The Chaldean Synod has elected Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona as the new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, succeeding Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, who submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV on March 9 amid a financial and legal scandal concerning a former Chaldean bishop in San Diego. The election took place during the synod’s meetings held in Rome since April 9. This election comes at a critical time for both the Chaldean Church and the wider region amid ongoing political challenges, in Iraq and the Middle East, as well as internal ecclesial issues related to unity, and the organization of Church life both locally and in the diaspora.

Following the election, the Chaldean bishops issued a statement saying: “After deep spiritual and fraternal deliberations, conducted in a spirit of prayer and ecclesial discernment, and mindful of the apostolic responsibility entrusted to them, the fathers of the synod elected the patriarch of the Chaldean Church according to the established canonical procedures. After completing the required ballots, and in accordance with the will expressed by the synod, His Excellency Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona was elected patriarch of the Chaldean Church and chose for himself the name His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona.”

The statement continued: “His Beatitude accepted the election in accordance with canonical norms, expressing his reliance on God’s grace and his commitment to exercise his patriarchal ministry with fidelity and responsibility, in full communion with the fathers of the synod, in service of the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and the diaspora.” “The fathers of the synod raise their prayers to the Lord Jesus Christ, the good shepherd, asking that he grant the elected patriarch wisdom and strength”. They affirm their confidence that “this ministry will contribute to strengthening the faithful in their faith, enhancing their unity, and revitalizing the Church’s mission in bearing witness to the Gospel.”

The synod also called on all members of the Chaldean Church – clergy and faithful alike – to unite around the new patriarch and support him through prayer and shared responsibility for the good of the Church and the growth of its mission.

Nona was born in Alqosh in northern Iraq in 1967. He was ordained a priest in 1991 after completing his studies at the Patriarchal Seminary in Baghdad. He later pursued higher studies in Rome, earning a doctorate in theological anthropology from the Pontifical Lateran University. He served in the parishes of Alqosh before being appointed archbishop of Mosul in 2009, during a period marked by escalating violence against Christians in Iraq. During the events of 2014, he left Mosul along with his faithful following the takeover of the city by the terrorist group ISIS, marking a pivotal moment in the modern history of the Chaldean Church. In 2015, the Holy See appointed him head of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand, where he continued his pastoral ministry among the Chaldean diaspora.

His appointment comes following the resignation of Cardinal Raphael Sako, who announced that he submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV of his own free will on the morning of March 9 so he could “dedicate himself quietly to prayer, writing, and simple service.” The timing sparked controversy within the Chaldean community. Pope Leo XIV on March 10 accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, a Chaldean Catholic bishop arrested in San Diego in March on charges of embezzling Church funds. Sako had allegedly attempted to support or transfer the embattled bishop to a higher position, leading many to question whether the financial scandal played a role in the patriarch’s decision.(EWTN news)

The installation of Archbishop Khalid Rehmat closes a turbulent chapter for Pakistan’s largest Catholic diocese. A Capuchin Franciscan friar has been installed as archbishop of Lahore, assuming leadership of Pakistan’s largest Catholic diocese after a turbulent period marked by the removal of his predecessor. Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, OFM Cap, 57, was installed as head of the Archdiocese of Lahore on March 28 in a ceremony that acknowledged a period of “particular difficulties and challenges” following the removal of Archbishop Sebastian Shaw, OFM, in August 2024 – an unprecedented development in the country’s Catholic history.

During the liturgy, Vicar General Father Asif Sardar read the Urdu translation of the papal bull, which referenced the trials faced by Pakistan’s largest Catholic diocese, home to an estimated 577,000 faithful. “We devote all our energies to the governance of the ship of the Church, which for different reasons is sometimes assailed by waves, requiring the guidance of both ourselves and the devoted pastors appointed by us. For this reason, we have turned our attention to the metropolitan see of Lahore,” he said, quoting Pope Leo XIV.

