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Entries for March 2024

Pope Francis at Easter Urbi et Orbi: Christ is risen! All begins anew!

Posted on March 31, 2024 in: Vatican News

Following the Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis delivers his Easter message and blessing "To the City and the World," praying especially for the Holy Land, Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria, Lebanon, and Africa, as well as for victims of human trafficking, unborn children, and all experiencing hard times. Read all

Pope Francis presides at Mass on Easter Sunday

Posted on March 31, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis presides at Mass During the Day on Easter Sunday in St. Peter's Square with tens of thousands of the faithful to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Read all

Ukraine faces massive attacks on Easter Sunday

Posted on March 31, 2024 in: Vatican News

Ukraine says it has come under massive Russian air strikes on Easter Sunday. Russia confirmed Sunday that it conducted a massive strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and natural gas industry, though Ukraine also managed to attack sites in Russia. Read all

New aid shipment leaves Cyprus for Gaza

Posted on March 31, 2024 in: Vatican News

An aid ship for Gaza residents has left Cyprus carrying 875 tons of food. Read all

Pope at Easter Vigil: ‘With Jesus no tomb will suppress the joy of life’

Posted on March 30, 2024 in: Vatican News

At the Vigil Mass in the Holy Night of Easter in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis invites us to “look up” to Jesus, the God of life, and reminds us that by welcoming Him no failure will doom us to despair. Read all

Lord's Day Reflection: ‘He saw and believed'

Posted on March 30, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Church celebrates Easter Sunday, Fr. Marion Nguyen, OSB, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “He saw and believed". Read all

Resurrection begins again in Gaza

Posted on March 30, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Christ’s Resurrection at Easter dawns in the Holy Land, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, reflects on the hope for peace that lies hidden in the Calvary of Gaza. Read all

Custos of the Holy Land: 'Christ's empty tomb brings forth hope'

Posted on March 30, 2024 in: Vatican News

In his Easter message to the faithful, the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Patton, OFM, reassures that Jesus Christ's empty tomb "brings forth hope," and suggests all suffering can be comforted by the Lord's Resurrection. Read all

Mediterranean, our Common Home, and convergence of religious dates

Posted on March 30, 2024 in: Vatican News

A reflection written by Luca Casarini, the Head of Mission of Mediterranea Saving Humans Read all

Pope prays Way of the Cross from Casa Santa Marta

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis follows the Way of the Cross held at Rome’s Colosseum on Good Friday from his residence at the Casa Santa Marta, while still leading the faithful in reflecting on our Christian journey of prayer. Read all

Pope presides at Solemn Liturgy of Lord’s Passion on Good Friday

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Pope Francis presides at the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Pontifical Household, preaches on the passage “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I Am”. Read all

Top UN court orders Israel to allow access of aid into Gaza facing famine

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

International pressure mounts on Israel over the killing of thousands of Palestinian civilians in its war against Hamas, as warnings of famine in the besieged strip rise. Read all

Angola – Luanda’s Archbishop marks Holy Week with visit to central prison and other institutions

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, of the Archdiocese of Luanda, has visited inmates at Luanda’s Central Prison to share the message of hope in Holy Week. The Archbishop also visited one of the country’s Reception Centres for Children in Distress Read all

Madagascar cyclone kills 11, causes significant flooding

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

At least 11 people were reported killed after a cyclone made landfall in northern Madagascar. Read all

'May Easter give us courage to choose peace and fraternity in South Sudan'

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

South Sudan is experiencing extreme poverty, but Bishop Christian Carlassare of Rumbek notes how the people bear witness to great solidarity, explaining that "the Pope's visit has brought countless fruits" and expressing hope that Easter "may free everyone from pessimism and fear." Read all

UN: Crisis in Haiti worsens daily

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

A report of the UN's Human Rights Division describes the situation in Haiti as having 'chronically worsened,' and states that 4,451 people were killed last year, and more than 1,500 this year. Read all

Pope Francis releases meditations ahead of Via Crucis at Colosseum

Posted on March 29, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis publishes his reflections for the Good Friday Stations of the Cross, saying that "with God, suffering never has the final word." Read all

Celebrating Easter in Mongolia: The modest joy of a people

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, shares the rituals and traditions of the small Catholic community of Mongolia, saying they gather during the Triduum to share their Christian joy in a modest manner. Read all

South Sudan's Bishop Carlassare: An Easter of liberation and life

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

Bishop Christian Carlassare, bishop of the Diocese of Rumbek, sends an Easter message to the faithful of South Sudan, encouraging Christians to look to Christ to find the will to embrace one another in friendship. Read all

Pope on Holy Thursday: 'The Lord never tires of forgiving'

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

At the Mass of the Lord's Supper at the women's section of Rebibbia prison in Rome, Pope Francis reminds us to never tire of asking the Lord for forgiveness and learning to serve as He did. Read all

US: Movie about Sister Cabrini makes a splash

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

A powerful and inspiring film about the life of Sister Frances Saverio Cabrini has been a great success in the U.S, including among atheists and those of other faiths. Read all

Churches of Jerusalem reiterate plea for peace in Holy Land

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

The thirteen Patriarchs and Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem issue their annual Easter Message in which they reiterate their call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all captives, and recall the Easter message of hope in the resurrection. Read all

