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Entries for December 2023
Pope Francis presides over the traditional end of the year celebration of First Vespers on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the singing of the Te Deum, the Church’s solemn hymn of Thanksgiving for the past year, taking place in Saint Peter's Basilica on New Year's Eve.
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Ukraine was preparing for an unhappy New Year Sunday after coming under massive Russian air strikes that killed scores of people. The attacks come as the president of Ukraine struggles to maintain the gigantic Western support needed to stand up against Russia's military, which invaded his country in February 2022.
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his country’s offensive in Gaza will last many months.
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In his greetings during the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis recalled our affection, gratitude, and admiration for Benedict XVI who died one year ago, praying that he may bless us and accompany us from Heaven.
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The crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua continues with six more priests arrested in the night between December 29 and 30. In recent days, a total of 11 priests and Bishop Isidoro Mora of Siuna have been imprisoned.
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Pope Francis prays for the thousands of lives, shattered by violence and war in 2023 across the globe and appeals to those who have a "stake“ in armed conflicts to listen to the voice of their conscience.
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Pope Francis celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family reflecting on how we must never lose the capacity to marvel at our own story of love, even when it seems that the negative parts prevail.
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One year on from Pope Benedict XVI’s death, Fr. Federico Lombardi, his former papal spokesman, reflects on the legacy and witness of faith of the late Pope.
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The chief editor of the Communication Department of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church speaks to Vatican News about the latest wave of Russian missile attacks on the main cities in the country, and says that Christmas remains a source of hope and strength for Ukrainians.
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Nicaraguan authorities have reportedly arrested three more priests in Managua in the wake of a public prayer for Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison earlier this year.
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The Vatican's Fides News Agency releases its annual list of Catholic missionaries who were killed bearing witness to their faith in 2023, with Africa again recording the highest number of victims.
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Pope Francis meets with young singers of the Pueri Cantores Federation, and praises choral singing as a joyful accompaniment to the prayer of the Church community.
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Pope Francis meets with the editorial staff of the "Osservatore di Strada", a monthly publication of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, which offers a platform for people living on the margins of society.
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The Christian community in war-torn Myanmar have celebrated a subdued Christmas this year, to show solidarity with those displaced by the internal conflict between the military junta and the rebels.
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Mexico and the United States announce they will crack down on migrant smugglers in order to stem the growth of illegal crossings over their shared Border.
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Pope Francis has named Archbishop-elect Vincenzo Turturro, currently serving in the Secretariat of State, as Apostolic Nuncio to Paraguay, succeeding Archbishop Eliseo Antonio Ariotti, who retired after reaching the age limit.
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Police in Nicaragua have reportedly arrested two more Catholic priests, a total of six over the past week, following a public prayer for detained Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa.
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s message comes from Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary, President of the Canadi...
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With over 12,000 deaths and more than 7 million displaced people, Sudan, in Northeast Africa, continues to suffer the ravages of war far from the eyes of the world.
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In the heart of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range, Armenia celebrates the Christmas season amid the dying embers of a challenging year. The Sisters of the Armenian Congregation of the Immaculate Conception in Gyumri, near the Turkish border, are working hard to bring comfort to children displaced by the war.
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Christmas was memorable this year for the children and young adults at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) shelter in Gwarimpa, Abuja. The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja visited the shelter to share the joy of Christmas with survivors.
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Pope Francis has spoken by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who thanked the Pope for his support for the Peace Formula involving more than 80 States.
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A United Nations report highlights mass arbitrary arrests, detentions and reported torture by Israeli forces in the West Bank.
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Upon his return from his mission to the Holy Land at the request of Pope Francis, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, reflects on his experience near the war in Gaza, noting that suffering and conflict arise when humanity seeks its own path without considering God's desires for us.
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As the year draws to a close, we take a glance at the highlights of Pope Francis' pontificate in 2023 through images of the many encounters he enjoyed throughout the year.
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s message comes from Bishop Steve Lowe of Auckland, President of the New Zealand ...
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In greetings to the 46th European Meeting of Taizé, Pope Francis encourages young people to embrace listening and welcome those on the margins of society.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has come to Mexico to meet its President and discuss the growing crisis of undocumented migration.
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As part of a study on the impact of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, researchers from University College London have found that organisms’ populations could decline abruptly rather than gradually, leaving us with very little time to respond.
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Up to 90 percent of the population of southern Lebanon’s Christian villages have left their homes since October seeking safety from daily rocket fire exchanged on the Israel-Lebanon border.
