Sometimes, news from the Catholic community around the world doesn’t always make the headlines, but there have been some important events this past week worth catching up on.
From petitions shaking church leadership to moments of hope amid tragedy, here’s a breakdown.
German Petition Gathers Momentum Calling for Cardinal’s Removal
In Germany, a significant movement has gathered steam as a priest from Munich launched a petition urging Pope Leo XIV to remove Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, the Archbishop of Cologne.
The petition has already collected over 60,000 signatures.
Critics accuse the cardinal of failing to properly address sexual abuse allegations within the Church and highlight his loss of credibility after investigations against him ended following a €26,000 fine.
Supporters of the petition say this negligence violates Church law and demands accountability.
The German news outlet CNA Deutsch reported on the ongoing pressure facing the cardinal.
Deadly Attempted Bombing Disrupts Ugandan Martyrs’ Day
Over in Uganda, a day meant for reflection and honor turned tense when two suspected suicide bombers were stopped and killed before reaching a major religious event.
The incident happened near the Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which commemorate Ugandan saints who died for their faith.
Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi Diocese, who led the event, encouraged attendees to remain hopeful and strong, just like the martyrs they were remembering.
Local counterterrorism forces intercepted a man and a woman on a motorbike near the event after an explosive was triggered halfway to the church, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.
Kenyan Bishop Pleads for Peace After Priest’s Murder
In Kenya’s Kerio Valley, violence has long plagued the community, but recent events have made the need for peace even more urgent.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese spoke out following the killing of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot while returning from Mass.
During the priest’s funeral, the bishop made a heartfelt call for unity, questioning why people who speak the same language continue to fight and urging an end to decades of conflict and bloodshed.
Patriarch Younan Meets Pope Leo XIV to Support Middle East Christians
At the Vatican, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan had his first official meeting with Pope Leo XIV, focusing on the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East.
The Patriarch voiced worries about the ongoing emigration of young people and the importance of spiritual and humanitarian aid.
He also called for closer collaboration with the Syriac Orthodox Church to strengthen their shared mission, both in their homelands and in diaspora communities worldwide.
Monastic Order Calls for Return of Seized Land in Iraq
The Antonine Hermizdian Chaldean Order has renewed its plea to the Iraqi government to return over 1,400 dunams of land taken during Saddam Hussein’s rule.
The land is crucial to the order’s mission and was recently partially handed over for a housing project for Christians without acknowledging the monks’ historic ownership.
Abbot Samer Sourisho expressed frustration, saying the government’s actions are an example of ongoing injustice.
The monks remain ready to share land with Christian families but insist on regaining full control of their property to support displaced believers properly.
Massive Marian Pilgrimage Draws Vietnamese Catholics
In Vietnam, thousands of Catholics gathered for a special jubilee pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Tra Kieu in Da Nang Diocese.
The May 31 event coincided with the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was led by Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc.
The Archbishop called the pilgrimage a powerful expression of faith and commitment in challenging times, with hundreds of priests joining to celebrate Mass alongside over 10,000 faithful pilgrims.
If you want to stay up to date on Catholic news like this, keep an eye out for more stories and developments!