The remarks were widely interpreted as an indirect reference to Shaw, who was appointed apostolic Vicar of Quetta and installed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on March 24. Prior to that, he had been residing at the Franciscan Friars Minor house in Karachi while on what Church authorities described as a sabbatical. Shaw has faced multiple allegations in recent years, including claims of financial mismanagement and misconduct involving Church funds and properties, circulated in media reports and on social media. In 2017, he drew criticism for allowing a political address by Maryam Nawaz, now chief minister of Punjab, at Sacred Heart Cathedral during an election campaign. Further controversy emerged in 2021 when a Christian activist shared on social media photographs and documents alleging irregular land transactions linked to Shaw. (EWTN News.)

Catholic bishops’ health official is urging parishes nationwide to enforce smoke-free and vape-free rules out of respect for sacred space and concern for public health.

Several parishes in the Philippines have begun enforcing smoke-free and vape-free policies on church grounds, citing both the sacredness of the premises and the health of parishioners.

“I support the smoke-free and vape-free policies in church premises for the good of all,” Maria Christina Jomen, a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Parish in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, told. “Having a healthy environment is a responsibility for all, especially in places of worship.”

This particular church, some 755.89 kilometers (469.69 miles) south of Manila, is among the parishes implementing the smoke-free policy in response to health initiatives from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in collaboration with local governments. The executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Health Care, Camillian Father Dan Vicente Cancino Jr., issued a statement directing parishes nationwide to adhere to smoking bans as a sign of respect for sacred spaces. The Department of Health later circulated a video message from Cancino on its platforms.

Cancino said tobacco use leads to preventable disease, premature death, and suffering, and called on all parishes to strictly enforce smoke-free and vape-free policies. The bishops’ conference has voiced alarm at the prevalence of smoking and vaping among Filipinos, particularly among the young. “This initiative is in accordance with our existing laws, and the move is also out of respect for the sacred and concern for community health,” the priest said, noting that smoking in public places such as churches endangers both individual and community health. “These habits pose serious threats to both individuals and the community. I hope that all our parishes and communities strictly enforce smoke-free and vape-free policies in accordance with existing laws”.

The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Parañaque City, Manila, has enforced a no-smoking policy on its premises since 2015, partly in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for creation, Laudato si. Other parishes have moved in step with municipal anti-smoking ordinances in cities including Baguio, Davao, Balanga, and Iloilo, pairing health-conscious campaigns with what Church officials describe as “green” initiatives to protect public health and the environment.

According to the World Health Organization’s 2025 Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use, roughly 1 in 5 Filipino adults – about 19.7% of those aged 15 and over – currently smoke, with the rate among men (35.6%) more than eight times higher than among women (4.2%).

The 2021 Philippines Global Adult Tobacco Survey, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Health with WHO support, similarly found that 18.5% of Filipino adults currently smoke tobacco. WHO estimates that smoking causes roughly 88,000 deaths in the Philippines each year?

Data from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology indicate that 4.8% of Filipinos aged 10 to 19 smoked in 2023, up from 2.3% in 2021. The World Health Organization has reported that, globally, children aged 13 to 15 are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults. The Philippine Department of Health has urged the public to reject vaping products, warning they are not a safer alternative to cigarettes and citing the rising trend of nicotine use among young Filipinos (EWTN News)

On March 20, 2026, the Adoratrices Sisters (Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity) reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of their new permanent home in Phnom Penh. The blessing ceremony was led by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, and Coadjutor Bishop Pierre Suon Hangly, joined by local authorities and international guests. This new facility represents the culmination of a vision that began when the Sisters first arrived in Cambodia in 2002.

Since 2007, the Sisters have operated the “Renacer: Walk with Women” program, initially in Siem Reap and later in rented spaces in Phnom Penh. Their mission focuses on providing sanctuary for survivors of violence, abandoned pregnant women, and those seeking to exit the sex trade. Bishop Pierre Suon Hangly emphasized that the home is a vital foundation for helping marginalized women and children rediscover their self-worth and reintegrate into society. The center will provide essential services, including psychological counseling and education.