South Korean Archbishop: ‘At Easter, our lives intertwine with the Eternal’

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an Easter message, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-Taick reminds the faithful of his Archdiocese of Seoul “that our mortal existence transcends the temporal boundaries of this world and is connected to eternal life.” Read all

Pope Francis: Jesus of Nazareth has shown us His face

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a message to the Church in Sonsonate, El Salvador, Pope Francis encourages the devotees of a famous image of Jesus of Nazareth to contemplate the face of God. Read all

Pope at Chrism Mass: Dear priests, let sorrow sanctify you

Posted on March 28, 2024 in: Vatican News

During Chrism Mass in the Vatican on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis thanks priests for heroic witness, but urges them to transform shortcomings, errors, and hardened hearts into an opportunity to draw closer to Christ and start anew. Read all

Rami and Bassam: Pope Francis shared our pain

Posted on March 27, 2024 in: Vatican News

Two bereaved fathers, one an Israeli Jew and one a Palestinian Muslim, speak to Vatican News about their meeting with Pope Francis, who thanked them for their witness of fraternity. Read all

Word of God among the cardboard: Easter journey of the poor at St. Peter's

Posted on March 27, 2024 in: Vatican News

A community of Claretian Sisters in Rome organize a penitential service to help homeless people living near the Vatican to prepare for Easter, combining spirituality with tangible charity to meet their needs. Read all

Pope to Catholics in Holy Land: May hope arise from seeds sown in pain

Posted on March 27, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an Easter Letter addressed to Catholics in the Holy Land, Pope Francis expresses his spiritual closeness and paternal affection, and encourages Christians around the world to offer concrete support and prayers for peace. Read all

Pope embraces bereaved Palestinian and Israeli fathers who found friendship amid war

Posted on March 27, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis shares an embrace with an Israeli and a Palestinian, each of whom lost a daughter, saying the two men "look beyond the enmity of war" and are now friends. Read all

Pope at Audience: Patience offers convincing witness to Christ's love

Posted on March 27, 2024 in: Vatican News

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis calls on the faithful to imitate Christ's patience, saying this virtue offers one of the most convincing testimonies of the Lord's love. Read all

Archbishop Gallagher: Negotiations needed to stop wars

Posted on March 27, 2024 in: Vatican News

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, discusses the future of Europe and the world, along with the wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land, reiterating the Holy See's support for the two-state solution. Read all

Patriarch Sako: We need final week of Lent to clear our minds and hearts

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, the Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, encourages Christians to make use of the final week of Lent “to clear our minds and hearts and to return to the authenticity of our faith.” Read all

Rethinking mental health care for women in Africa.

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

Millions of women in the world today are living with or are suffering from mental health issues. Poor mental health affects both women and men but some disorders are more common in women. These include depression, anxiety, eating disorders and unstable relationships. Read all

Senegal’s outgoing president calls elections “a victory for democracy"

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected as President of Senegal after a democratic and peaceful voting process on Sunday. The 43-year-old Faye is Africa’s youngest elected President. Read all

Rescue crews search for survivors after ship destroys bridge in Baltimore

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

The bridge, which is nearly two kilometers long, serves as a critical artery for vehicle traffic in and around the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the United States. Read all

Pope Francis writing meditations for Good Friday Way of the Cross

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

This year, Pope Francis is writing his own Via Crucis' meditations for the Way of the Cross this Good Friday at Rome's iconic Colosseum, the Vatican announces. Read all

Myanmar's Cardinal Bo: In wounded world, let us kneel in solidarity

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

This Holy Week, the President of the Myanmar Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, urges the faithful to join together in praying for peace to 'stop the turmoil of war,' and encourages people of good will to welcome Pope Francis' calls for dialogue and reconciliation. Read all

Pope expresses closeness to the citizens of crime-plagued Rosario

Posted on March 26, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a video message addressed to the community of Rosario, Pope Francis expresses his concern over the increase in drug-related violence that has gripped the Argentinian city for over a decade. Read all

Hope and Perseverance: Christus Vivit five years on

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

Five years after the publication of Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation on young people, we speak to a participant in the 2018 Synod that inspired it. Read all

Zimbabwe: Arts festival for Catholic Schools empowers young people to be agents of evangelization.

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

Twelve Catholic Secondary Schools under the Diocese of Gweru including the recently acquired St. Xavier Sibangani and St. Kizito Musilahobe participated in the Inter Catholic Secondary Schools Arts festival hosted at Serima Mision where the overall winner was Shungu High School. Read all

Holy Week in the Holy Land: Forgiveness is the only way to peace

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Christians enter the holiest part of the year, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem talks to Vatican News about the Easter celebrations in the Holy Land, amidst ongoing violence and conflict, and calls for forgiveness to move towards peace. Read all

Brazil: Church's experience strengthens migration policies

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

The extensive networking efforts carried out by Catholic institutions with civil society organizations and the Brazilian state ensure that their contributions and opinions are highly valued when addressing the challenges posed by the arrival of migrants. Read all

Pope Francis’ schedule released for pastoral visit to Venice

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Vatican releases the programme for Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to the Italian city of Venice, on April 28, to explore the Holy See Pavilion of the Venice Art Biennale. Read all

Synod: Pacific dioceses invite Catholics to ‘get into the boat’

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Church journeys toward the second Synod session in October, Catholics across the Pacific islands are trying to keep up the momentum of synodality by inviting everyone to “get into the boat,” according to Bishop Ryan Jimenez. Read all

Zambia: Ecumenical Palm Sunday procession unites Catholics and United Church of Zambia Communities.

