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A group of mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and aunts of Ukrainian prisoners-of-war hand Pope Francis a traditional embroidered blanket, advocating for the protection and return of their loved ones.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa Archdiocese encouraged the citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to register for the elections to vote. “It is an opportunity for each citizen to use his or her right to choose his or her government at the time of the elections,” says the cardinal.

For this week's episode of RVA News Roundup, let us go back to some of the news we presented you this year 2022.

“The laity is constantly involved through consultation and participation," Bishop Gaa of Novaliches

Pope Francis requested a “special prayer” for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the end of the General Audience on Wednesday. The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told the journalists, "In the last few hours, there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age.”

"Let's continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and our environment for the rise of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia," said Joko widodo, the Indonesian president

Amruthavani Communication Center hosted the Sree Yesu Jananam (Nativity of Jesus Christ) cultural show at St. Theresa's church in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, on December 18. Nativity of Jesus Christ is a unique show which blends evangelization with Kuchipudi classical dance, a cultural heritage of the Telugu region of India.

On the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis renews his appeal for peace in the world, especially remembering those suffering from the devastating war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis reflected on the manger as Jesus’ closeness, poverty, and concreteness in his homily at Christmas midnight mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening. “What then does the manger tell us? It tells us three things, at least: closeness, poverty, and concreteness,” Pope Francis said.

Hyderabad Archdiocesan Social Service Society (HASSS) provided Dry Ration Kits to the transgenders during the Christmas celebration at Suraram, Hyderabad Archdiocese, on December 21. "It is our honor to welcome our Transgender, who have for so long been pushed to the margins, to this special celebration meant for them. Through this, we remember that Christmas and the love and hope it brings is for everyone," Father Madanu said.

Caritas India marked 60 years of service to the poor and downtrodden in India and celebrated at Hyderabad, India, on December 13. Hyderabad Archdiocesan Social Service Society (HASSS) organized the State-Level celebration of Caritas India.

The Inter-faith and Ecumenical Commission, with religious leaders, organized a Christmas celebration on December 19 in Madras-Mylopre Archdiocese, India. "The birth of Jesus is for all humanity, not just Christians," Father Arul Jesudoss said.

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At the conclusion of Wednesday's General Audience, Pope Francis greets a Ukrainian woman whose husband is a prisoner of war and their son, who came bearing gifts for the Pope, including a calendar showing the devastation of the Azovstal steelworks plant.

Jajati Nayak died at the age of 72 after 55 years of service as a catechist in Odisha, the Eastern state of India, on December 17. Under his leadership, the faith life of the Christians of Kerubadi was strengthened and produced 9 Religious Sisters, including his daughter Sister Anjali Nayak, The Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST) and 6 Priests, including his younger brother priest Dusmant Nayak.

The Haitian Bishops released a Christmas message calling on armed gangs to end the violence and local authorities to establish civic institutions for a brighter future. The message emphasizes the need to reform civic institutions, notably the legal system.

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) is a media platform of the Catholic Church in Asia that aims to share Christ with all Asians.

Myanmar Cardinal Charles Bo recommends ‘the forming of true relationships as the first duty of the new bishop,’ at the installation of John Saw Yaw Han as the bishop of Keng Tung in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Keng Tung on December 14.

Child Jesus Church in Boeng Tompun invited 200 poor people to a solemn advent feast and distributed groceries to 200 poor families living in different parts of Phnom Penh city, most of whom were poor, physically ill and garbage collectors.

In an interview with the Spanish daily ABC, Pope Francis reveals that at the beginning of his pontificate he gave the then-Secretary of State, Cardinal Bertone, a letter declaring he would step down in the event of serious and permanent health impediments that made it impossible for him to exercise his role as Bishop of Rome and pastor of the universal Church.