In Idaho, the Legislature approved a measure April 20, 2021, to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected and it was sent to Gov. Brad Little.
Idaho Senate OKs fetal heartbeat abortion bill; measure sent to governor
JRS launches border program to address migrants’ psychological needs
Migrants arriving in Ciudad Juárez in recent years have remained stuck in the Mexican border city, unable to claim asylum in the United States and vulnerable to crimes such as kidnapping, robbery and extortion.
India reports COVID-19 patients dying of lack of oxygen; leak kills 22
An oxygen leak at a government hospital in India has killed 22 COVID-19 patients as the entire country faces a huge shortage of oxygen to support pandemic-hit patients.
As COVID-19 variants surge, Canadian churches struggle with restrictions
In mid-April, British Columbia Premier John Horgan announced that a ban on public worship would be extended for an additional five weeks.
U.S. pullout from Afghanistan leads to questions about renewed violence
President Joe Biden’s plan to withdraw U.S. armed forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 is leading observers to renew concerns about continued progress on human rights, the status of democratic reforms and whether a resurgence of violence will set back the war-beleaguered country.
Catholics urged to join in efforts needed to address racism, right wrongs
Floyd’s death “highlighted and amplified the deep need to see the sacredness in all people, but especially those who have been historically oppressed. Whatever the stage of human life, it not only matters, it is sacred.”
Pope calls for monthlong global prayer marathon for end of pandemic
Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic.
Catholic leaders see Chauvin verdict as a call for more action
Catholic leaders looking towards healing after jurors issued their verdict convicting former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.