Catholic News

Father Ibrahim Faltas, vice custodian of the Holy Land, meets with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of Syria's new administration, in Damascus. / Credit: CTS

ACI MENA, Jan 13, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

More than a month after Syria's political shift, Christians there are vocalizing a sense of relief as initial assurances for their safety and security by the de facto government have reportedly been provided. Christians continue to seek more concrete guarantees, although opinions differ on what form these guarantees should take.

For some Christians, the Church remains their primary safeguard, as it has been since Ottoman rule. In this view, clergy are in charge of representing their communities in political and legal arenas.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch, John X (Yazigi), is the most visible Christian leader in Syria, alongside the Latin apostolic vicar, Bishop Hanna Jallouf. The latter enjoys a longstanding and strong relationship with the new authorities. He recently visited his hometown and parish (Al-Qaniya, Idlib countryside) for the first time since his episcopal appointment, where he was warmly received.

Despite an important meeting between church leaders and representatives with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of Syria's new administration, three patriarchs based in Damascus were notably absent. The absence was reportedly due to the customary visit of Patriarch Yazigi to congratulate the new leader — a visit that traditionally precedes any other meetings with clergy.

Laity and the Syrian brothership

Another group of Christians believes that clergy should not be the sole guarantors of their rights, but laity also plays a crucial role. 

This stance has been echoed by prominent figures such as the apostolic nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, and the Syriac Catholic archbishop of Damascus, John Jihad Battah.

Aligning with this vision, many Christians expressed reservations regarding a recent statement by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who expressed France's support for "civil society and Christian representatives in Syria." Jesuit Father Murad Abu Seif addressed Barrot directly, stating: "We don't want to be mere coexisting groups; we aspire to be brothers living with and for one another. Today, Christians seek to defend all Syrians so we can all live in freedom and dignity."

Al-Sharaa's remarks on Pope Francis

Father Ibrahim Faltas, vice custodian of the Holy Land, who visited Damascus near the end of the year, highlighted in an article for the Vatican's L'Osservatore Romano that Al-Sharaa expressed admiration for Pope Francis, calling him a man of peace and commending his advocacy and actions for the people.

Meanwhile, the Christian community recently witnessed sharp criticism of the patriarch for the absence of Syria's new flag in the patriarchal salon. The backlash, driven by a group calling themselves the "Antiochian Movement for Change," escalated to accusations that he was a remnant of the previous regime, with demands for his resignation. This attack was widely condemned by both the Church and the public, who viewed it as politically motivated.

Daily life for Christians

Over the past month, Christians have largely been spared from targeted incidents, with a few isolated exceptions. For example, in Aleppo's predominantly Christian Sulaymaniyah neighborhood, a man used loudspeakers to urge women to wear hijabs and avoid mingling with men. Authorities have generally handled these incidents with wisdom.

All Syrians, including Christians, are experiencing some relief, particularly with the Syrian pound stabilizing against the U.S. dollar and prices dropping by up to 40%. Bread, gas, and diesel — scarce for years — have become more accessible. Additionally, the director general of Electricity Transmission and Distribution announced that two ships arrived from Turkey and Qatar to aid in power generation.

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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Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of the Archdiocese of Saurimo in Angola. / Credit: Radio Ecclesia

ACI Africa, Jan 13, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of the Archdiocese of Saurimo in Angola has revealed that he was once on a list of people targeted for assassination for defending truth and justice.

In an interview with Radio Ecclesia on Jan. 7, the day he turned 60, Imbamba recalled the dangers he faced in 2003 following Angola's post-election conflict. 

"My priestly life has been full of misunderstandings. I was ordained during a time of intense war in Luena, and I faced many difficulties," the archbishop recounted.

"In 2003, during the post-electoral conflict, I was on a list of people to be eliminated," he said.

Angola's first elections in 1992 were marred by violence, leading to a civil conflict that ended in 2002. 

"I have been threatened face to face by people due to my forthright discussions. These threats aim to intimidate and tarnish my image and that of the Church. However, I take full responsibility for everything I say. I am not anyone's mouthpiece," said Imbamba, who also serves as the president of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe.

He emphasized his mission to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and uphold human dignity, saying: "For the poor, marginalized, and those deprived of their rights, I will continue to fight in the name of the Gospel, of which I am a servant."

Despite the sacrifices and challenges he faced in his 33 years of priesthood, Imbamba described the ministry as a "beautiful and rewarding vocation." 

