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Local Communities

Council approves six-month trial allowing students to walk to school

Students at a Catholic college on the New South Wales Far South Coast will soon be able to walk to school for the first time, after a 32-year misunderstanding with the local council. Source: ABC News.

Holy Land

Israel allows access to churches for Holy Week and Easter

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land have announced an agreement had been reached with the Israeli authorities regarding arrangements for Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Source: EWTN News.

Global Church

Vatican affirms permanent place of ‘Anglican heritage’

The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has released a new document describing the “Anglican heritage” of the Catholic Church’s personal ordinariates as a permanent reality that makes a “distinctive contribution” to the Church’s evangelising mission. Source: OSV News.

South Asia

Rights group warns of rise in forced conversions in Pakistan

A rights group in Pakistan has expressed serious concern over rising cases of abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of girls from minority groups, including Christians, in the Muslim-majority country. Source: UCA News.

Holy Week Pope Leo XIV

‘Lay down your weapons’, Pope says on Palm Sunday

Presiding at his first Palm Sunday Mass of the Lord’s Passion since his election, Pope Leo XIV reflected on Jesus as the King of Peace who rejects war and refuses to listen to the prayers of those who wage war. Source: Vatican News.

Easter Ecumenism

Christian leaders speak of Easter hope amid turmoil

Australia’s Christian church leaders have issued Easter messages pointing to the hope of the empty tomb and the much-needed peace this can bring in a world riven by conflict. Source: National Council of Churches Australia.

Schools

Fears of a tragedy as violence against principals surges

Latest data from an Australian Catholic University survey shows violence against school principals has surged by up to 150 per cent since 2011 – escalating fears an attack by a parent or student will end in tragedy. Source: Daily Telegraph.

Safeguarding

Caritas commended for strong leadership and commitment

Caritas Australia has successfully embedded safeguarding within its organisational culture, demonstrating a high level of commitment and understanding of the national standards, a recent audit undertaken by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd found.

Papal Trip

Pope tells Monaco’s rich and famous to remember the poor

In the principality known for super yachts and sports cars, Pope Leo XIV urged Monaco’s wealthy citizens to remember the poor and protect every human life, calling on them to remember that the Last Judgment “places the poor at its centre”. Source: OSV News.