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a heartwarming display of unity for a shared faith, the town of Mongu in Zambia’s Western Provice on Palm Sunday, witnessed a historic event as Protestant members of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) and two Catholic parishes came together for an ecumenical Palm Sunday Procession. Read all

Pope to Rome’s Nigerian community: Embrace unity, reject division

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis meets with Nigerians resident in Rome, thanking them for their witness to the Gospel, and stressing that "the diversity of ethnicities, cultural traditions, and languages in your nation is not a problem, but a gift." Read all

Pope Francis: Youth are living hope of a Church on the move

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

On the fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation ‘Christus vivit’, Pope Francis invites young people to “make their voices heard” as they “bear witness before everyone to the joy born of friendship with Christ.” Read all

Religious institutions call for end to harassment of Haitians in Dominican Republic

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

Over a hundred religious and social organisations from around the globe publicly denounce the “illegal and unjust treatment” of people of Haitian descent in the neighbouring Dominican Republic. Read all

Poland marks 80 years since Ulma family’s martyrdom for sheltering Jews

Posted on March 25, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, celebrates Mass, attended by Poland’s president, to mark the 80th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Blessed Ulma family, who were murdered by Nazi German troops for sheltering Jews. Read all

Senegal votes in delayed presidential election

Posted on March 24, 2024 in: Vatican News

Voters head to the polls in Senegal on Sunday in a presidential election which many hope will restore some stability to the country. Read all

Pope prays for victims of terrorist attack in Moscow

Posted on March 24, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis offers his prayers for the victims of Friday’s terrorist attack on a concert hall in the Russian capital of Moscow, and invites everyone to pray for “martyred Ukraine” as the country faces heavy Russian bombardment of critical infrastructure. Read all

Terrorist attack on Moscow concert hall kills over 100 people

Posted on March 23, 2024 in: Vatican News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that Ukraine was involved in Friday’s shooting at a major concert hall near Moscow that killed at least 133 people, despite an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State claiming responsibility for the massacre. Read all

Pope to RAI: Public broadcasting must serve the common good

Posted on March 23, 2024 in: Vatican News

Meeting managers and staff of the Italian broadcasting corporation, RAI, Pope Francis highlights its mission to serve citizens by producing high-quality programmes and unbiased information for the common good. Read all

Vatican holds dialogue with German Bishops about Synodal journey

Posted on March 23, 2024 in: Vatican News

Vatican officials meet with representatives of the German Bishops’ Conference to discuss several theological questions raised in documents from the Synodal process in Germany. Read all

Cardinal Parolin: 'We are part of an interdependent human family'

Posted on March 23, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sends a video message to the third edition of "Cinema for Creation," taking place in the Italian city of Padua on the theme: "Nourished by beauty and love: Forces that save the world." Read all

Norwegian bishops reject government bill to amend abortion law

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Norwegian government seeks to extend the deadline for an elective abortion, the country’s bishops say the bill is inconsistent with its own principles and those of the Constitution. Read all

US pushes for ceasefire in Gaza

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

The US Secretary of State is in Israel for talks on a ceasefire plan for Gaza. Read all

Catholics in India observe day of prayer ahead of general elections

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Catholic Church in India is celebrating a special day of prayer and fasting on Friday, with the upcoming general elections serving as a focal point for prayer intentions, amid growing political and religious tensions in the country. Read all

Holy See: 'Fight against racism begins from education'

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

During a commemorative event in New York marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nation highlights the crucial role of education in eradicating racial prejudice, and decries ongoing racial discrimination against migrants or refugees of African descent in their countries of destination. ...

President of Malta: Pope Francis speaks to the whole world

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an interview with Vatican News, Maltese President George Vella speaks about Pope Francis’ commitment to fighting climate change, the Pope’s 2022 visit to Malta, and the president’s gift of six computers to the Mother of Mercy Clinic at St. Peter’s. Read all

Patriarch Pizzaballa: Situation in Gaza is intolerable

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

Speaking to an Italian television station, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, says that “everyone must do everything possible to put an end to this situation." Read all

Cardinal Cantalamessa gives fifth Lenten sermon

Posted on March 22, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his fifth sermon for Lent 2024 to Roman Curia, reflecting on Jesus' words, 'I am the Resurrection and the Life.' Read all

Belgium: Vangheluwe dismissed from clerical state for abuse

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

Roger Vangheluwe, the 87-year-old former bishop of Bruges, has been dismissed from the clerical state after being found guilty of abuse of a minor. Pope Francis approved the sentence following a re-examination of the case in light of "serious new elements" reported to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Read all

Several killed in Russian missile attack on Ukraine

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

Ukrainian officials say Russia's military has launched missile attacks on the capital, Kyiv, for the first time in 44 days, injuring 10 people, including a child, while in the north, at least five people died in a separate Russian air raid. The attacks came as Ukraine struck areas inside Russia to push back an ongoing Russian invasion of the country. Amid the clashes, thousands of children are bei...