However, he admitted that much work remains to be done in combating societal injustice and fostering fraternity in the country. 

"We have not fully awakened consciences or presented the truths needed to purify the inhuman tendencies we carry," he said.

As Angola approaches its 50th independence anniversary, the archbishop expressed disappointment in the direction the country was taking.

"This is not the Angola our nationalist founders envisioned," he said. "The bloodshed and sacrifices made were not for this reality."

Imbamba faulted the dominance of partisan interests over patriotism, calling for national unity.

"Patriotism should prevail. Angola's interests must come before party interests," he said. "Today, we serve political parties more than we serve our nation. It is time for our leaders to foster harmony and guide us out of this state of disarray, helping us rediscover our social, cultural, and national identity."

"It is time to rethink our country, citizenship, ideologies, and vision for a just and inclusive nation," he said.

Born in Boma, Moxico province, on Jan. 7, 1965, Imbamba was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lwena in December 1991.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

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Pope Francis baptizes a baby at the feast of the Baptism of the Lord at the Sistine Chapel, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Jan 12, 2025 / 11:00 am (CNA).

Pope Francis on Sunday celebrated the feast of the Baptism of the Lord by baptizing 21 babies in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and praying the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. 

Before baptizing the babies of Vatican staff and Swiss Guards on Sunday morning, the Holy Father said parents must serve children with sacraments and prayers.

"Today, each of you parents and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children," he told families gathered inside the Sistine Chapel.

"Let us ask the Lord that they grow in faith, a true humanity, in the joy of the family," he prayed.

In his Jan. 12 Angelus address, the Holy Father said Christians should know and celebrate the date of their baptisms as a "new birthday" that commemorates their "birth in the Spirit of God." 

"This is very important! Think: On what day was I baptized? If we don't remember, when we get home, let's ask our parents and godparents the date of our baptism," he said to hundreds of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"Don't forget! This is a job to do at home: the date of my baptism," he insisted.

Recalling Sunday's liturgy of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Holy Father said during his Angelus address: "In revealing himself as Father through the Son, God establishes a privileged place to enter into dialogue and communion with humanity. It is the face of the beloved Son."

The pope said Christians should be able to recognize God by contemplating "the face and voice of God" through the humanity of Jesus Christ and through other baptized people.

"So let us ask ourselves: Do we feel loved? Do I feel loved and accompanied by God or do I think that God is distant from me?" he asked pilgrims. "Are we capable of recognizing his face in Jesus and in our brothers and sisters?"

After praying the Angelus with pilgrims from the window of the Apostolic Palace, the pope asked people to continue their prayers for those in need around the world.

"I am close to the inhabitants of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating fires have broken out in recent days. I pray for all of you," he said.

"Let us also invoke his intercession as we pray for peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and throughout the world," he added.

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null / Credit: Deemerwha studio/Shutterstock

ACI Prensa Staff, Jan 12, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

The International Association of Exorcists has expressed concern over several erroneous practices, including those carried out by some priests, which confuse the faithful who seek help when possibly facing extraordinary actions of the devil.

The association, which has some 900 exorcist members worldwide, issued its warning in a Jan. 6 article on the organization's website in order to "offer necessary clarifications to be able to act well in providing divine mercy through the ministry of exorcism."

The association published the article because "some pastoral practices have been noticed that, instead of rendering a service to the wounded body of Christ, increase its suffering and cause disorientation." The exorcists ask Catholics to take these observations into account "to avoid attitudes and methods that do not correspond to the authentic work of the Lord Christ."

The text also points out that in recent years the number of those seeking out exorcists has increased due to people wondering or being convinced that they are "victims of an extraordinary action of the devil," whether it be vexation, obsession, possession, or infestation.

However, the exorcists warn that there are cases in which this belief — which requires confirmation with a rigorous examination — is often held "by people who, without any specific training in the matter and without a mandate from the competent ordinary, act inappropriately, causing confusion among the people of God."

The International Association of Exorcists thus warns about the following nine erroneous pastoral practices that disorient people who seek to be freed from the extraordinary action of the evil one.

1. Improvisation and sensationalism

The association begins by criticizing the attitude of some priests, consecrated persons, and laypeople who, without adequate training and without an episcopal mandate, "instead of referring cases of possible extraordinary action by the evil one" to an exorcist, employ "arbitrary methods of liberation" that are not authorized by the bishop.

