total of 617 at both locations. 

This year's SEEK featured a "holy competition" between Texas A&M and the University of Nebraska regarding which university could send more students, with the University of Nebraska winning the competition with about 390 attendees. 

On Thursday Catholic priest and podcaster Father Mike Schmitz gave a keynote address in which the popular priest spoke on original sin, vice and virtue, and God's love. 

"Every sin is an attempt to be happy apart from God," he said, referencing Adam and Eve's first sin in the Garden of Eden.

Schmitz also discussed virtue and vice, noting that we can't escape the consequences of our choices. 

"We get what we've chosen," he noted. "We become what we repeatedly choose."  

Schmitz in his talk noted that "God is infinite attention" and that he "doesn't take us in line."

"Everything you do matters to him," he said. "It's the cost of being loved — that everything you do matters." 

Friday morning began with a reverent Mass. Held in the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, the space was given a reverent atmosphere through Catholic music as well as screens with images of the local Catholic Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, said he was "struck by the reverence" of the Masses at SEEK. 

"It seems that every year, the celebration of the liturgy becomes more beautiful and more transcendent," Conley told CNA.

"It's hard to have 20,000 college students in a big, huge hotel space to create a sacred environment," he said. "With the backdrops of the beautiful cathedral here in Salt Lake City, the music, particularly, and all the priests and the religious sisters and the bishops — it just tells me that young people are really looking for the transcendent."  

On Friday night, attendees will gather in Eucharistic adoration — the culmination of the week — at three different locations. 

"Our Lord is ever-present at SEEK this year and it's incredible that we have three simultaneously," Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS, said in a press release. 

"The personal transformations happening are palpable," Martin said. "SEEK was founded upon a desire to bring people of faith from all walks of life together, to reinvigorate their love for Christ and their zeal to spread the Gospel."

"Especially during a time where so much of the world needs the merciful love that our Church has to offer, we have hope in the future of Catholicism and the role that SEEK will continue to play in the vibrant life of our Church," he continued. 

Event features breakout sessions, Mass, fellowship

The atmosphere at SEEK is reverent and prayerful, but it is also lively and energetic. One young attendee wore a cheese hat on Friday. When asked why, he explained simply: "Because we're from Wisconsin." 

Friday's breakout sessions featured a range of speakers and topics, including a talk by Crookston, Minnesota, Bishop Andrew Cozzens on "Why Discipleship Fails Without the Fire of the Holy Spirit," while writer Noelle Mering spoke on combatting "woke" ideology. 

In addition to daily talks, Mass, and prayer, people gathered and chatted in the Mission Way — a large section of booths manned by representatives of Catholic apostolates, colleges, and religious orders. 

Some booths get creative with their outreach. One group advertising a new St. Maximilian Kolbe film, "Trump of the Heart," hosted a daily planking competition, the "Kolbe Challenge."

The Fraternity Poor of Jesus Christ, a group based in Brazil, displayed dolls dressed in handmade religious habits. Members of the order made several of the unique dolls to give to families with young children back in Brazil.

Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary in North Dakota, and Sister Miriam James Heidland of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) were set to give the keynote session Friday night, which will be livestreamed by EWTN.

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CNA Staff, Jan 3, 2025 / 16:35 pm (CNA).

A religious sister who ministered in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City died in a car accident Thursday afternoon after running off a rural highway northwest of the city, according to local news reports.

Sister Veronica Higgins of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Infant Jesus was killed after her vehicle left the road, struck a tree, and came to rest in a creek, authorities said.

The accident happened on Oklahoma Highway 3, about four miles south of Okarche, the hometown of Blessed Stanley Rother.

Higgins, 74, was "apparently ill," and troopers wrote in the report that the cause of the collision was a medical incident, KOCO reported.

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City paid tribute to Higgins shortly after the accident, writing on social media: "I have just learned of the sudden and unexpected death of Sister Veronica Higgins, CST, earlier today, Jan. 2. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Veronica, the Carmelite Sisters of St. Thérèse, and all who grieve her passing."

"Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord," the bishop continued, adding that "funeral arrangements are pending and will be provided in the near future."

Higgins was the case manager at the Center of Family Love, a ministry to the intellectually disabled, in Okarche, according to the Okarche Warrior. She was also a past administrator and principal at the former Villa Teresa School in Oklahoma City.

According to The Oklahoman, she was a convert to the Catholic faith and celebrated the 40th anniversary of her vows as a religious sister in 2016.

On the website for her order, Higgins wrote that her favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8, which reads: "The Lord asks of us only this: to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God."

An archdiocesan spokesman told CNA that the sisters are "still struggling with the loss" and that more information will be available next week.

The Carmelite Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Infant Jesus say on their website that the members of the order work to serve "the special needs of those who experience poverty, spiritual deprivation, moral disorders, and indifference."

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ACI Prensa Staff, Jan 3, 2025 / 17:05 pm (CNA).

Father Henrykh Akalatovich was sentenced on Dec. 30 in Belarus to 11 years in prison for "high treason," a charge that President Alexander Lukashenko's regime applies to political prisoners, a representative of a human rights organization reported.

The Viasna Human Rights Center stated on X that the 64-year-old Catholic priest has denied "all charges."

Viasna noted that the priest had already suffered a heart attack and had undergone surgery for cancer before his arrest in November 2023. "He needs special care and treatment, but instead he has been thrown into harsh conditions on political charges," the organization noted.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Viasna representative Pavel Sapelka said Akalatovich is the first Catholic priest since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 to be sentenced in Belarus "on criminal charges that are leveled against political prisoners."

"The harsh sentence is intended to intimidate and silence hundreds of other priests ahead of January's presidential election," Sapelka said.

In December 2024, The Tablet cited a statement from the Belarusian Catholic bishops calling on priests to limit their media appearances.

"Clerics and religious must remember they are called to preach Christ's teaching, not their own opinions and views, especially those that could cause confusion, scandal, or division … This includes abstaining from political statements and expressions," the Tablet reported, quoting a statement from the bishops' conference.

The AP reported that Akalatovich's conviction "comes as Belarusian authorities have intensified their sweeping crackdown on dissent ahead of the Jan. 26 presidential election that is all but certain to give President Alexander Lukashenko a seventh term."

Belarus declared independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991 and held its first free elections in 1994, which Lukashenko won.

However, the ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained in power by imposing an authoritarian regime. According to Viasna, there are more than 1,200 political prisoners in Belarus.

Religious freedom in Belarus

According to the 2023 Report on Religious Freedom by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Lukashenko declares himself to be an "Orthodox atheist" and carries out authoritarian repression with "devastating consequences for civil society and human rights, including religious freedom."

The ACN report notes that Catholics make up 10%-12% of the population and that groups "not within the Orthodox structures of the Belarusian Orthodox Church and Moscow Patriarchate" suffer restrictions such as, for example, "arbitrary work permission denials to clerics other than those Moscow Orthodox Patriarchate-related."

The report recalls the pressure exerted against the then-archbishop of Minsk and Mogilev, Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, for calling for an end to violence against protesters who claimed there was fraud in the 2020 elections that kept Lukashenko in power.

In addition, the report says, the regime monitors believers through the secret police and controls them through its Plenipotentiary for Religious and Ethnic Affairs. "Surveillance is extended to publications by censorship and internet publications by the penalization of users for content posted," ACN notes.

"Most human rights, including religious freedom, are endangered due to the authoritarian nature of the government in Belarus," the ACN report summarizes.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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