Visakhapatnam, June 7, 2026: Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu, Archbishop Emeritus of Visakhapatnam and a respected leader of the Catholic Church in India, passed away on June 7, 2026, at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam. He was 77 years old.

The Archbishop had been admitted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in May due to severe breathing difficulties and was later transferred to Medicover Hospital for specialized treatment. After showing signs of recovery and being discharged, his health suddenly worsened because of acute respiratory distress. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday.

Born on January 29, 1949, in Nizamabad, Telangana, Archbishop Prakash pursued his priestly formation at St. Peter’s Minor Seminary and the Papal Seminary in Pune. He was ordained a priest on October 11, 1979.

During his long ministry, he served in several important roles in the Church. He was Bishop of Cuddapah from 1998 to 2002, Bishop of Vijayawada from 2002 to 2012, and Archbishop of Visakhapatnam from 2012 until his retirement in 2024. He also served as Apostolic Administrator of Srikakulam and held many leadership positions at regional and national levels.

One of his most notable responsibilities was serving as Secretary General of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) from 2005 to 2011. He also chaired several commissions related to healthcare, education, theology, and pastoral ministry.

Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu will be remembered for his dedicated service, intellectual leadership, and commitment to the growth of the Church in India. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.

Indian women’s football star Grace Dangmei has announced her retirement from professional football, bringing to a close an outstanding 13-year career that inspired countless young athletes across the country.

Dangmei, who comes from Dimdailong village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, shared her decision after helping India win the SAFF Women’s Championship. In an emotional message, she said it was difficult to say goodbye to a sport she loved deeply and expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey.

A member of the Rongmei Catholic community, Grace is the daughter of Simon Dangmei, a catechist of St. Ignatius Parish, Bishnupur, and Rita Dangmei. Church and community leaders praised her dedication, humility, and achievements, describing her as a role model for young people, especially girls.

Grace began her football career in 2013 and went on to become one of India’s most respected women footballers. She made 96 appearances for the national team and scored 24 international goals. Her performances earned her several honours, including AIFF Emerging Player of the Year, Indian Women’s League Emerging Player, and FPAI Indian Player of the Year in 2023.

She represented leading clubs such as KRYPHSA, Sethu FC, Gokulam Kerala, and Sribhumi. In 2022, she also played for FC Nasaf Karshi in Uzbekistan, helping the club win both league and cup titles.

As Grace Dangmei retires from international football, she leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and excellence. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to the international stage continues to inspire aspiring athletes across India.

A nationwide citizens’ tribunal held in New Delhi has heard testimonies of violence, social boycott, and discrimination faced by Christians in different parts of India. The People’s Tribunal on Violence Against Christians in India was convened on June 1 at the Constitution Club by Karwan-e-Mohabbat and a group of concerned citizens.

The tribunal followed field visits to Chhattisgarh and Odisha, where members met many affected families. Survivors, lawyers, researchers, and human rights defenders shared accounts of increasing hostility, especially against Adivasi and Dalit Christians.

Evidence presented included attacks on churches and prayer meetings, intimidation of pastors and worshippers, forced displacement from villages, denial of burial rights, and economic boycotts. Testimonies also described arrests under anti-conversion laws and a growing atmosphere of fear.

Several speakers expressed concern over what they called institutional failure. They pointed to the low number of police complaints registered despite numerous reported incidents and alleged delays in investigations. Some survivors said that police filed cases against victims or pressured communities into compromise agreements.

Participants also highlighted the denial of burial rights, describing incidents where funeral processions were obstructed and Christian families were prevented from burying their loved ones according to their faith traditions.

The tribunal concluded that these incidents should not be seen as isolated events but as part of a broader pattern that threatens constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equal citizenship. It called on citizens, institutions, and governments to take urgent steps to protect the rights and dignity of religious minorities in India.

Catholics in Mumbai have strongly condemned the vandalism of a roadside statue of Jesus Christ in the Parel suburb and have demanded strict action against those responsible. The statue, located outside Holy Cross Church, was damaged by unidentified persons on June 7.