"Even more serious is when they dissuade the faithful from turning to the official exorcist of their diocese, suggesting that they look for other notable exorcists considered 'more powerful' or [claiming] alleged extraordinary demonic activity that they have detected."

2. Focusing on the work of the devil and not on the Gospel

The association points out that "it is deplorable that some, instead of announcing the Gospel of Jesus Christ that frees man from the slavery of evil and sin, focus their attention exclusively on the presence and work of the devil," making those seeking help believe that "liberation depends solely on a compulsive repetition of prayers and blessings," when the peace of Christ "can only be obtained through a life of charity, nourished by the word of God, through prayer, through frequenting the sacraments of the Eucharist and confession, and through an authentic devotion to the Immaculate Virgin."

3. Negligent discernment

The association laments that some priests, including exorcists, neglect "the serious and rigorous discernment prescribed by the Praenotanda (directives) of the Rite of Exorcisms" and use "criteria foreign to the Catholic faith, validating concepts of esoteric or New Age origin." The article warns that this is an approach that is "unacceptable and contrary to the faith and doctrine of the Church."

4. Superstitious practices

The association also criticizes those who use superstitious procedures, such as requesting "photographs or clothing to identify possible evils," as well as touching "certain points of the body of the member of the faithful to 'diagnose the presence of malignant entities' or to 'expel negativity,'" or suggesting an improper use of sacramentals such as water, salt, or blessed oil "that some call 'exorcised.'"

The article warns that "these are incorrect attitudes that feed a superstitious mentality and practice, are injurious to the dignity of the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and give rise to a magical use of blessed objects."

5. The involvement of inappropriate persons

The article states that "it is unacceptable that some priests or pastoral workers collaborate with so-called 'psychics' or supposed charismatics" by sending to them the suffering person instead of putting them in contact with exorcists appointed by the bishops.

"Even worse, when it is the diocesan exorcist himself who delegates to these figures the task that the Church has entrusted to him, i.e., the authorized discernment of genuine extraordinary demonic activity."

The association reminds that the exorcist must take responsibility for the suffering of others and "not omit taking the time for personal discernment … to verify the possible extraordinary action of the devil" and thus provide pastoral care for his victims.

6. Excluding medical and psychological sciences

The association explains that the exorcist not only follows traditional criteria to determine whether a person is suffering from an extraordinary action of the devil but also relies on the experience of established exorcists and, in some cases, "on the advice of people who are experts in medicine and psychiatry."

The exorcists thus emphasize that one cannot "exclude a priori consulting the psychological and psychiatric sciences, and of other positive disciplines, which in some cases can help to understand the origin of ills that are not necessarily of preternatural origin."

"This attitude is not only misleading, but it exposes people to unnecessary risks, ignoring the sometimes decisive contribution of modern medical and psychological disciplines."

7. Reckless and harmful statements

The association calls on people to not fall into "the anxious desire to identify at all costs an extraordinary demonic action as the operative cause of [someone's] suffering," especially without having previously made a serious discernment.

8. Regarding witchcraft

In its article, the association notes that although the practice of witchcraft has become widespread, one must not fall into "the fearful attitude" of seeing in it the origin of all the evils and misfortunes that can befall a person.

The exorcists point out that "common sense and experience also teach that when an evil could have really been caused by witchcraft, concentrating on its identification" and assuring people that they have been victims is useless and irrelevant for their liberation, as well as harmful, since they may begin to pour out "feelings of hatred" toward the presumed authors of the curse.

On the contrary, it is important to focus the person's attention "on the remedies of grace offered by the Church and on the Christian path to follow," teaching the certainty that "God does not abandon his creature who is going through a trial but in some way suffers with him and at the same time supports and consoles him with his grace."

Likewise, teaching "the conviction that all suffering, caused by any evil that may strike us in life, if accepted with love and offering to God, turns evil into good."

9. Intergenerational healing (healing the family tree)

The association also warns about the error of so-called "intergenerational healing" and laments that "some priests and even some exorcists" carry out this practice "as a 'sine qua non' (absolutely necessary) condition, without which there can be no healing or liberation, without realizing the harm to their faith and to that of people, as well as the consequences that the latter may suffer on an existential level."

"Several local ordinaries and bishops' conferences have already intervened in this area, giving doctrinal reasons that demonstrate how this practice has no biblical and theological foundations." The association gives as an example the recent doctrinal note on the subject of the Spanish Bishops' Conference.

