Next Synod of Bishops in 2022; theme to be decided by Pope

At a meeting of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis decided that the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be held in two years’ time, in autumn. He will decide on one of three themes presented to him.

The next ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops has been scheduled for "for autumn 2022", to ensure a "greater involvement" of the whole Church "in the preparation and celebration" of the synod, said a note from the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops.

Pope receives Željko Komšić of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Pope Francis on Saturday morning received in audience Željko Komšić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A Holy See Press Office statement said discussions between the two leaders took place in a cordial atmosphere, and specified that “the parties focused on the good bilateral relations and the domestic situation of the country, with particular attention to the Catholic community. Likewise, the need to guarantee full respect for the rights of all citizens and the effective equality of the three constituent peoples”.

Orthodox Christian Novak Djokovic serves Jesus on and off the tennis court

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is through to the Australian Open final after beating an injured Roger Federer in a semi-final showdown on Rod Laver Arena last night.

Currently ranked number 2 in the world, Djokovic player is a well-known Orthodox Christian, who regularly wears a wooden cross around his neck. He’s known for praying through his matches as does his wife – a practice sports commenters observe with interest:

World Cancer Day: A leading international awareness day

At the start of the millennium, 4 February was declared World Cancer Day. It began with six cancer experts who convened in Paris in 1999. With the year 2000 imminent, the group was determined that the global challenge of cancer would not be forgotten in the new century.

Together, the six leaders drafted a Charter that outlined a vision for addressing the impact of cancer on “human life, human suffering and on the productivity of nations”.

Orthodox church set ablaze twice in less than a month in Sudan

Christian churches are under attack in Sudan.

Three churches, including an Orthodox church, have been burnt down twice in the span of less than a month in the village of Bout in the Blue Nile state of the Republic of Sudan. The other churches attacked are from the Catholic Church and the Sudan Internal Church, reports the local Human Rights and Development Organization (HUDO).