Catholic leaders in the Philippines have intensified calls for accountability after Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo denounced corruption during a public demonstration in Manila.
Addressing participants at the White Ribbon March held on June 28 at the People Power Monument, the Bishop of Kidapawan declared that Church leaders could not remain silent while public resources intended for the poor were allegedly diverted for personal gain.
Bagaforo described corruption as a serious moral failure, calling it both an act of theft and a betrayal of the Filipino people. His remarks were reported by Licas News.
Remarks Follow Major Infrastructure Scandal
The bishop’s criticism comes against the backdrop of a corruption controversy that emerged last year involving infrastructure projects estimated to be worth around $2 billion.
As chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Commission on Interreligious Dialogue, Bagaforo urged greater integrity in public service, warning that corruption threatens the welfare of future generations.
Catholic Anti-Trafficking Leaders Gather in Thailand
Meanwhile, Catholic representatives from around the world met in Thailand for the sixth international Talitha Kum Leadership Training Course, bringing together 30 anti-human trafficking leaders from 23 countries.
The week-long conference, held in Sam Phran District, focused on strengthening prevention strategies and improving international cooperation in combating human trafficking.
Organisers highlighted education as one of the most effective tools for protecting vulnerable children and communities from exploitation.
New School Curriculum Targets Human Trafficking Prevention
During the conference, Sister Marie-Agnes Suwanna Buasap, SPC, introduced a new K–12 educational programme titled “Don’t Touch Me,” designed to help students and teachers recognise warning signs of human trafficking.
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, said schools play a vital role in creating safe environments where trafficking can be prevented through awareness, trust and education.
Australian Bishops Urge Prayers for Seafarers
Ahead of Sea Sunday on July 12, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has invited Catholics nationwide to pray for seafarers who continue to face difficult working conditions.
Father Tony Cox, national director of Stella Maris Australia, said maritime workers often remain invisible despite their essential role in global trade.
Reflecting on the hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and current tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, Cox said many seafarers continue to endure isolation, long periods away from home and significant personal risks while carrying out their work.
Cambodian School Celebrates Buddhist-Catholic Cooperation
In Cambodia, a newly inaugurated Buddhist primary school for monks has been named “Chomroen Olivier” to honour both Buddhist and Catholic religious leaders.
Opened on June 25, the school combines the names of Venerable Nget Chomroeun, abbot of Ang Montrey Pagoda, and Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, apostolic vicar of Phnom Penh.
Schmitthaeusler described the initiative as a visible expression of cooperation and friendship between the Buddhist and Catholic communities.
Eastern Catholic Patriarchs Meet Pope Leo XIV
At the Vatican, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rai and Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian met separately with Pope Leo XIV to discuss developments affecting their Churches.
Al-Rai said discussions focused on promoting dialogue, peace and national unity during a delicate period for Lebanon, while Minassian updated the pontiff on the situation facing the Armenian Catholic Church and the broader witness of Eastern Catholic communities.
Ireland Considers Paid Leave Following Pregnancy Loss
The Irish government is examining proposals that would provide paid leave for women who lose a pregnancy before 23 weeks, including those who undergo an abortion.
The proposal follows the government’s recent decision to abolish the mandatory three-day reflection period before an abortion.
The move has drawn criticism from the Pro-life Campaign, with spokesperson Eilís Mulroy arguing that removing the waiting period while later recognising emotional distress after abortion sends conflicting messages about supporting women facing difficult pregnancies.
Father Stephen Wang Appointed Bishop of Arundel and Brighton
In England, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Stephen Wang as the next Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.
Wang succeeds Archbishop Richard Moth, who recently became Archbishop of Westminster.
The bishop-elect, who has served as rector of the Venerable English College in Rome for the past five years, said the appointment came as an unexpected honour.
He is internationally recognised for creating Sycamore, a video-based Catholic evangelisation programme that uses short films and guided discussions to explain the Catholic faith. The initiative has since been adopted by parishes, schools and university chaplaincies around the world.
German Bishops Welcome New Vatican Diplomat
The German Catholic Bishops’ Conference has also welcomed Archbishop Hubertus van Megen following his appointment as the Holy See’s new apostolic nuncio to Germany.
Van Megen previously served for seven years as the Vatican’s representative in Kenya before being transferred by Pope Leo XIV earlier this year.
Conference Vice President Bishop Michael Gerber pledged the German bishops’ support as the archbishop begins his new diplomatic mission after succeeding Archbishop Nikola Eterović, who retired upon reaching the canonical age limit.