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Thanks to the help from the papal almoner, a missionary doctor in the Democratic Republic of Congo has managed to build the Chapel of Saint Jude the Apostle for patients at the hospital where she works. Mass used to be celebrated outdoors, often in the rain, so Christmas Mass in Kimbau this year became a double celebration for everyone.
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Armed groups kill scores of villagers in Nigeria’s north-central Plateau state in the long-running conflict between nomadic herders and farmers.
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At the end of his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis prays for those suffering from violence in Palestine, Israel and Ukraine, and asks for prayers for an end to all war.
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Beginning a new series of catecheses on the virtues and the vices opposed to them, Pope Francis at his weekly General Audience explains how the Scriptures and the masters of the spiritual life urge us to reject evil at its root and highlights the importance of safeguarding the heart.
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s message comes from Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States C...
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Russia has admitted that one of its warships was hit in a Ukrainian attack on a Black Sea port in Russian-occupied Crimea early Tuesday, killing at least one person. The strike on the peninsula comes after Ukraine celebrated its first Christmas Day under a new calendar amid ongoing clashes.
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On the Feast of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr, Pope Francis says he is “close to the Christian communities that suffer discrimination”, and prays for peace in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
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The Archbishop of Niamey in Niger, Archbishop Djalwana Laurent Lompo, says he hopes that 2024 will be a year of peace and security for his country and urges all Nigeriens, regardless of religion, to be faithful to God.
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In the mountain town of Alausí, in Ecuador, the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales run a school, though everything has changed since a landslide on 26 March, with Austrian Sr. Klara-Maria Falzberger regularly visiting the town to bring essential goods and hope.
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Pope Francis leads the midday Angelus prayer on the Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr, the day after Christmas, recalling his heroic witness to Jesus that planted the seed of faith in others, transforming hearts and working miracles of faith.
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"Representing the event of the birth of Jesus is equivalent to announcing the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God with simplicity and joy." As Pope Francis recalls, the birth of Jesus has inspired generations of artists who, over the centuries, have evangelized through beauty. To experience the Christmas season, the Vatican Museums and Vatican News propose a masterpiece from the pontifica...
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s message comes from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, SDB, of Perth, President of th...
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At the Midnight Mass in Bethlehem, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem speaks about the horrors of the war ravaging the Holy Land, affecting both Palestinians and Israelis. But his gaze focuses especially on the tragedy afflicting the inhabitants of Gaza and the Palestinians, who seem to have no place in their own land.
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In his Christmas message at the midday "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Christmas Day, Pope Francis speaks of how the Child Jesus reveals God's tender love for each one of us, which brings about "the joy that consoles hearts, renews hope and bestows peace." He prays for world peace and calls for every effort to stop violence and help those who are suffering.
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s Message comes from Msgr. Robert Vitillo, Secretary General of the International...
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"Representing the event of the birth of Jesus is equivalent to announcing the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God with simplicity and joy." As Pope Francis recalls, the birth of Jesus has inspired generations of artists who, over the centuries, have evangelized through beauty. To experience the Christmas season, the Vatican Museums and Vatican News propose a masterpiece from the pontifica...
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Pope Francis presides at the Christmas Mass During the Night in St Peter’s Basilica, and says that "the wonder of Christmas" is that an infinite God "becomes finite for our sake."
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As the UN calls for more aid for Gaza, the Israeli military vows to continue its campaign in Gaza but admits fighting is difficult.
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Pope Francis expresses his closeness to “our brothers and sisters suffering due to war,” including the people of Ukraine. His comments came as the war-torn nation faces a turbulent Christmas, with Russian shelling and drone attacks reportedly claiming the lives of at least four people.
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In a Christmas message sent exclusively to Vatican News and L'Osservatore Romano, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem calls for recognizing each other as brothers and sisters, as we remember the meaning of God who became flesh and dwelt among us. He urges dialogue, reconciliation, forgiveness and friendship. And it is necessary to "look to the horizion and see God's work being done."
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It is still right to say if we did not have Christmas, we would have had to invent it today. With all the strife conflict, bloodshed, hunger, suffering, abuse and injustice all around, the world needs Christmas, not every year but every day.
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Pope Francis expresses his closeness to victims of war, and urges the faithful to avoid consumerism at Christmas, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus without waste, by sharing what we have with those in need.
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On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis encourages us to open our hearts to God's loving kindness and to respond to His call to be gentle, respectful, and caring for others.
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s Message comes from Fr Francesco Patton, OFM, the Franciscan Custos of the Holy ...
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The Charity founded by Jesuit Father Mario Pesce, supports the work of various religious institutions in some of the poorest areas of the world. Its President, Marco Petrini, speaks of the need to open our hearts to our brothers and sisters in need.
