ROME (CNS) -- Asked about the deadly shootings by U.S. federal agents in Minneapolis, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the violence unfolding there is "unacceptable."

"The position of the Holy See is always to avoid any kind of violence, obviously, and therefore we cannot accept episodes of this kind. That is our position, as you know," he told reporters when asked about operations underway by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, which have led to the shootings and deaths of two U.S. citizens.

"Difficulties, problems and contradictions must be resolved in other ways," he said Jan. 28, describing the situation as "unacceptable" and agreeing with recent statements by U.S. bishops. 

The cardinal spoke with reporters on the sidelines of an evening event at LUMSA University in Rome Jan. 28.

Asked about the possibility of the U.S. sending ICE agents to the Winter Olympics in northern Italy as part of security measures for the U.S. delegation, the cardinal said he was aware of the proposal, "but I know there is also controversy surrounding it. We don't get involved" in such controversies.

Meanwhile, secretary-general of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi, told reporters during a news conference Jan. 28 that "We hope that respect for public order will be ensured as much as possible by our own (Italian) authorities," adding that there has been no official statement from the conference on the issue.

Ecclesia in Africa continues to be a pivotal document for the Church on the continent, even after 30 years. This affirmation was articulated recently by African Bishops meeting in Chad for a plenary assembly of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACERAC).

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In a message to the Bishops of Central Africa, Pope Leo XIV recognizes the great challenges the pastors in their region face, and emphasizes that “faced with the evils that undermine society," including tribalism, interethnic conflicts, wars, and family divisions, "the Gospel calls for reconciliation and the pacification of hearts.”

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A study carried out by scientists from different parts of the world shows the effects of climate change on the recent extreme weather events.

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In an address to Regnum Christi's Societies of Apostolic Life, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the importance of charism, government, and communion.

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Pope Leo meets President of European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in the Vatican, who subsequently expressed her appreciation for Pope Leo’s “clarity” and for “shared reflections on advancing peace through dialogue in Europe and throughout the world.”

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A letter by the heads of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life stresses how consecrated life is “as a ‘presence that remains’, particularly in the areas of the world marked by conflict, violence, division, and instability.

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Welcoming the plenary assembly of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Pope Leo calls the transmission of the faith an urgent matter, noting that the “rupture” in its generational transmission among Catholics must lead the Church to rediscover the “sweet and comforting joy of evangelizing,” which lies at the heart of her life and mission.

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Cardinal Secretary of Stato Pietro Parolin speaks to journalists about the climate of tension in Minnesota, the Holy See’s position on the 'Board of Peace', and diplomatic talks on Greenland.

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The Cameroonian Ministry of Higher Education and Universities has authorized the Diocese of Kumba to proceed with the establishment of its new university, named, Sapientia Higher Institute of the Diocese of Kumba (SAHIK). This development marks a significant milestone in the diocese's commitment to advancing education and pastoral care in the Kumba region.

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