Sheila Pires

On World Youth Skills Day, a Catholic skills centre offers South Africa’s young people a pathway to hope

by Sheila Pires | Jul 15, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department

In South Africa, where almost half of young people aged 15 to 34 are unemployed, learning a practical skill can mean the difference between dependency and dignity, despair and hope. On 15 July, the international community marks World Youth Skills Day, observed...

Stranded between borders and home: Church accompanies undocumented migrants

by Sheila Pires | Jul 15, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office

Fearing for their safety after weeks of anti-undocumented migrant protests across South Africa, hundreds of undocumented migrants continue to gather outside the Malawian and Zimbabwean consulates, waiting for transport home. Many say they have chosen to return...

Catholic Church accompanies vulnerable communities as tensions over irregular migration persist

by Sheila Pires | Jul 13, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured

“We cannot remain silent and simply watch what is happening in people’s lives.” With those words, Bishop Joseph Mary Kizito opened a dialogue that reflected the Catholic Church’s growing pastoral response to one of South Africa’s most...

Apostolic Nuncio urges compassion and the rule of law as undocumented migrants face fear and uncertainty in South Africa

by Sheila Pires | Jul 6, 2026 | Featured, News

As undocumented migrants and refugees in South Africa continue to live in fear following weeks of anti-migrant demonstrations and growing public hostility, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa has appealed for compassion, respect for the rule of law and the...

Nuncio: First Native Bishop of Bethlehem Diocese reflects the Church taking deep root in Southern Africa