World Notes & Quotes

African Nation Silences Catholic Radio

The BBC reported April 20 that “The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended broadcasts by a Catholic radio station in the eastern city of Kisangani.”

“In a BBC interview, the deputy interior minister, Faustin Munene, accused Radio Amani of dabbling in politics. He said it should stick to religious affairs.

“In addition to its own output, the station rebroadcasts programs of the BBC World Service. Security forces have been stationed in the radio's offices since the suspension on Saturday.

“Correspondents say that journalists in Congo have come under increasing pressure in recent months not to criticize government policy.

“A newspaper editor—Andre Ipakala of La Reference Plus—was reported to have been arrested on Sunday.”

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis