Good to know
Some statistics on the situation of the Catholic Church in Mongolia
The 43rd apostolic journey of Pope Francis to Mongolia begins today, 31 August. It is the first time that a Pope has travelled to this Asian country where only 0.02% of the population professes to be Catholic, but where the Church is extensively active in the social sphere.
Countries that have hosted the WYD in the past
In 1984 Pope John Paul II wanted to organize a meeting for Palm Sunday, in Rome, to celebrate the Jubilee of young people in the context of the Holy Year of the Redemption 1983-1984. 60,000 pilgrims were expected. 250,000 arrived, from many countries. The experience was so significant for the whole Church that the Holy Father decided to repeat it the following year.
Salesian Cardinals and Bishops
From 30 September next the Sacred College will be made up of 243 cardinals, among whom Pope Francis has also listed the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. This means there will be 11 i Salesians who are members of the College of Cardinals.
Religious freedom is violated in one out of three countries: this is what the 16th report of Aid to the Church in Need highlights
On 22 June, the 16th report of the Pontifical Foundation 'Aid to the Church in Need' was presented in Rome, showing that religious freedom is violated in one out of three countries around the world.