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Christian leaders in Jerusalem meet with President Herzog to convey the Church’s consistent stance calling for an immediate cessation of the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.
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In Ulaanbaatar, several months after Pope Francis' visit, around 400 young Catholics gather to stage a Christmas play.
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Vatican Media presents a Christmas story by Dale Recinella, a former Wall Street finance lawyer who, along with his wife Susan, acts as a chaplain for death row prisoners in Florida.
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Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, makes a visit to the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital, an institution of the Holy See, as he has done each year at Christmas to meet with patients and staff to share with them Pope Francis' good wishes and greetings.
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The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) raises the alarm about the potential risks of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, highlighting its failure to protect the right to asylum and other human rights.
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As the Church marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr. Edmund Power, OSB, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “Go forth to meet Him”.
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Restrictive measures against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua have been extended to Christmas with Daniel Ortega’s government prohibiting traditional “living nativity scenes.”
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Archbishop Zalewski, 60 years old, from Poland, also nuncio to Singapore, is apointed resident papal representative in Vietnam. Last July, during the visit of President Vo Van Thuong of Vietnam to the Vatican, an agreement on the status of the resident papal representative was reached.
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The UN children’s agency says that more than a million Palestinians are experiencing “emergency levels of acute food insecurity”, and calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
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Pope Francis sends a telegram expressing his condolences upon the death of New Zealand Cardinal Tom Williams, recalling his great contribution to the Church in Oceania.
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The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s Message comes from Sr Mary Barron, OLA, President of the International Union of...
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Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, describes the first day of his mission in the Holy Land, saying he prayed in Bethlehem with several young people from Gaza, including a woman who lost 12 family members due to the Israel-Hamas war.
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Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his second Advent homily to Pope Francis.
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Nicaraguan police arrest Bishop Isidoro del Carmen Mora Ortega of Siuna, after he prays publicly for Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison without a trial.
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In their annual Christmas message, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem recall that Christ Himself was born and lived amid great suffering, and urge Christians and all people of goodwill to work tirelessly towards a just peace in the Holy Land.
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Pope Francis expresses his “spiritual closeness” to the victims of a mass shooting in the Czech capital of Prague, and entrusts “those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God.”
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The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors allocates 230,000 euros from the Memorare Fund to support safeguarding projects in the Global South, stressing the importance of adequate resources and personnel for comprehensive Church-wide protection.
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Pope Francis sends the papal almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, to the Holy Land as a sign of his solidarity amid the tragedy of war, and invites everyone to pray for peace.
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Pope Francis makes an afternoon visit to a parish and pastoral centre in the southwestern part of the Diocese of Rome, and spends time with around 30 priests serving in the area.
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In a video sent to Vatican Media to Pope Francis to “all friends in the Vatican“, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of an Israeli hostage still being held by Hamas, expresses gratitude for the Holy Father‘s closeness, sends seasonal greetings to all Christians and voices hope for a Christmas of peace.
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The UN Security Council on Thursday will hold a new vote calling for a suspension of fighting in Gaza.
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A reading of the doctrinal declaration on the significance of blessings in the light of “epochal change” and the necessary “pastoral conversion” that Pope Francis has insisted on from the beginning of his pontificate.
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Caritas Europa expresses concern for the potential negative impact of the new EU Asylum and Migration Pact, particularly regarding detention centres, an accelerated deportation procedure, and the shifting of responsibility to EU border states.
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The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem urges Christians to heed the Christmas message of love, peace, and reconciliation at a time when violence and hatred seem to prevail in the Holy Land and other parts of the world.
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Pope Francis holds his customary exchange of Christmas greetings with Vatican employees, and encourages them to bear Christian witness in the workplace.
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In his annual address to the Roman Curia for the exchange of Christmas Greetings, Pope Francis issues an invitation to listen, discern, and journey, never losing sight of Christ's call to be merciful, loving, and courageous.
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Egypt is again mediating negotiations on a pause in fighting and a hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, giving hope to the possibility of a 2-week truce in Gaza.
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The former Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia is awarded the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Medal (Gwanghwa Medal) by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
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During the Weekly General Wednesday on 20 December, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Guinea, where an explosion at the country's main fuel depot has left at least 18 people dead and a hundred seriously injured. The Pontiff expressed his closeness to the families of those killed and injured in the explosion in Conakry, the Guinean capital.
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As the International Red Cross suspends its mission in Nicaragua, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights warns that restrictions on civic space persist, with repeated cases of arbitrary detention.
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Italian Professor Rocco Buttiglione, a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, describes the Declaration Fiducia supplicans of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith as almost revolutionary and a return to the Church's origins and the missionary presence of Christ in human history.