Banishing fear

Apart from the above practices, the association's article also reminds readers that exorcists are called to let Christ's peace dwell in them, rejecting all forms of fear because "whatever the reason that provokes it, when it is cultivated it leads to the weakening of faith and the loss of trust in God."

The devil uses fear "to reduce man to slavery"; therefore, a priest who feared the devil "in the exercise of his ministry or in his daily life could not exercise the ministry of exorcism without exposing himself to serious dangers for his spiritual life, especially if instead of cultivating trust and total abandonment of oneself in the merciful hands of God, he sought to address it with more or less superstitious practices."

"In the Bible, God's invitation to not be afraid resounds at least 365 times," the association notes.

Exorcism is an experience of God and of joy

The article points out that certain films have contributed to creating "a dark, disturbing, and terrifying idea of ??the sacramental of exorcism" as well as feeding "a morbid curiosity about the supernatural."

However, the association assures that experience shows that this ministry "is imbued with profound joy," since its members are witnesses of "the powerful action of the risen Christ" and the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, of the saints and blessed, and of the angels who are "faithful servants of the Most High."

"The main task of every exorcist will therefore be to give peace and hope, avoiding any gesture or behavior that causes confusion and fuels fear, following the invitation of the Apostle Paul: 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,'" the International Association of Exorcists notes.

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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The Vatican on Jan. 10, 2024, announced the confirmation of the election of a new head of the Syro-Malabar Church, the largest Eastern Catholic church in India, Bishop Raphael Thattil. / Credit: Jpullokaran, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

CNA Newsroom, Jan 11, 2025 / 20:05 pm (CNA).

The Syro-Malabar Church announced a significant leadership change on Saturday as Archbishop Joseph Pamplany was appointed vicar of the major archbishop for the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. 

With more than 5 million members globally, the Syro-Malabar Church is one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. Based primarily in the southern Indian state of Kerala, it is the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church globally after the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. 

The appointment, confirmed by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil on Jan. 11, follows the First Session of the XXXIII Synod of Bishops held at Mount St. Thomas in Kakkanad from January 6-11. 

At the same time, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur, who had served as apostolic administrator since December 2023. Citing health concerns, he had initially submitted his resignation in September 2024, having served less than a year after his December 2023 appointment.

The leadership transition occurs as the Eastern Catholic Church continues to navigate a complex dispute over liturgical reforms, particularly regarding the celebration of Mass. The controversy centers on whether priests should face the altar or the congregation during the Holy Qurbana, the church's Eucharistic liturgy.

The church maintains its own distinct liturgical tradition, known as the Holy Qurbana, and enjoys autonomy in administrative and liturgical matters while recognizing the pope's authority. 

Archbishop Pamplany, who will maintain his role as Metropolitan Archbishop of Tellicherry, brings extensive theological expertise to his new position. Ordained in 1997, he holds a doctorate in Sacred Scripture from Leuven University and has served in various church leadership roles, including as Secretary of the Synod.

The appointment follows Pope Francis's repeated interventions in the liturgical dispute. He has directly intervened several times in the controversy, which centers on a debate about which direction the priest should face when celebrating the liturgy.

Protests against the adoption of a uniform liturgy have included a hunger strike by priests and the burning of effigies of cardinals.

In May 2024, the pontiff described divisions within the church as "the work of the devil" and urged maintaining unity. In 2023, he appointed Slovak Archbishop-Bishop Cyril Vasil' as a special delegate to help resolve the ongoing disagreement.

Archbishop Vasil' will continue serving as the pontifical delegate for the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, which serves over 600,000 faithful within the Syro-Malabar Church.

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WBVM/Tampa (90.5 Spirit FM) announces the promotion of Davis Watts to Program Director. Watts will continue to serve as Music Director and host of the More Music Middays (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Watts says, "It's been an honor serving the Tampa Bay community with this amazing team for the past 13 years. I feel that the Lord, our listeners and the industry friends I've made over these years have prepared me for the exciting challenge of leading our air staff and I'm eager to get started."  

Watts joined the Spirit FM team in 2008, moving through the ranks of night time announcer, to middays, Music Director and now Program Director.  "I've seen tremendous growth in Davis, and a hunger to improve not only his craft, but the station's as a whole.  I'm excited that he's up to the challenge." said John Morris, Station Manager. 

Spirit FM is a 100,000 FM station serving the Tampa/St. Petersburg market since May 1986. The station is owned by the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, the only Catholic station in the country programming contemporary Christian music. For more information about Spirit FM, visit myspiritfm.com.

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