MetaSaint: Catholic priest launches outreach on Roblox gaming platform

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

MetaSaint, a new Catholic game, launches on the Roblox gaming platform on Holy Thursday and seeks to bring the Gospel to 'Generation Alpha' and the platform's 70 million daily users. Read all

Cameroon: Bishops of Yaounde Ecclesiastical Province discuss Church and the digital world.

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

The first ordinary annual session of the Bishops' Conference of the Ecclesiastical Province of Yaounde in Cameroon, was held recently. "The Church and the digital world: issues and challenges for evangelization," was the theme of the plenary. The assembly took place at the Pastoral Centre of Saint Joseph in the town of Kribi, a beach resort and sea port in Southwestern Cameroon. ...

Pope Francis meets with President Vella of Malta

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis holds a private audience with Maltese President George Vella, who gifts the Pope six computers for the Mother of Mercy Clinic that serves the poor in St. Peter’s Square. Read all

Parish priest in Gaza: ‘We have endured relentless Calvary for months'

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic parish in Gaza, speaks of the “extremely grave” situation in the Gaza Strip, likening the situation of Christians in the Strip to Christ on Calvary. Read all

Pope to Brazil's Social Week: 'May we see Jesus' face in the poor'

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends letter of encouragement to participants in the 6th Edition of Brazil's Social Week, which began Wednesday in Brasília, organized by the Brazilian Bishops' Conference, and seeks to build "a more just society where universal fraternity and social friendship are lived." Read all

'With millions of Syrians displaced in country, it's urgent to facilitate their return home'

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an interview with Vatican News, Daniel Solymári, the Director of Foreign Affairs of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, discusses the ongoing unrest in Syria, and insists that with 6 to 7 million internally displaced people still living within the country, "one of the most important tasks is to help them create the possibility for a realistic chance to return home." ...

Tanzania: Each church a community, every community a family

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

As our correspondent continues visiting the Church in Tanzania, she explores how local Catholics share their hearts with their communities, especially at Sunday Mass, and make up a Church founded on the family. Read all

Pope Francis: 'I too am a child of migrants'

Posted on March 21, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends a message to a group of migrants gathered in Lajas Blancas, Panama, referring to migrants as “the face of Christ”, whom the Church lovingly offers “relief and hope.” Read all

French bishops oppose government’s ‘end of life’ bill

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

As they begin their plenary assembly in Lourdes, the Bishops of France express their opposition to the “end-of-life” bill presented by the government of President Emmanuel Macron. Read all

Haitian Bishops will not join government transitional council

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Bishops of Haiti say they have not appointed anyone to represent the Catholic Church in the presidential council charged with selecting an interim prime minister to restore order in the country. Read all

Pope changes statutes of St. Mary Major, focuses canons on spiritual duties

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis approves new Statutes and Regulations for the Chapter of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, appointing Lithuanian-born Archbishop Makrickas as the new Coadjutor Archpriest and focusing its Canons on pastoral and spiritual duties. Read all

Archbishop Gallagher to make 4-day diplomatic visit to Montenegro

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, is set to make a four-day visit to the Balkan nation of Montenegro, where he will meet with government officials and the local Catholic community. Read all

Pope Francis: Migrants challenge us as Christians

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis urges Bishops from the border regions of Colombia and Costa Rica, along with the Bishops of Panama, to “eradicate the indifference” toward migrants and refugees passing through the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia. Read all

Pope Francis entrusts war-torn Ukraine and Holy Land to St. Joseph

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

On the day after the Feast of St. Joseph, Pope Francis entrusts the cause of peace to the intercession of St. Joseph, the holy spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, urging all sides to "make every effort to negotiate an end to war." Read all

Pope at Audience: Virtue of prudence leads us toward holiness

Posted on March 20, 2024 in: Vatican News

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis continues his catechetical series on virtues and vices, turning to the virtue of prudence and saying Jesus urges to be prudent in order to become "intelligent saints." Read all

US Diocese of Columbus doubles number of seminarians in two years

Posted on March 19, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Pope Francis releases his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Bishop Earl Fernandes from the Diocese of Columbus, in the US state of Ohio, describes how renewed pastoral efforts and prayer have led 16 new men to enter the diocesan seminary last year, with 12 more expected this year. Read all

Pope calls for respect of family farmers who help societies develop

Posted on March 19, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a message to the Eighth Global Conference of the World Rural Forum, Pope Francis highlights how family farmers are crucial in making agrifood systems more inclusive, resilient and efficient, playing a leading role in human progress, although weighed down by poverty and lack of opportunities. Read all

India: First-ever live display of 111 Marian apparitions held in Bengaluru

Posted on March 19, 2024 in: Vatican News

A Catholic parish in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru hosts a live display of Marian apparitions entitled “Maria Divina – 111 Shades of Grace," to foster unity and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, setting a new record in Best of India Records. Read all

Pope praises example of mafia-slain Italian priest

Posted on March 19, 2024 in: Vatican News

On the thirtieth anniversary of the brutal assassination of Father Giuseppe Diana at the hands of the Neapolitan Camorra mafia, Pope Francis urges especially young people to take up his legacy of fighting against organized crime and not to let themselves robbed of hope. Read all