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Pope Francis urges the faithful “go to the crib” this Christmas, and “ask Jesus for peace.”
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Pope Francis says he is “close with affection and prayer” to the people of China’s Gansu and Qinghai provinces, who suffered a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on Monday.
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At his General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on the first Nativity scene, created 800 years ago by St Francis in the Italian town of Greccio.
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The United States Defence Secretary has said the US has spoken to Israel about making the war in Gaza more "surgical".
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Texas is clamping down on illegal immigration with a new law soon to come into effect, intended to curb undocumented crossings with jail time.
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Sister Nabila Saleh of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza speaks to Vatican News about the two parishioners killed by Israeli snipers on December 16, as Catholic Ordinaries issue new appeal for peace.
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China's deadliest earthquake in 9 years strikes a mountainous northwestern region killing at least 127 people. Authorities said homes were destroyed and residents are facing below-freezing winter temperatures.
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Pope Francis on Monday received in audience members of the jury for the 2024 edition of the Zayed Prize, established in 2019 following the signing Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
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In Ukraine, the population is preparing for a second winter in the midst of war. In addition to the threat of further power and heating cuts, displaced people have no prospect of returning home. As a result, they are having to reinvent their lives, often with the help of the Greek-Catholic Church.
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Scholas Occurrentes, the educational movement established by Pope Francis, is awarded the University of Seville's 'Juan Antonio Carrillo Salcedo' human rights prize.
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Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich welcomes “Fiducia supplicans”, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith's recent Declaration on "the pastoral meaning of blessings."
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The cyclists of Athletica Vaticana pedal 35 kilometers from St. Peter’s Square to the Palliative Care Center of the Bambino Gesu Hospital in a sign of fraternity and solidarity with suffering children.
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As elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo approach amid widespread polarization and violence, the Conference of Major Superiors urges Congolese religious men and women to remain faithful to the values of consecrated life by not supporting one candidate over another and abstaining from “divisive speech."
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Pope Francis encourages international leaders present at the Second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva to persevere in their efforts to build a better world marked by fraternity.
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With the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope Francis, it will be possible to bless same-sex couples but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage. The doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union.
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Our Editorial Director reflects on “Fiducia supplicans”, which opens the possibility of simple blessings for couples in irregular situations, and on the attitude of Jesus and the magisterium of Pope Francis.
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Pope Francis meets with hospital staff from the Italian city of Bari, and praises their efforts to provide healthcare for migrants and training for medical students.
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Around 56 percent of voters in Chile reject a second proposed Constitution that would have replaced the Pinochet-era version.
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Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, laments the murder by Israeli snipers of two Christian women who had taken refuge in the church compound.
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Serbians vote on Sunday in parliamentary and local elections that will test the strength of the country's governing party after several protests.
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As the Church marks the Third Sunday of Advent, Jonathan Montaldo offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: ‘Tending the fire of God’s love in prayer’.
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Pope Francis launches a heartfelt appeal for an end to the “terrorism” of war, and condemns an Israeli military attack on Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Parish, which killed two Christian women and destroyed a convent of the Missionaries of Charity.
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On the Third Sunday of Advent Pope Francis explains how John the Baptist gives testimony to the light of Christ who "redeems, frees, heals and enlightens" as we are called to welcome and reflect His light through our own lives of worship and service to others.
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As well-wishes pour in for his birthday, Pope Francis encourages Christians to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
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Some observations following the court verdict issued on the case regarding the Sloane Avenue property purchase.
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Ukraine says air defense and mobile groups of drone hunters have shot down dozens of Russian drones. The attacks came after Ukraine suffered a significant defeat in the European Union, with Hungary blocking 54 billion dollars in aid.
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Cardinal Angelo Becciu is sentenced by the Vatican court to five years and six months imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from public office, and an eight thousand euro fine. Penalty fines also given to defendants Di Ruzza and Brülhart, while Monsignor Carlino is acquitted. Penalties given to defendants Tirabassi, Torzi, Crasso and Marogna.
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The Israeli Military has opened an investigation into how it mistakenly killed three hostages during its ongoing campaign in Gaza.
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The Vatican Secretary of State on Saturday receives a delegation of the Arab League accompanied by several ambassadors from countries in the region. He recalls the Pope's appeal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the Holy See's position, including that of the two-state solution.
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The Israeli military on Saturday entered the compound of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, shooting at anyone leaving the church. The victims are an elderly woman and her daughter who rushed out of the building to rescue her mother. Israel has justified the attack, claiming the presence of a missile launcher in the parish.
