POPE BENEDICT XVI APPEALS FOR AN END TO ATTACKS IN NIGERIA

Vatican City, 20 June 2012 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, after having delivered greetings in various languages, Benedict XVI launched an appeal for an end to attacks which have taken place recently in Nigeria, and which have been particularly aimed against the Christian community there. "I appeal to leaders for an immediate end to the killing of so many innocents", he said. "It is my hope that the various components of Nigerian society will collaborate so as not to start down the path of revenge, and that all citizens will cooperate in building a peaceful and reconciled society, in which everyone's right freely to profess their faith is fully protected".

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Nigeria: Islamist terrorists attack 3 churches, killing dozens : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpt is from Catholic World News:

• Bomb attacks on three Christian churches, including the cathedral of the Diocese of Zaria, have left dozens of worshippers dead in Nigeria.

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Nigeria: Islamist terrorists attack 3 churches, killing dozens : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

ASIA/INDIA - Mass Attack against Christians in Orissa

The following excerpt is from News.VA:

• Nightmare for Christians in Orissa, eastern India is back. A Pastor and the entire community of a Christian village, about 12 families, were violently attacked and injured by an organized group of about 50 Hindu extremists. The local Churches remember with serious concern the incidents of mass violence that broke out in the Kandhamal district in 2008 and which resulted in a real anti-Christian massacres.

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ASIA/INDIA - Mass Attack against Christians in Orissa

HHS mandate 'ominous' threat to religious liberty, priest says :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

The following excerpts are from Catholic News Agency:

• As the battle to defend religious freedom continues, a Capitol Hill priest said the contraception mandate should be a cause for concern for all Americans.
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• In his native Cuba, Fr. Gonzales said that Catholics faced similar restrictions before the start of an all-out persecution.
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• Fr. Gonzales said the rhetoric behind such persecutions is similar to that which is found in the federal contraception mandate.
• “This smacks of the present language used by the current administration that seeks to redefine religious freedom to the freedom to worship,” as in private houses of worship.

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HHS mandate 'ominous' threat to religious liberty, priest says :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)