Hope inside a hospital emergency ward

Posted on March 19, 2024 in: Vatican News

How an experience inside an overstretched emergency ward in Rome’s “San Camillo” Hospital gave new meaning to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and to Pope Francis’ call to be the same. Read all

Pope’s Vocations Day message: ‘Pilgrims of hope, builders of peace’

Posted on March 19, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis releases his message for the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, celebrated on April 21, and urges Christians to welcome our shared vocation to sow the seeds of hope and peace in our world. Read all

Church in Sri Lanka and challenge of interreligious dialogue

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

We have arrived to the last episode of our visit to Sri Lanka with the MAGIS Foundation. What emerges is a vital Church, striving for full religious freedom and still waiting for answers on the 2019 Easter attacks, while struggling to overcome ongoing clericalism in its ranks. Read all

German Embassy to Holy See presents book on role of women in the Church

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

The German Embassy to the Holy See holds a presentation to mark the publication of a booklet by the Herder-Verlag, entitled “God's Strong Daughters – Women and Offices in Catholicism Worldwide,” focusing on the ongoing Synod on synodality and the "question of women’s rights.” Read all

Jesuits complete merger of three Pontifical Universities into single entity

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

Welcoming Pope Francis' indications to join three Jesuit-run Pontifical Universities into a single entity, the Pontifical Gregorian University explains the new configuration of the University with the new Statutes entering into force on 19 May 2024. Read all

Israeli troops target Gaza’s main hospital

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Israeli military has launched a raid in al-Shifa, the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip. Read all

Caritas urges EU candidates to prioritize solidarity

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Catholic charity organization urges candidates in EU elections to prioritize policies that reflect the European values of solidarity, respect of human and social rights and global justice. Read all

The Josephs of Today: when God traces other paths than imagined.

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

The 19th of March, solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, is a special day to celebrate the gift of St Joseph to the universal Church and to pray in particular for all men. Read all

No Excuses

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

Vatican Media presents a 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. Read all

UNICEF: More Syrian children than ever in need humanitarian aid

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

The United Nations children’s agency says 7.5 million children in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance. Read all

The African Book Fair in Paris 2024: showcasing the richness of African literature.

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

The third edition of the “Paris African Book Fair” opened Friday, 15 March 2024 at the town hall of the 6th arrondissement, Place Saint-Sulpice, in the French capital. Since its launch in 2021, the Fair has become a popular event of exchange, reflection and debate. The initiative aims to celebrate and further promote African literature and pay tribute to African writers, poets, publishers as well...

West's silence over Syria is 'unacceptable'

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Pope Francis once again calls for prayers for Syria, Vincent Gélot, regional manager of L'Œuvre d'Orient, speaks to Vatican News about the sufferings of the Syrian people and their bitterness at having been forgotten. Read all

Putin Claims Election Victory

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed victory in a presidential vote, while thousands protested against his “authoritarian rule,” polling stations were set ablaze, and neighboring Ukraine carried out deadly drone strikes. Read all

Order of Malta's meeting of global hospitallers concludes in Krakow

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

"Roll up your sleeves and serve with competence" was the slogan of the 30th International Conference of Hospitallers of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which concluded Sunday in Krakow, Poland. Read all

Amazon River: A boat carrying Christ’s hope and consolation

Posted on March 18, 2024 in: Vatican News

On the banks of the Amazon River, the "Papa Francisco" hospital boat tends to some 5,200 people’s health and spiritual needs, which Sister Marcia Lopes Assis serves aboard in the Juruti-Pará region of the Amazon forest in Brazil. Read all

Pope expresses relief over kidnapped released in Haiti, prays for those still held

Posted on March 17, 2024 in: Vatican News

During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis expresses satisfaction over the release of a teacher and four of six religious kidnapped in Haiti. He appeals for the release of those still held, and he offers prayers for war-torn Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, South Sudan, and Syria. Read all

Gift, forgiveness are the essence of God’s glory, Pope says at Angelus

Posted on March 17, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis reflects on the Gospel of the Fifth Sunday of Lent during his weekly Angelus address. Read all

Pope recalls importance of Holy Week in leaving lasting mark on our lives

Posted on March 17, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a video message to the Confraternities of Mérida, Spain, Pope Francis recalls how Holy Week is "a time of grace" to be dedicated to prayer and to our brothers and sisters most in need. Read all

Syria marks grim war anniversary

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Syria's rebel-held northwest to mark 13 years since pro-democracy protests swept the country. Read all

Lord's Day Reflection: 'Transformative power of friendship'

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Church marks the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Jenny Kraska, offers her thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: "Transformative Power of Friendship". Read all

Save the Children decries 'relentless mental harm' suffered by Gaza children

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

Save the Children warns of the "complete psychological destruction" Gaza children are suffering due to five months of war. The humanitarian organization appeals once again for a ceasefire and for emergency aid to be able to reach the people immediately. Read all

Pope deeply saddened by death of Patriarch Neofit of Bulgaria

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Pope sends his heartfelt condolences to Metropolitan Yoan, the Holy Synod and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for the passing away of Patriarch Neofit. Read all

Pope mourns passing of Cardinal Cordes

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Cardinal, Pope Francis says, served "the Lord and the Church with fidelity and generosity, attentive to the needs of the youth and the needs of fragile individuals." Read all

Pope Francis meets with President of Seychelles

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis recieves Wavel Ramkalawan, the President of Seychelles, at the Vatican on Saturday. Ramkalawan later met with Cardinal Pietro Paroin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. Read all

Pope to Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital: 'Your work is a mission'

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

Welcoming the community of the “Pope’s Hospital” in the Paul VI Hall Pope Francis encourages them to continue their “blessed work” of curing ill children from across the world. Read all

Pope to Camillo Faresin Foundation: ‘Be with the least, always!’