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Meeting a group of actors performing a Living Nativity Scene at the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major, Pope Francis again turns his thoughts to the war ravaging the Holy Land.
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Pope Francis meets with participants in a Christmas Concert sponsored by the Gravissimum Educationis Pontifical Foundation held in the Vatican on Saturday 16 December, and invites them to sing “from the heart” and to not forget the people suffering in the Land of Jesus that is shattered by war.
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On the afternoon of Saturday, December 16, the Vatican court will conclude the legal proceedings that began in July 2021, focusing on the sale of a property in London and other inquiries. Ten defendants, including a cardinal, 69 witnesses and millions of files and documents are some of the elements that make up the longest and most complex trial ever experienced by the Holy See.
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CAFOD reiterates its appeals for an urgent ceasefire and launches a campaign to help the people of Gaza, where people are starving and cold, and where half the entire population is displaced with far-reaching consequences.
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Pope Francis thanks the organizers of the fourth edition of the Christmas “Concert with the Poor and for the Poor” in the Vatican which sees some 3,000 destitute people attending as guests of honour.
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Guyana is refusing to budge over a territory spat with Venezuela concerning the Essequibo region rich with oil deposits. A meeting in St Vincent sees the twp Presidents agree not to use force but fails to change entrenched positions or minds, already made up.
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Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his first Advent homily to Pope Francis.
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Meeting some 70 boys and girls of the Italian Catholic Action Pope Francis turns his thoughts to the children suffering war in Gaza, Ukraine and Yemen and reminds them that the gift of God's love at Christmas invites us to love Him, the others and also His creation.
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Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, presents Pope Francis' 2024 message for the World Day of Peace at the Holy See Press Office on Thursday. Accompanying him are scholars and experts who illustrate various aspects of the theme, "Artificial Intelligence and Peace," underscoring the need for AI to serve the common good.
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The Hamas leader has said his faction is ready to discuss with Israel any initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.
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Religious sisters brought voices of the local communities and marginalised to the COP28. The conclusion of the UN conference opens complex questions like the one on the fossil fuel lobby, but it also shows determination for planet protection, they say in a statement issued by UISG.
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Although Pope Francis was not able to attend the COP28 climate change conference in person, his message had an impact there. That’s according to Joachim Von Braun, President of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, who was on the ground in Dubai.
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Presiding over the closing Eucharistic celebration of the Congress on the restitution of the “African educational pact in the spirit of Pope Francis,” Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo urged those involved in Africa’s education sector to work in synodality and to carve out a path for a new approach to Africa's Education. The closing Mass was held at the Sainte-Famille Parish in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
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Responding to a question from a bishop in the Dominican Republic, who pointed out that some single mothers abstain from Communion out of fear of the clergy's rigorism, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith recalls with Pope Francis that women in such situations, already facing difficulties for having chosen life, must be encouraged to encounter the saving power of the Sacramen...
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In an audience granted to the prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation of decrees of martyrdom for several priests of various nationalities who were killed “in hatred of the faith” during the 20th century.
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Pope Francis addresses the Global Refugee Forum reiterates his belief that the plight of refugees is a shared responsibility.
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Pope Francis on Thursday received members of UNITALSI, an Italian charitable organization dedicated to assisting people with illnesses or disabilities to make pilgrimages to Lourdes and other sanctuaries around the world.
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In his message for the 57th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis reflects on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on world peace, and urges the international community to adopt a binding international treaty that regulates its development and use.
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While new legislation simplifies the issuing of residence permits for those embarking in formation for work, an enormous Detention Center for undocumented foreigners is under construction in Algeciras. Civil and Church organizations warn that this infrastructure could become a prison for individuals who have committed no crime.
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A cold spell has worsened the conditions for thousands of Palestinians, currently living in camps and tents.
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Susana Réfega, ex-head of the Portuguese Bishops' Fundação Fé e Cooperação, is appointed as new Executive Director of the Laudato Si' movement.
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Life in Jerusalem and nearby cities since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas has changed utterly, especially for those who were economically dependent on pilgrims. People feel uncertainty and fear, says Father Željko Barbarić , a Franciscan priest currently serving in Jerusalem.
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In a message to participants of the second edition of "LaborDì: A Workshop for Generating Employment," promoted by Christian Associations of Italian Workers, Pope Francis reflects on challenges faced, especially by new generations, in the job market.
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On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis grants an interview to journalist Valentina Alazraki for Mexican broadcaster N+.
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"No to weapons, yes to peace", Pope Francis says, renewing his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all hostages there.
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Concluding his cycle of Wednesday Catecheses dedicated to the apostolic zeal of the believer, Pope Francis emphasizes that every baptized person is called to witness and announce the Gospel to all peoples.