Sr. Pilar Casas Navarro, Superior General of the Adoratrices, highlighted the intentional design of the residence, which features glass walls to symbolize openness and the “rebirth” (Renacer) of the residents’ hearts. She affirmed that the Sisters are driven by a mission to love and serve rather than just manage a project. This permanent home is described as a “dream come true,” offering a familial environment where the vulnerable can finally reclaim their dignity and find hope for a new life.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI), has issued an urgent appeal for intensified prayers and pastoral support for Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) caught in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Commission Chairman Bishop Mesiona highlighted that ordinary civilians and vulnerable workers are bearing the heaviest burden of this “protracted conflict,” which has left many Filipinos in dire straits, separated from their families and facing profound uncertainty.

While the Church commended the Philippine government and the Department of Migrant Workers for their relief efforts, Bishop Mesiona emphasized the unique role of the Church in providing essential moral and spiritual accompaniment. He specifically called upon diocesan migrant offices to mobilize their resources, monitor the well-being of OFW families within their jurisdictions, and extend concrete pastoral care.

Beyond social action, the CBCP is urging a unified spiritual response, requesting that bishops organize special prayers for peace at both diocesan and parish levels. This appeal underscores the Church’s commitment to embodying compassion and solidarity during geopolitical crises. As thousands of Filipinos remain vulnerable to regional tensions, the CBCP maintains that the safety, dignity, and well-being of these migrant communities must remain a priority for both Church and State through sustained prayer and collaborative action.

Indonesia has become the latest nation to block children under 16 from social media, following pioneering bans in Australia and Malaysia. This regional crackdown aims to protect underdeveloped minds from online abuse, pornography, and addictive algorithms. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid emphasizes that the government is intervening so parents no longer face the “giants of algorithm-driven platforms” alone.

Proponents argue these controls are vital for safeguarding teen mental health and preventing cyber-bullying. However, the movement remains controversial. Critics warn that such bans may drive minors toward unregulated “darker” corners of the web, compromise privacy through age-verification, and hinder digital literacy. While Australia reports millions of closed accounts, the efficacy of these measures remains debated as teens find ways to bypass restrictions.

Despite these challenges, global momentum is growing. Health experts like Jane Rowan note that widespread change requires international cooperation, with the UK and other nations considering similar age limits. Some countries have even moved to fine parents for non-compliance. Ultimately, the initiative reflects a shifting global landscape where governments are increasingly prioritizing child safety over the unrestricted reach of tech companies.

In a recent message to the VI Assembly of the Ecclesial Conference of Amazonia (CEAMA) in Bogotá, Pope Leo XIV posed a radical question inspired by the prophet Isaiah: “Something new is being born—can you not see it?” Amidst a global landscape defined by relentless news cycles, unresolved wars, and cascading crises, the Pope challenges us to shift our perspective to notice the fragile but real signs of emerging life.

Aligning himself with Pope Francis’ Querida Amazonia, Leo XIV describes the Amazon as a wounded yet resilient mirror reflecting our relationship with the earth and the future. He utilizes the striking imagery of the shihuahuaco tree—the jungle giant that grows with imperceptible slowness to become a thousand-year-old ecosystem. This serves as an invitation to abandon the obsession with immediacy and embrace long-term processes of patience and care.

Central to this message is the responsibility to “safeguard” creation and respect life in all its forms. The Pope envisions the Church as a sanctuary of “unity in diversity,” offering a refuge that protects rather than consumes. By focusing on what is coming into existence rather than what is ending, Leo XIV offers a defiant vision against contemporary fear and division. Ultimately, he leaves us with a profound inquiry: are we still capable of recognizing the quiet, holy growth occurring right in our midst?

