Select Page

Month: June 2021

World Health Organization grants Holy See permanent observer status

Posted by | Jun 1, 2021 | , |

A view of St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City Flag. / Bohumil Petrik / CNA

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jun 1, 2021 / 07:30 am (CNA).

The Holy See has been granted permanent observer status to the World Health Organization following resolution adopted by consensus on May 31.

This means that the Holy See will be a non-member state Observer for the organization, and will be permitted to observe sessions and participate in debates. Unlike member states, the Holy See will not be allowed to vote on issues or put forth candidates.

A communique issued by the Holy See Press Office on June 1 stated: “The World Health Assembly adopted, by consensus, Resolution Participation of the Holy See in the World Health Organization presented by Italy, which formalizes the participation of the Holy See in the work of the World Health Organization as a non-Member State Observer.”

“This decision reflects the relationship that the Holy See has continuously maintained with this Organization since 1953 and it bears witness to the commitment of the family of nations in addressing, through dialogue and international solidarity, the global health challenges that afflict humanity.”

The Holy See has been an observer of the WHO’s World Health Assembly since 1953, and has been a permanent observer at the United Nations since 1964.

The World Health Organization is the health agency of the United Nations. The organization’s annual assembly was held virtually this year from May 24 through May 31.

The resolution to name the Holy See as a permanent observer state to the World Health Organization was sponsored by Italy and was co-sponsored by 71 countries.

Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio praised the work of the Holy See in the health field and said that he believed the Holy See would be beneficial to the World Health Organization.

“I am convinced that the Holy See, which has been providing assistance for years through the organizations of the Catholic Church to millions of needy people around the world, will bring precious value to the World Health Organization and will further strengthen the spirit of solidarity on a global level,” Di Maio said.

“It will be a great inspiration for all member states.”

Read More

Former Hamas explains Israel and Islam; my talk on Islam at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Posted by | Jun 1, 2021 | , |

Islam is a religion, not of peace, but of the sword. This is not a condemnation of Muslims, but of the dangerous ideology and religion of Islam. Here is Mossab Hassan Yousef, a former Hamas commander who now tells the truth about Islam. A very clear message… Also my talk “Islam, What Every Infidel Should […]

The post Former Hamas explains Israel and Islam; my talk on Islam at Franciscan University of Steubenville appeared first on Defenders of the Catholic Faith.

Read More

Justin, the Philosopher’s Martyr

Posted by | Jun 1, 2021 | , , |

Saint Justin (+165) who is called the ‘martyr’, was born around the time the last Apostle, John, departed this life for heaven. Justin was not raised in the Catholic faith – few were in those incipient days of the Church – but was rather a pagan convert to Christianity. He first investigated the various philosophies[…]

The post Justin, the Philosopher’s Martyr appeared first on Catholic Insight.

Read More

The Catholic Response to “Pride Month”

Posted by | Jun 1, 2021 | , , , |

prideBrebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School— the Jesuit-run high school which famously disobeyed the Archdiocese of Indianapolis over its refusal to fire a teacher in a same-sex union— continues to pride itself in its LGBT inclusivity. The school, which is named after a Jesuit martyr tortured and killed for preaching the Faith to the Iroquois (something that […]

Read More

Recent Comments

    Categories