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Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St Peter’s Basilica for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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Amidst violence in Gaza, international pressure is growing over the humanitarian crisis, and the United States has again pressed Israel to do more to protect civilians.
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In a letter addressed to the staff of the Secretariat for the Economy, Pope Francis writes: "What has been done should not lead us to think that the path of economic reform is finished. On the contrary, it has just begun."
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Italian computer engineer Lorenzo Di Ciaccio left his job at a big company and used his severance pay to found “Ridaje”. The organization helps poor people care for themselves through work in reclaiming abandoned green areas of Rome. “Nobody can save themselves, but our mission is to save and change the world one garden at a time.”
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In Pakistan, at least 23 soldiers were killed and more than 30 were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden vehicle at a police station's main gate.
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Cardinals Grech and Hollerich write to bishops across the world explaining the next stages of the synodal process in view of next year's second and final session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality.
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The Church in Canada marks the annual National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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Cardinal Matteo Zuppi asks whether it is possible to keep the ashes of the deceased in common places similar to ossuaries and whether it was possible to keep a small portion of the ashes in a place significant to the deceased.
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A look at the liberation struggle in Portugal's former African colonies through the eyes of film and art, 50 years after independence, is being held in Rome.
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In a message addressed to the Bishops of Korea on the occasion of the the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and the Holy See, Pope Francis expresses hope that the two parties will continue to develop their friendly relations and work together for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.
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The World Health Organization has adopted a resolution urging for prompt and unobstructed humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip.
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Pope Francis receives in audience Archbishop Cyril Vasil’, his chosen delegate to help resolve a dispute over the liturgy in the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
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Pope Francis addresses Italian prefects, thanking them for promoting the values of social cohesion and solidarity in Italian society.
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Christians in Jordan will hold muted Christmas festivities as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
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On the Saturdays leading to Christmas, the Vatican Museums offer special tours exploring the Nativity in Art. A journey in time and space, through the pontifical collections, from the Pius-Christian Museum to the Sistine Chapel.
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In a meeting with the Vatican’s Office of the Auditor General, Pope Francis urges staff to fight the "insidiousness of corruption" in the Holy See and Vatican City State.
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On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the presentation of Pope Francis's "Laudate Deum," a high-level event in Geneva featured speeches by Archbishop Ettore Balestrero and Sr. Alessandra Smerilli.
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Guyana's and Venezuela's Presidents will meet on Thursday to discuss the escalating crisis over a disputed oil-rich territory, which is threatening to destabilize the region.
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The head of the World Health Organisation has said the war in Gaza is having a catastrophic impact on healthcare in the enclave.
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Following the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis notes the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and prays for all people who are suffering due to war.
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Pope Francis reflects on the power of silence, on the need to listen and to become credible voices who testify to the coming of the Son of God.
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The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin in Poland awards an honorary doctorate to former Supreme Knight of Columbus, Professor Carl A. Anderson.
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Israeli tanks are advancing towards the center of Khan Younis as fierce battles continue in the southern Gaza Strip.
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They have come from afar to defend their ways of life. Indigenous peoples from around the world are represented at COP28, courted by journalists, but sometimes side-lined in the immense Dubai World Expo site.
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Addressing this years’ donors of the Nativity Scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis says the creche invites us to turn our thoughts to the tragedy unfolding in the Land of Jesus, and reiterates the importance of “small gestures” to protect our common home.
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As the Church marks the second Sunday of Advent, Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings.
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Pope Francis addresses representatives of the Italian Air Force in the centenary year of its foundation, and thanks them for their commitment to peace, for their humanitarian efforts and for their mission to serve the common good.
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The United States criticizes Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza.
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On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis stops at the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major to pay homage to ancient Roman icon of 'Maria Salus Populi Romani', and then goes to Rome’s central Piazza di Spagna for the traditional Act of Veneration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. There he prays for the gift of peace in the world, especially in Ukraine and in the Holy Land.
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Pope Francis invites the faithful to join him in prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: “Let us ask for peace, that hearts may be pacified, that there might be peace!”
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At the end of the Angelus on Friday, Pope Francis announces that the first World Day of Children will take place in May 2024. The initiative is being promoted by the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
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In a message addressed to Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, Pope Francis expresses his hope that newly released “Hear Angels Cry” Christmas song may inspire solidarity, and to pray for peace and reconciliation in war-ravaged Holy Land.
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Pope Francis names Archbishop Alfred Xuereb as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Morocco
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In his Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis highlights two key attitudes of Mary—amazement and fidelity—emphasizing the importance of cherishing God's blessings, showcasing gratitude, and making small, daily choices to welcome the Lord's presence.