The incident caused deep hurt among parishioners who regularly gathered at the site for prayer and devotion. Church leaders described the act as an attack not only on a religious symbol but also on the faith and sentiments of the Christian community.

The Archdiocese of Bombay issued a statement expressing deep concern and condemning the desecration. It said such incidents are not isolated acts of mischief but targeted attacks that threaten the spirit of peaceful coexistence for which Mumbai is known.

The latest attack comes less than a month after a roadside Cross near the historic St. John the Baptist Church in Andheri East was vandalized twice. Following those incidents, police had taken steps to protect several roadside crosses in the area.

Roadside crosses and statues have long been part of Mumbai’s Catholic heritage, dating back to the Portuguese era. They are not only objects of devotion but also symbols of history, identity, and community life.

The Archdiocese has called for a thorough investigation and urged the authorities to ensure the protection of all places of worship. Catholic organizations and community leaders warned that repeated attacks on religious symbols could disturb communal harmony.

They appealed to all citizens to uphold Mumbai’s values of pluralism, tolerance, and mutual respect.

India is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and computational thinking in schools from Grade 3 beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. While the move aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future, education experts are urging caution and calling for stronger ethical safeguards.

The Ministry of Education has described AI as a “basic universal skill” necessary for future-ready learning. However, many believe that children should first understand the limits and risks of AI before depending on it.

Recent studies show that children are adopting AI tools rapidly. A 2025 survey across 10 Indian states found that 35 percent of students using educational technology already use generative AI for learning. Yet, nearly 75 percent mistakenly believe AI works just like an internet search engine.

Experts warn that using AI without proper understanding could weaken important skills such as critical thinking, concentration, fact-checking, and independent judgment.

Concerns have also been raised about India’s preparedness. Official figures show that around one-third of schools still lack adequate computer or internet facilities, while more than 100,000 schools continue to function with only one teacher.

International organisations such as UNESCO have stressed the importance of teacher training, ethical guidelines, and age-appropriate use of AI in classrooms. They recommend that younger children focus on computational thinking, creativity, and responsible technology use rather than becoming dependent on generative AI tools.

Educators say the goal should not simply be teaching children how to use AI, but helping them become wise, responsible, and thoughtful individuals who can use technology for the common good.

The recent visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata has sparked discussion among Church leaders and social groups in India.

Rubio, a Catholic, visited the Mother House and Nirmala Shishu Bhawan on May 23 along with his wife Jeanette and US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the two-hour visit, he met the sisters and spent time with elderly people, children, and the poor cared for by the congregation founded by Mother Teresa.

Church leaders in Kolkata welcomed the visit and described it as a strong message supporting religious freedom and Christian charitable work in India. Rubio reportedly praised Mother Teresa’s mission as “a living example of the Catholic faith in action.”

Some Christian leaders said the visit may also bring international attention to concerns surrounding proposed changes to India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which many Church groups fear could affect Christian institutions and charities receiving foreign support.

In 2021, the Missionaries of Charity temporarily lost their FCRA licence before it was later restored following criticism from India and abroad. Christian leaders believe the proposed amendments could create further difficulties for faith-based organisations working among the poor.

At the same time, some observers felt the visit was largely symbolic and doubted whether issues concerning Christians in India were directly discussed with Indian leaders.

The visit has nevertheless attracted national attention, with supporters viewing it as recognition of Mother Teresa’s continuing legacy of compassion and service to the poor.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Council for Women has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sr. Lilly Francis, a well-known advocate for women’s empowerment in the Church and society. She passed away in Nagpur on May 23 at the age of 76.

Sr. Lilly Francis belonged to the Sisters of Mary Mediatrix Immaculate (SMMI) congregation. She served as Executive Secretary of the CBCI Council for Women from 2004 to 2011 and played an important role in developing the CBCI Gender Policy. She also served as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Women of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) from 2017 to 2018.

Church leaders remembered her as a visionary leader who worked tirelessly for the dignity, leadership, and participation of women in both Church and society. Through seminars, writings, and training programmes, she inspired thousands of women religious and lay faithful across India.

Born in Kerala in 1949, Sr. Lilly studied social work, law, and theology in India and abroad. She also served in Latin America for three years, working among poor and marginalised communities.