Posted on March 16, 2024 in: Vatican News

Addressing members of the Fondazione Mons. Camillo Faresin as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary, Pope Francis highlights the group’s work with the “least”. Read all

'Indigenous knowledge holders must be fairly recognized in co-led projects'

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an interview with Vatican News, Indigenous Fisheries Management Committee Chair, Mr. Herb Nakimayak of Canada, shares best practices in his industry, thanks the Pope and Vatican for their closeness, but calls for proper recognition and acknowledgement of indigenous knowledge leaders in co-led projects with the scientific community. Read all ...

Kettelkamp: Pope has strengthened safeguarding Commission

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

Teresa Kettelkamp, whom Pope Francis has named as the new Adjunct Secretary for the Pontificial Commission for the Protection of Minors, shares her hopes for the Commission's expanded mandate and reflects on the Church's efforts to safeguard minors and vulnerable adults. Read all

Dozens of migrants die aboard migrant boat in Mediterranean Sea

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

At least 60 migrants are reported to have died of hunger, thirst, and burns after the engine of their rubber dinghy broke down during an attempted crossing from Libya to Italy. Read all

South Sudan: Step by step, women of the Gospel weave peace

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

It’s been a year since the ecumenical pilgrimage of Pope Francis to the war-torn country of South Sudan. The process of healing and reconciling after years of trauma is still in progress, and women religious are playing a significant role in it. Read all

Angolan Bishops concerned about recent restrictions on freedom of worship.

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

Catholic Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao Tome (CEAST) have condemned restrictions on the freedom of Sunday worship in some parts of Angolan society. Read all

Vatican's message for Ramadan encourages working together for world peace

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue releases its annual message for the Islamic month of Ramadan, urging all religious believers to extinguish "the fires of hatred, violence and war, and instead light the gentle candle of peace." Read all

Pope: 'May the Jubilee help the people of God live in hope'

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

Addressing members of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Pope Francis reflects on the 2025 Jubilee of Hope and calls for a new approach to evangelization and the promotion a “spirituality of mercy” to overcome secularism. Read all

Von Braun: Indigenous wisdom in healthcare 'has served humanity tremendously'

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

Prof. Joachim von Braun, President of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, speaks with Vatican News about a Vatican-sponsored workshop on indigenous peoples and the climate, saying indigenous wisdom in the fields of healthcare and the sciences has greatly enriched humanity. Read all

Cardinal Cantalamessa’s fourth Lenten sermon: 'I am the resurrection and the life'

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his fourth Lenten sermon to the Roman Curia in the presence of Pope Francis, reflecting on Jesus’ self-revelation: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Read all

Pope names new officials for Pontifical Commission for Protection of Minors

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Luis Manuel Ali Herrerra as Secretary, and Ms Teresa Morris-Kettelkamp as Adjunct Secretary, for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Read all

Vincentian seminarians in Tanzania ‘making room for God’ despite lack of space

Posted on March 15, 2024 in: Vatican News

The seminarians in Morogoro, Tanzania, make use of what they have to complete their journey of faith, as they follow in the footsteps of St. Vincent de Paul with compassion and generosity. Read all

Synod 'not ecclesiastical politics', results 'already visible'

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office hosts a briefing to present two documents that will help the Church prepare for the second session of the Synod General Assembly in October. Read all

Archbishop Wojda elected head of Polish Bishops' Conference

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, the new president of the Polish Bishops' Conference, speaks about the challenges he faces in his new position in an interview with Vatican Radio and Vatican News. Read all

Chilean religious leaders appeal for peace and unity in the country

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Representatives of several religious denominations in Chile, led by the president of the Chilean Catholic Bishops’ Conference, issue a joint statement urging political leaders to engage constructively in meaningful negotiations to address the current insecurity crisis in the country. Read all

Bambino Gesù Hospital to celebrate 100th anniversary with Pope Francis

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Over 3,000 employees from the six campuses of the Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital, together with patients and their families, are set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its donation to the Holy See with Pope Francis on Saturday. Read all

Jordan-Saifi: Francis and Charles III have ‘shared vision’ on ecology

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, head of King Charles’ Sustainable Markets Initiative, says that the Pope and the King have the ‘same agenda’ on climate issues. Read all

Pope: ‘I’m not considering resigning but would be ‘bishop emeritus of Rome’

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an autobiography hitting bookshelves on March 19, Pope Francis shares his childhood memories during Argentina’s dictatorship, thoughts on his ministry as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and his belief that serving the most vulnerable is “what every man or woman of God should do.” Read all