Cambodia faces a severe and largely unregulated alcohol crisis, according to experts from the Cambodian People Centre for Development and Peace and Caritas. Yong Kim Eng and Father Conroy highlight a troubling lack of oversight, noting there is no minimum legal drinking age and no license required to sell alcohol. This accessibility allows consumption to permeate even sacred spaces like monasteries and affects children as young as thirteen.

The consequences are devastating and multifaceted. Alcohol serves as a primary driver of domestic violence and acts as a “gateway” to drug use and gang involvement, leading to school dropouts and fractured families. Father Conroy also emphasizes the cyclical link between alcohol abuse and mental illness. In rural areas, the lack of formal rehabilitation often leads to the archaic and inhumane practice of chaining individuals suffering from alcohol-induced psychosis.

Three systemic factors drive this normalization. First, exceptionally low taxation makes beer—costing as little as 45 cents—cheaper than or equal to the price of soft drinks. In contrast, neighboring countries like Vietnam and Singapore impose significantly higher levies. Second, aggressive marketing dominates the landscape; alcohol advertisements featuring celebrities and prize promotions frequently air during prime time and appear near schools. Finally, the sheer availability of alcohol without legal age restrictions encourages early onset drinking.

Data from the World Health Organization and national health surveys confirm the scale of the problem, revealing that over 30% of drinkers are aged 15 to 18, and 70% of men consume alcohol. Despite these alarming statistics and the clear barriers alcohol poses to education and social stability, regulation remains absent from the government’s immediate agenda. Both experts argue that the current trajectory treats alcohol as a standard social norm rather than a public health emergency, leaving vulnerable populations without the necessary legal protections or medical support.

A senior Catholic leader in Asia has warned powerful nations not to ask others to show restraint while continuing to maintain huge nuclear arsenals. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, said such actions weaken global efforts for peace.

Speaking about rising international tensions, the cardinal said it is wrong for powerful countries to preach disarmament while keeping the ability to destroy the world. “That is not disarmament. That is intimidation,” he said. The Church leader heads the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalookan in the Philippines.

His comments come as conflicts in the Middle East continue to raise global concerns. Reports say that fighting involving Iran and attacks by the United States and Israel have caused heavy damage and civilian deaths. Iranian authorities say more than 1,300 civilians have died and thousands of civilian sites have been bombed.

The cardinal warned that the international system becomes weaker when powerful nations ignore the rules they expect others to follow. He pointed to agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which was created to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and encourage gradual disarmament.

Despite such agreements, thousands of nuclear warheads still exist in the world. Experts say more than 9,600 nuclear weapons remain in active military stockpiles. Major nuclear powers include the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea.

Church leaders continue to urge global powers to work seriously toward peace and nuclear disarmament.

Catholics in Jeju have started a unique initiative called “Dice for Peace” to encourage people to practice love and peace in their daily lives. The program was introduced by the Jeju Diocese, which has distributed special dice to parishes across the island since the end of February.

During Sunday Mass, a member of the community rolls the dice to choose a weekly action phrase. Instead of numbers, each side of the dice carries a short message inspired by the Gospel. These include phrases such as “Let’s love one another,” “Let’s forgive mistakes,” “Let’s listen to others,” “Let’s love everyone,” “Let’s love first,” and “Let’s love the person next to me now.”

After the phrase is chosen, the congregation promises to live according to that message during the week. The community then sings the phrase together and reflects on how to practice it in daily life. In the following week’s Mass, people share their experiences in families, youth groups, and parish meetings.

The idea was inspired by Living Peace International and the teachings found in The Art of Living by Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement.

The initiative also has special meaning for Jeju, which experienced the tragic Jeju April 3 Incident in 1948 when thousands of people were killed during political violence.

Bishop Pius Moon Chang-woo expressed hope that the “Dice for Peace” will help build a culture of peace and encourage people to live the Gospel values of love and forgiveness every day.