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Minor orders

Pope Francis, April 21, 2019. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis’ Opening of Lector and Acolyte Ministries to Women Explained

Jan 11, 2021

On Jan. 11, Pope Francis published an apostolic letter issued motu proprio (which means “on his own impulse” in Latin), modifying canon law regarding women’s access to the ministries of lector and acolyte. He also released a letter to Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Luis Ladaria explaining his reasoning for the decision.

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Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi in Nigeria. Credit: ACI Africa

Over 15 Catholic Parishes Closed amid Cries to End Violence against Christians in Nigeria

Today, November 8, We Celebrate Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Caxito. Credit: Caxito Diocese

“We must return to good values”: Catholic Bishop in Angola to Catechists, Teachers

Fr. Thomas Oyode. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Auchi

Rector of Minor Seminary in Nigeria Released after 10-Day Captivity, Diocese Grateful for Prayers

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM). Credit: CEM

Catholic Bishops in Mozambique Appeal for Peace, Respect to Life as Post Election Violence Surges

Third Catholic Bishop of Inongo Diocese in DR Congo Dies at 86

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Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump points to supporters with former first lady Melania Trump during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. | Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

To Help America Achieve Healing, Trump Needs “more than the wisdom of Solomon”: Catholic Bishop in Africa

Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Okigwe

“We solicit your fervent prayers”: Okigwe Catholic Diocese in Nigeria after Abduction of Parish Priest

Mons. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie. Credit: Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ)

Comboni Superior General Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Institute Initiates Transition Process

Fr. Thomas Oyode. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Auchi

Rector of Minor Seminary in Nigeria Released after 10-Day Captivity, Diocese Grateful for Prayers

Credit: ACN

Catechists in Burkina Faso Throw Themselves in the Battlefield to Protect Christians against Islamist Attacks

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaks at the USCCB fall plenary assembly Nov. 14, 2023. / Credit: USCCB video

Catholic Bishops in U.S. Urge "charity, respect, and civility" after Historic 2024 Election

“Don’t close your eyes to cries for help”: Diocesan Administrator in Guinea Bissau to Politicians at National Prayer Day

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM). Credit: CEM

Catholic Bishops in Mozambique Appeal for Peace, Respect to Life as Post Election Violence Surges

Third Catholic Bishop of Inongo Diocese in DR Congo Dies at 86

A pro-abortion attendee stands during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. / Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

"Americans have rejected Democrats’ abortion agenda": Pro-life Advocates on U.S. Election

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