Pope Francis indicates ten themes for Synod Study Groups

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends a letter to Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod, and outlines ten discussion points that Study Groups will examine ahead of the second Synod session in October 2024. Read all

Pope recognizes martyrdom of priest, 15 nuns killed during World War II

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation of several decrees recognizing the martyrdom of a priest guillotined in Nazi Germany and 15 German-born nuns killed in the Soviet Union, as well as miracles attributed to three Venerables. Read all

Pope upholds Indigenous knowledge to address climate crisis

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Addressing participants in a Vatican workshop on Indigenous and scientific knowledge, Pope Francis stresses the need to preserve and value indigenous expertise to address the climate and environmental crises. Read all

Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch Neofit dies aged 78

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Patriarch Neofit of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and Metropolitan of Sofia, has died at the age of 78. Read all

Poland: ‘Cradles of Life’ saving abandoned babies

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

In the space of just a few days, several newborn babies abandoned in the Polish cities of Wrocław, Toruń, and Łódź were found and saved thanks to 60 “Cradles of Life”. Read all

Three Ukrainians killed in Russian bomb and drone strikes

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

Ukrainian officials say at least three people were killed in overnight Russian drone and bomb attacks in eastern Ukraine as fighting intensifies, just a day after Moscow acknowledged that Ukraine-backed paramilitary groups had entered Russia. Read all

Caritas Uganda: Small-scale farmers should be professionalised not excluded by big industrial farms.

Posted on March 14, 2024 in: Vatican News

The National Director of Caritas Uganda, Fr. Hilary Muheezangango, has spoken to Vatican News about Uganda’s mission to professionalise small-scale farmers as one way of increasing food production in the country. Entrusting a country’s agriculture entirely to big transnational corporate farmers is a bad idea, he said. Read all

Sri Lanka: A journey into the wounds of civil war

Posted on March 13, 2024 in: Vatican News

We continue to explore the work of the educational projects supported by the MAGIS Foundation. In the northern part of Sri Lanka, the damage of the long and bloody ethnic conflict between Tamils and Sinhalese is still evident. Young people have few prospects in a country where tourism only now seems to have recovered, while the economy is still very fragile. Jesuit Reconciliation Solidarity Sri La...

Pope Francis' eleventh year marred by sorrow over wars

Posted on March 13, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis' last twelve months have been marked by over 150 appeals for "martyred" Ukraine and more than 60 for a ceasefire in the Middle East, accompanied by invitations to the leaders of nations for "creative efforts" towards a just and lasting peace, all driven by the anguish of witnessing humanity’s “dark hour.” Read all

Pope: Too many young people die in madness of war

Posted on March 13, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis asks again for prayers for those who suffer "terrible consequences" of conflicts, and reflects on receiving a rosary and a Gospel book from a soldier who died on the front lines. Read all

EU Bishops: Vote for European project, Christian values

Posted on March 13, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Europeans gear up to vote for EU Parliament elections in June 2024, the Bishops of the European Union call on citizens to vote for candidates that uphold Christian values and the European project. Read all

With Peter, always

Posted on March 13, 2024 in: Vatican News

Our Editorial Director reflects on the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election to the papacy and his constant calls for the world to follow the path of mercy and peace. Read all

Pope at Audience: We can acquire virtue through God's grace

Posted on March 13, 2024 in: Vatican News

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis continues his catechetical series on virtues and vices, this week turning to virtue in general and encouraging the faithful to acquire it through the Lord's grace. Read all

Aid ship finally leaves Cyprus with food for Gaza

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

A ship carrying aid for Gaza has left Cyprus in a pilot project to open a sea route to deliver supplies. Read all

Europe and some Asian countries record steep rise in arms import

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

Amid growing tensions worldwide, European arms imports have nearly doubled in the past five years, and US and French exports have significantly risen, according to the 2024 Yearbook of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Read all

French bishops decry new bill on assisted-dying

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

French bishops express disappointment at President Macron’s announcement of a new bill legalizing medical aid in dying. Read all

Haiti’s prime minister announces his resignation

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry announces his resignation and a path to elections, as the Catholic Church continues to act as a bulwark of faith against the gang violence that has gripped the Caribbean nation. Read all

Pope: Church must eradicate situations that protect abusers

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends a message to participants in a safeguarding conference in Panama, and calls on Church institutions to eradicate situations that protect abusers who hide behind their positions of authority. Read all

African Bishops: 'Stop plundering mineral and natural resources in Africa'

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

A seminar organized by the Symposium of the Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), in collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, highlights the connection between foreign mineral and natural resource exploitation and conflicts in Africa. Read all

Pakistan’s Christians still ‘living in fear’ after 2023 Punjab violence

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Pope Francis invites the Church to pray during March for Christian martyrs, Fr. Zafar Iqbal highlights the difficulties facing Christians in Pakistan, especially in parts of Punjab province where Muslims attacked churches and homes in August 2023. Read all

Parolin: For the Pope, negotiation is not surrender, but a condition for just and lasting peace

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

Following Pope Francis' interview on the war in Ukraine with Radio Télévision Suisse, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin discusses the issue with the Italian newspaper 'Corriere della Sera', saying there is a risk of nuclear escalation. Read all

After the coup in Gabon, we are in between joy and hope, say country’s Bishops.

