(extracts courtesy of the Catholic Times)
compiled by R.T.S.

VATICAN CITY:

In the Middle East, in Africa and wherever violence and extreme poverty threaten human life and dignity, people must recognise the truth that all people are created equal and have a right to exist in freedom, Pope Benedict XVI said. "Bloodshed does not cry out for revenge, but begs for respect for life, for peace," the Pope said in his address to ambassadors and other diplomats representing their nations at the Vatican. The Pope specifically mentioned ongoing tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Iraq, the Darfur region of Sudan and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

CAPE TOWN:

A 74-year old Ursuline nun was shot dead at the order's premises in Ngqeleni, apparently by a young male robber. Ursuline Sr Clementine Brantschen, the order's novitiate superior, had just returned from her work at Ngqeleni Clinic when she heard a commotion and went to investigate, said Sr Magdalena Zenhausen, the Ursuline Sisters' regional superior. Sr Magdalena said Sr Clementine found an intruder holding a firearm and demanding money from Angelina Sinyanzi, a domestic worker. Sr Magdalena said that after Sr Clementine handed money over to the intruder Sinyanzi sounded the security alarm and rushed out of the novitiate to alert other domestic staff. Fr Octavious Khosoane, a local priest, and other staff stationed nearby heard gunshots as they ran to the house, Sr Magdalena said. They saw the intruder, a young man of about 21, fleeing, and then found Sr Clementine, who had been shot in the head.

PHILIPPI:

"Today is a very sad day for the Church in West Virginia and for the people of West Virginia," Bishop Michael Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston said to those gathered for Mass at St Elizabeth Church in Philippi. The community was remembering the 12 coal miners who lost their lives after the explosion at the Sago Coal Mine in Upshur County and were praying for miner Randal McCloy, the only survivor. Philippi lost three of its residents in the incident, and Bishop Bransfield came to celebrate the Mass to help foster healing and to bring comfort to the community. The bishop said the black ribbons that draped the front doors of St Elizabeth "signify the sorrow of all of us for the miners who have perished, the one who remains ill and for their families who continue to suffer through these difficult days".

CAPE TOWN:

Zambia's president has criticised the nation's bishops because their emphasis on dialogue creates a stronger opposition, said a US-born Jesuit who has lived in Zambia since the late 1980s. Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa's antagonism towards the bishops is also influenced by the Church’s clear support for constitutional reform", said Jesuit Fr Peter Henriot, director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection in Zambia s capital, Lusaka. Mwanawasa, who hopes to win a second five-year term, is worried about going into the elections with a stronger opposition", said Fr Henriot "The Church's efforts to promote dialogue in the political sphere don’t suit him" he added, noting that the president's critical words directed at the bishops conference has received much attention in Zambia's media.