Saints Fusca and Maura by Ermes Dovico

“I don't think it was me who did it. It was God all along.” This is how a 13-year-old explained how he managed to swim against waves and currents for four hours to call rescuers to save his family adrift in the ocean.

ITALY

Our Lady of the Roses and her relationship with Franciscan saints

The central location of the as yet unrecognised Marian apparitions in San Damiano (Piacenza) is the 'Garden of Paradise', which has four patron saints, all of whom are Franciscans. The prophecies came true, convincing the initially sceptical parish priest to believe in the apparitions.

Studies

An insignificant study attempts to discredit Holy Shroud

Cicero pro domo sua: Cicero Moraes revisits last summer's catchphrase, which claims that the image of the Holy Shroud is the result of a bas-relief. This is an unfounded thesis, much like his clumsy reply which ignores and distorts the studies of others in order to deny the uncomfortable truth.

AFTER THE VERDICT

Free Jimmy Lai; don't forget Hong Kong!

The day after the pro-democracy publisher and entrepreneur was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the US and the UK called for his release on humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, the Vatican remains silent on the matter to avoid upsetting Beijing.

A death sentence, the end of the legal system in Hong Kong, and the final nail in the coffin for freedom in the former British colony. A lesson for Taiwan. These are the initial reactions to the sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, a Catholic entrepreneur and publisher who has become a symbol of the struggle for democracy. The sentence was read out in an emotional and packed courtroom attended by his wife, Teresa, and Cardinal Zen.
- EXCLUSIVE: The testimony of a former journalist of Apple Daily
- DOSSIER: Jimmy Lai, a Roman Catholic against the Power


As an editor, he was so harsh that people questioned his faith. However, his time in prison revealed his unwavering commitment to the truth, demonstrating that martyrdom is not defined by a single heroic act, but by steadfast devotion to Christ under the weight of persecution. The testimony of a former journalist at Apple Daily.
- Here's the link to the Chinese version of the article

The director of March for Life UK is facing trial for the third time for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. If convicted, the consequences would be serious for everyone, as the state would effectively be authorised to control people's thoughts.

INTERVIEW WITH GERGELY SZILVAY

‘This is how Brussels is trying to influence the elections in Hungary’

Gergely Szilvay, writer and political analyst for the conservative newspaper Mandiner, analyses the upcoming Hungarian election on 12 April. The choice is not just between Orbán and his rival Magyar, but between two systems: a Europe of nations or an ever-closer Union, which Orbán's Hungary has so far tried to resist.

IRELAND

St Patrick's Purgatory: A Preview of Dante's Journey

St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is associated with a mysterious place where anyone who entered would emerge purified after contemplating the joys of the blessed and the pains of the damned. This place became a popular pilgrimage destination and a source of literary inspiration, as seen in the tales of the knight Owein and Dante's Divine Comedy.

CHURCH

Leo XIV has a problem, his name is Cupich

The Cardinal and Archbishop of Chicago's interventionism in matters of internal and ecclesiastical politics, such as his attacks on the ancient rite, risks causing difficulties for the Pope, who favours unity. Cupich is approaching 77 years of age. When will he resign from his position as leader of the archdiocese

TERRORISM

From France, a European initiative to stop the Muslim Brotherhood

The National Assembly has committed the French government to asking the EU to include the 'Brotherhood' in its list of terrorist organisations.  This is an unprecedented parliamentary initiative, which, if implemented, would also mark a turning point for other European countries.