Connect with us

News

Pope Francis Reactivates Vatican Panel Against Child Sex Abuse

Published

on

Pope Francis has reactivated a panel of experts on child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church tasked with looking into prevention and care for the victims, the Vatican said on Saturday.

Francis had faced criticism for failing to renew the three-year mandate of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors when it lapsed in December.

The statement said that the commission would resume work under the confirmed leadership of Boston Archbishop Cardinal Sean O’Malley, and with 16 members, including nine who are newly appointed. “The pope has given much prayerful consideration in nominating these members who will add to the Commission’s global perspective in the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. “The panel will continue assisting local churches throughout the world in their efforts to safeguard all children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm,’’ O’Malley said.

The Vatican’s announcement came after weeks in which the decades-old worldwide scandal of paedophile priests appeared to have come back to haunt Francis.

Visiting Chile in January, the pope angered clergy sex abuse victims by insisting they had no proof against a bishop who allegedly witnessed abuse and failed to report it.

Francis’ defense of Bishop Juan Barros sparked an outcry, after which the pope apologised and asked the Vatican’s top investigator on sexual abuse, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, to look into the case.

On Thursday, the Vatican also confirmed a press report according to which Francis told fellow Jesuits in Chile that he has regular, private meetings at the Vatican with abuse victims.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Anyone Opposing U.S. Strikes Is Nigeria’s Enemy or Profiting From Insecurity — Ex-General Enenche

Published

on

A former Nigerian military general, Enenche, has described opposition to United States support and strikes against terrorists as unpatriotic, insisting that such resistance only aids insecurity or serves personal interests.
Reflecting on his experience in active combat zones over two decades ago, Enenche said he witnessed firsthand the human cost of insecurity. According to him, security goes beyond the battlefield, affecting human lives, the economy, and even cyber space.
“As a military man who fought in that area over 20 years ago, I saw with my own eyes the casualties, the rage and the devastation. When you talk about security, you are talking about human security, economic security, cyber security. It affects everyone,” he said.
He welcomed the United States’ decision to support Nigeria, describing it as a positive development for the country. Enenche referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to assist Nigeria, noting that such cooperation signals hope rather than danger.
“America has come out boldly to say, ‘We are going to help you’. President Donald Trump said they will assist Nigeria. For me, this is the beginning of good things to come for this country,” he stated.
The retired general criticized individuals who consistently oppose foreign support, accusing them of spreading fear and pessimism.
“Where some people see negatives, we should see positives. Those who constantly project fear and pessimism, I see them as enemies of this country,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s past peacekeeping missions, Enenche questioned why similar objections were not raised when Nigerian troops intervened in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Congo.
“Anytime Nigerians cooperate and act as a team, we get results,” he added.
He further clarified that while foreign allies may not deploy ground troops, Nigeria must still take responsibility for on-ground operations, with strong backing from state and local governments.
“They may not put boots on the ground, but we must do the foot-on-ground work. We must deploy the necessary resources, and that is where state governments and local governments must support this effort,” he said.
Highlighting the sophistication of recent operations, Enenche emphasized that the strikes were intelligence-driven and precise, targeting terrorist strongholds.
“Look at the capacity, look at the weapons used. Do we have that capability? This was intelligence-driven and precise. These terrorists do not want to be followed to their staging or assembly areas,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

News

‘Give Them Their Money Directly’ — Tinubu Warns Governors Over LG Allocations

Published

on

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors over the handling of Local Government (LG) allocations, insisting that funds meant for LGs must be paid directly to them in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking on Friday at the 15th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the apex court has once again made its position clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. According to him, compliance is no longer optional, as the judgment is binding on all tiers of government.
“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly’. If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said, adding that he has chosen to be patient and respectful with governors.
However, Tinubu warned that continued delay or refusal to implement the ruling would attract consequences, noting that enforcement could begin through FAAC disbursements if necessary.
Emphasizing the rule of law, the President said the ultimate authority remains the Supreme Court and its judgment must be obeyed without excuses.
“We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

News

Accord Party Welcomes Adeleke for 2026 Governorship Bid

Published

on

The Accord Party in Osun State has indicated that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be granted a waiver if he decides to contest the 2026 governorship election under its platform.

Victor Akande, Chairman of Accord Party in Osun, told The PUNCH on Sunday that Adeleke or his aides have not formally approached the party, describing speculation about a potential defection as “mere rumours.”

Accord Party has emerged as a possible platform for Adeleke’s re-election amid internal tensions in his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Akande said the party already has two aspirants for its ticket in the August 8, 2026 election but would welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.

“The issue of Governor Adeleke is still a rumour. I have not met with anyone from the government about this. Accord Party is not the only option being speculated for his defection, but if he comes, we will receive him wholeheartedly,” Akande stated.

He added, “Our doors are always open. People are free to join or leave at any time. If Adeleke comes, he will receive a waiver to contest just like any other aspirant. Currently, two individuals have shown interest in running under our platform, though they have not made financial commitments yet.”

Continue Reading

Trending