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The Dicastery for Communication and the Pontifical Academy for Life present a concert in Rome performed by the Music School of the Custody of the Holy Land.
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Civilians in Gaza are struggling to escape intense bombardments as Israeli forces – backed by air power and tanks – push further into the city of Kan Younis.
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In a video message to the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Pope Francis denounces agitation surrounding the Liturgy and launches an appeal for unity.
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In a letter addressed to the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar Church, Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Alencherry’s resignation describing it as a sign of “openness and docility to the Holy Spirit.”
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Pope Francis welcomes members of the National Association San Paolo Italia (ANSPI) in the Vatican on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.
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Speaking to six Ambassadors newly-accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis reiterates his hope that world leaders at COP 28 in Dubai may agree on concrete measures to curb climate change.
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Pope Francis marks the 80th anniversary of the Focolare Movement expressing appreciation for its commitment to unity, love, and peace, inspired by the life of its founder, Servant of God Chiara Lubich.
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Over one million children – or the entire child population - in Gaza have been left with nowhere safe to go as ground military operations were launched in Khan Younis following the collapse on Sunday of the truce between the Israeli government and Hamas.
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Meeting this week in the Vatican, Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals agreed on the need to listen to the “the feminine aspect” of the Church, especially at the local level, “so that processes of reflection and decision making can benefit from the irreplaceable contribution of women.”
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The body of the last missing climber killed in a massive volcanic eruption in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province was recovered on Wednesday
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A new UNICEF report states that one in five children among the 40 wealthiest nations faces poverty, lacking basic necessities like food and housing.
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Concluding the catechesis at the General Audience, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for prayers for all those who are suffering due to conflicts across the world.
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Continuing his catechesis on the apostolic zeal of the believer, Pope Francis on Wednesday emphasizes that the proclamation of the Gospel always takes place in the Holy Spirit.
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After 10 miners are killed in a criminal attack in Peru, the President of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos, calls on the state to guarantee the rule-of-law.
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The Church in Kuwait is set to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Catholic church built in the Gulf country dedicated to Mary, Mother of God.
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Programmes’ Coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) speaks to Vatican News about its work to bring the voice of African small traditional producers at the climate negotiations in Dubai.
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As preparations continue in Rome for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee year, St. Peter’s Basilica announces two new charity projects, aimed at helping refugees and prisoners.
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As the Israel-Hamas war rages, Ehud Olmert, a former prime minister of Israel, grants an interview to L’Osservatore Romano to share his perspective on the future of Gaza and the need for new political horizons for a two-state solution.
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As the COP28 continues in Dubai, Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Arab Emirates, highlights the role of religion and interreligious dialogue in addressing the climate crisis.
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As the war in Ukraine continues to cause death and destruction, the vice-rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University of Lviv shares his thoughts on the fundamental reasons for the conflict, drawing on his experience as a Soviet dissident who spent several years in a labor camp in Siberia.
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On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis will pay homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary with a Golden Rose placed before the ancient Roman icon of 'Maria Salus Populi Romani'.
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As COP28 in Dubai enters the heart of discussions over fossil fuels, the Director of the climate programme at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) explains the critical importance of words used in the final text to be agreed by world leaders by 12 December.
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A new film has hit the silver screen to showcase the life and legacy of Blessed Rani Maria, a religious sister in India who gave her life to help people on the margins of society.
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Religious sisters in India are working with Indigenous communities to create Village Development Committees and train people as leaders who will improve the lives of their communities.
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The Israeli military is expanding its ground operation into all areas of the Gaza Strip following the resumption of fighting last week.
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A dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over an oil-rich region is threatening regional instability and has been worsened by a referendum in Venezuela.
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As COP28 unfolds in Dubai, SECAM's representative urges delegates to follow Pope Francis' guidance for climate action, emphasising the Church's role in advocating for justice.
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Pope Francis presides over the meeting of the Council of Cardinals, known as the "C9," with discussions including the feminine dimension of the Church.
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The "100 Nativity Scenes" exhibit returns to St. Peter's Square to showcase various Christmas crèches from 22 countries, celebrating St. Francis's 800-year-old tradition.
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The Catholic Bishops of Haiti release a message at the start of Advent, and urge the suffering nation to look to the birth of Jesus as a sign of hope in a future of peace and security.
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Father Oleh Panchyniak, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest and father of three, with one son serving on the front lines, continues his dual mission as a pastor on the outskirts of Kyiv and an aid worker for the most vulnerable and displaced.
