Priest Archives

Deadly Attacks in Dagestan: Priest and Police Among 15 Killed in Coordinated Terror Strikes

Makhachkala, Russia – A devastating spree of violence struck Dagestan over the weekend when armed assailants attacked a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police station in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, killing an Orthodox priest and at least 15 police officers. Sergei Melikov, the regional governor, confirmed the tragic events and characterized the attacks as acts of terrorism. Despite the absence of a claim of responsibility, the incidents on Sunday have ratcheted up …

Militant Attack in Dagestan Claims Lives of Priest and Police Officers, Escalating Tensions in Region

Makhachkala, Russia — In a violent onslaught that shook the southern region of Dagestan, militants launched coordinated attacks on several churches and a police station, resulting in the deaths of at least one priest and two police officers. The attacks, which occurred early Sunday morning, have heightened tensions in a region already known for its volatile security situation. Authorities report that the militants, armed with firearms and possibly explosives, targeted three churches in rural locales …

Nigerian Priest Warns of Erosion of Catholic Church’s Credibility due to Explosion of Ministries

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – In Nigeria, a leading priest and scholar has raised concerns about the growing number of religious ministries within the Catholic Church, warning that it is eroding the credibility of the Church. Father Anthony Akinwale, a professor and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Augustine University Ilara-Epe in Lagos State, made these remarks during the 2024 Plenary Assembly at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Resource Center in Durumi. Akinwale expressed his worries about the …

Palm Bay Mourns: Catholic Priest and Sister Shot and Killed in Tragic Weekend Incident

PALM BAY, Fla. – The St. Joseph Catholic community in Palm Bay is in mourning after a tragic incident over the weekend. The Diocese of Orlando confirmed that Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner and his sister, Sally, were found murdered at a home in Palm Bay, leading to a shooting investigation. Reports indicated that the tragedy unfolded after a domestic disturbance at a home on Forgal Avenue NE, where Brandon Kapas, 24, was reportedly causing trouble …

Local Priest Accuses PSNI of Neglecting Murder Victims’ Cold Case Files

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – A local priest has accused the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of lacking the desire to close cold case files, particularly those involving “barbaric” shootings. The latest incident of gangland-style violence took the life of 26-year-old Kevin Conway in west Belfast. The late Conway had been one of three men charged over the killing of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023. Conway was fatally shot in the Rossnareen area, …

Nebraska Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case of Priest Found Covered in Blood

BLAIR, Neb. – A Nebraska judge ruled Wednesday in a murder case involving Kierre Williams, 43, who was found on top of a badly wounded priest covered in blood inside the home where the priest lived. The suspect will continue to be held without bond until he enters a plea to the charges he faces next month. The priest, Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, was fatally stabbed on Dec. 10 inside the rectory for St. John the …