In Nagpur, she founded the Vishwodaya Institute of Social Work and Women Development, where she promoted counselling, women’s leadership, and social awareness. She also worked in prison ministry, pastoral counselling, and interreligious dialogue.

A respected writer and speaker, she authored several books on women’s empowerment and gender justice.

The CBCI described her as a trailblazer whose life reflected faith, justice, simplicity, and dedicated service to society.

The Catholic Church has declared Salesian missionary Fr. Costantino Vendrame as “Venerable,” recognising his heroic virtues and lifelong service to the poor and the Church in India. Pope Leo XIV approved the decree on May 22, marking the second step in the Catholic canonisation process.

Fr. Vendrame was an Italian missionary who spent nearly 30 years serving in northeastern India, especially in Assam and Meghalaya. Known for his deep faith and compassion, he travelled on foot to remote villages, bringing education, care, and the message of the Gospel to poor and neglected communities.

Church leaders described him as a “missionary of hope” who touched the lives of people across different faiths. Many respected him not only as a priest but also as a humble servant of humanity.

Born in Treviso, Italy, Fr. Vendrame joined the Salesians with a strong desire to become a missionary. He was ordained a priest in 1924 and arrived in Shillong later that same year. He later served in Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.

During World War II, British authorities imprisoned him because he was Italian. Despite hardship, illness, and severe pain caused by osteoarthritis, he continued his mission with courage and dedication.

Fr. Vendrame died on January 30, 1957, in Dibrugarh, Assam, at the age of 63.

The Salesian community welcomed the declaration with joy, saying his life remains an inspiration of faith, sacrifice, and service. Many faithful now pray that his journey toward sainthood will continue in the years ahead.

The Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM) has strongly condemned the killing of three Kuki Church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district and called for peace and reconciliation amid continuing ethnic tensions in the state.

The attack took place on May 13 when armed men reportedly ambushed a group of community leaders. Besides the three deaths, four others were seriously injured in the incident. The violence has increased concerns about the safety of minority communities in conflict-affected areas of Manipur.

In a public statement, ICWM described the killings as a “gruesome incident” and warned that the situation in Manipur remains deeply troubling. The organisation noted that the violence comes against the background of ethnic unrest that has continued in the state since May 2023.

ICWM leaders Susan Thomas and Raynah Marise expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. They said the movement stands with all those suffering because of violence and insecurity in the region.

The organisation appealed to communities not to respond with revenge or further violence. Instead, it encouraged dialogue and reconciliation between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities. According to the statement, peace can grow only when people respect differences and see one another as brothers and sisters rather than enemies.

ICWM also urged government authorities and civil society groups to work together to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.

The statement concluded with a call for people to become “sowers of peace” and to promote understanding among different ethnic and religious groups in Manipur.

Jesus Youth members across India celebrated Recommitment Day on Pentecost Sunday with prayer, reflection, and a renewed dedication to Christian mission and service.

The celebration took place in more than 20 regions across the country, bringing together regional leaders, animators, ministry coordinators, and thousands of members of the Catholic movement. The nationwide observance highlighted the unity and growing presence of the Jesus Youth movement in India.

Pentecost Sunday was chosen for the celebration because it marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Inspired by this event, participants gathered to seek spiritual renewal and recommit themselves to a life of holiness, discipleship, and evangelisation.

The programme followed a specially prepared liturgy that combined Catholic traditions with the spirituality of the Jesus Youth movement. The Holy Eucharist was the central part of the celebration, reminding members of the importance of prayer and the sacraments in Christian life.

The gathering also included Bible reflection, worship, and group sharing sessions. Participants reflected on their spiritual journey and renewed their commitment to the “Six Pillars” of Jesus Youth — daily prayer, reading the Word of God, sacraments, fellowship, spreading the good word, and care for the poor.

Leaders of the movement also took part in a special recommitment ceremony, promising deeper dedication and servant leadership in their ministries. Participants described the day as spiritually enriching and inspiring. Organisers said the celebration aimed to strengthen the faith of young Catholics and encourage them to become courageous witnesses of Christ and instruments of hope in society.