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Israel is continuing its renewed bombardment of Gaza for a third day. The intensified attacks come as Pope Francis decries the ongoing conflict noting that the end of the truce brings "death, destruction and misery."
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After a bombing attack on a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippines kills four and wounds over forty, Pope Francis says he is “close to the families, to the people" of the region.
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Speaking after his Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expresses his “pain” at the renewal of hostilities in Gaza, inviting those involved to “take courageous paths of peace.”
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After its Golden Jubilee celebrations and conference held in Lagos, Nigeria, from the 19 to 20 November 2023, the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications widely known by its French acronym of CEPACS, over the weekend, released its resolutions and recommendations arising from the gathering.
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Pope Francis emphasises the importance of vigilance at his Sunday Angelus, highlighting this does not mean living in fear, but rather waiting in loving anticipation of Jesus' arrival.
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Pope Francis and other religious leaders sign a joint document in which they call on politicians, governments, and businesses to accelerate the transition of energy to inclusively to heal our planet.
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Pope Francis sends a video message for the inauguration of the "Faith Pavilion" during COP28 in Dubai, and highlights the need for alliances that promote care for Creation and peace.
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Marking its 50th anniversary, CEPACS members draw up a final document with resolutions and recommendations for a synodal Church, rooted in the divine mission of evangelization and communication.
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The Secretary General of the International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity speaks about the Catholic social justice network’s advocacy work at COP28, her expectations for the climate summit, and what has been achieved so far.
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The 28th annual Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences – Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) releases a statement following a meeting to deliberate on the theme "Communication in the Church in Asia Today."
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Israel's latest bombardment of Gaza is continuing into its second day.
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As Pope Francis' health continues to improve as he recovers from bronchitis, he will recite the Sunday Angelus prayer from his residence at the Casa Santa Marta, joining the faithful in a live broadcast.
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The Advocacy Director of the "Laudato Sì Movement" expresses her hopes for the COP28 Summit on Climate Change in Dubai and speaks of the critical role faith-based groups play in driving responses to the climate crisis based on justice and peace.
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Archbishop Gabriele Cacccia, the Holy See's Permanent observer to the United Nations, highlights the disproportionate impact of nuclear weapons on women and girls, and urges synergy between the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and existing disarmament measures.
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Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin delivers Pope Francis’ speech to delegates at the UN Climate Change Summit, urging world leaders not to postpone action any longer but to craft concrete and cohesive responses for the well-being of our common home and future generations.
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As the Church marks the First Sunday of Advent, Fr. Marion Nguyen, OSB, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “Of you my heart has spoken”.
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In a press statement released Wednesday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed deep concern over the severe impact of the El Nino phenomenon currently affecting various parts of Kenya.
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In a statement on COP28 in Dubai, the U.S. bishops warn that climate goals must represent both the ‘cry of the earth’ and the ‘cry of the poor’.
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Over a hundred Gaza inhabitants were killed on Friday and scores more injured as Israel's warplanes pounded the enclave after talks to extend a week-old truce with Hamas broke down.
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As world leaders, civil society and faith-based groups are gathered in Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to address the climate crisis, the Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis speaks of his hopes for the Summit, of the crucial role played by faith-based organizations and of Caritas' successful effort to put the Loss and Damage Fund firmly on the COP agenda.
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Marking the 50th anniversary of Consociatio Internationalis Studio Iuris Canonici Promovendo, an international association that promotes the study of canon law, Pope Francis invites members to conduct their work in a pastoral and missionary manner.
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Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who will represent Pope Francis in Dubai at COP28, shares the Pope’s concerns and hopes for the climate crisis, wars, and divisions tearing the planet apart with Vatican Media, reaffirming the Holy See's commitment to peace-building.
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As Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin presents this year’s Ratzinger Prizes to theologian Pablo Blanco Sarto and philosopher Francesc Torralba, he recalls the importance of Pope Benedict XVI's thought concerning the relationship between faith and reason.
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Catholics from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates gather in Dubai for the 5th Convention of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
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As the Pontifical Academy of Sciences hosts a three-day workshop on quantum technology, Dr. Antia Lamas-Linares, a researcher with Amazon Web Services, describes the possibilities of the second quantum revolution.
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Pope Francis encourages seminarians in France to accompany people with “the smell of the sheep” in their pastoral ministry, while nurturing their own relationship with Christ.
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On the day of Indi Gregory’s funeral in Nottingham, England, Pope Francis says he “joins those gathered in thanking Almighty God for the gift of her all-too-short life”
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Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin will lead the Holy See’s delegation to Dubai to deliver Pope Francis’ contribution for the COP28 climate summit.
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