Posted on March 12, 2024 in: Vatican News

“Finally, the people are able to breathe again, but we are vigilant,” said the President of the Episcopal Conference of Gabon. “We are between joy and hope since the coup leaders took office as a transitional government." Read all

Central African Republic: Hope for development in unity, autonomy, security

Posted on March 11, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Central African Republic seeks to rebuild after years of conflict, Fr. Matthieu Fabrice Bondobo, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Bangui, urges leaders to work for peace and security and to establish transparent partnerships with other nations. Read all

Four kidnapped religious men and a teacher released in Haiti

Posted on March 11, 2024 in: Vatican News

Four Brothers of the Sacred Heart and a teacher kidnapped on 23 February in Haiti have been released, while two still been held in captivity, according to a statement released by the Congregation. Read all

Cardinal Chow: Taoists and Christians can join hands to build harmonious society

Posted on March 11, 2024 in: Vatican News

As a conference on Christianity and Taoism gets underway in Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow and Msgr. Indunil Kodithuwakku discuss the importance of dialogue between these two ancient religious traditions. Read all

Answering a call to social justice

Posted on March 11, 2024 in: Vatican News

For all women religious, responding to a call from God to devote their lives to Him and His work is the beginning of a new life. Sister Elaine Sanchez began her new life caring for children of working-class families at Sisters of the Holy Family Day Homes in California and Nevada. Read all

Holy See Pavilion at Venice Art Biennale seeks to 'turn our eyes back to reality'

Posted on March 11, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Vatican presents the Holy See Pavilion at the 60th Venice Art Biennale, which will welcome Pope Francis, highlighting how inmates have been engaged to help transform their lives and embrace universal values through art. Read all

Archbishop Gallagher in Jordan, visits King and aid centre for Gaza

Posted on March 11, 2024 in: Vatican News

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, arrives in Jordan for a four-day visit which includes Mass with Bishops of the Holy Land and meetings with King Abdullah II and the Commissioner-General of UNRWA. Read all

Pope calls for respect of the dignity of all women

Posted on March 10, 2024 in: Vatican News

Remembering Friday's annual International Women's Day, Pope Francis expressed his nearness to all women, especially to those whose dignity is not respected. He says there is still so much work to be done by all institutions in this area. Read all

Pope prays for peace in Haiti and global solidarity

Posted on March 10, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis offers prayers for the people of Haiti suffering due to worsening violence, while remembering the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine and the Holy Land. He also expresses his closesness with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they begin Ramadan. Read all

Pope at Angelus: God embraces us and frees us from our sins

Posted on March 10, 2024 in: Vatican News

At the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis acknowledges that God loves us so much that He is not interested in putting us on trial to condemn us, but rather to embrace and save us all, as to ensure that none of us is lost. Read all

The voices of women can help the Church embrace its synodal identity.

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

An international conference dedicated to African women theologians and synodality has opened in Nairobi, Kenya. Read all

‘Pope asks for the courage to negotiate for Ukraine’

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, responds to journalists regarding Pope Francis’ statements in an interview with a Swiss TV station, saying “the Pope picked up the image of the white flag, proposed by the interviewer, to indicate a cessation of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of negotiation. His hope is for a diplomatic solution for a just and lasting peace.” ...

Fr. Faltas: We cannot close our eyes to children dying in Gaza

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an interview with SIR news agency, the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land calls for immediate action to save children’s and mothers' lives in Gaza. Read all

Pope on war in Ukraine: 'Do not be ashamed to negotiate'

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an interview to a Swiss TV station, Pope Francis reflects at length on various aspects of war and its devastating effects, noting that it takes two sides to make war and encouraging negotiations to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Read all

Lord's Day Reflection: ‘Recognizing what is tearing us away from God’s love'

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Church marks the Fourth Sunday of Lent, known as 'Laetare Sunday', Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: "Recognizing what is tearing us away from God’s love". Read all

Archbishop Mésidor: Haiti is on the verge of civil war

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Haiti plunges deeper into chaos, with gangs tightening their grip in the wake of last weekend's jailbreak, the President of the Haitian Bishops' Conference warns the country is drifting dangerously towards civil war, and says that gang violence is heavily affecting the Church. Read all

Taoists and Christians to hold dialogue event in Hong Kong

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue announces the Third Christian-Taoist Dialogue to be held in Hong Kong on 11-13 March. Read all

'Lebanon's children are suffering'

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

Georges Hajj, the President of the Lebanese HADEAL Association, which runs a reception center near Beirut for displaced people from the south of the country, discusses the awful impact of the Holy Land war on Lebanon, especially on suffering children. Read all

Good Friday Collection ‘helps Christians remain in Holy Land’

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, appeals to the faithful around the world to support Christians in the Holy Land. Read all

Lebanon: Palestinian Christian refugees enduring pain of war in Gaza

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

Six months after war broke out between Israel and Hamas fighting has devastated the Gaza Strip, leaving a trail of destruction and hardship that is felt even by Christian communities in Lebanon. Read all

Former President of Honduras convicted, facing life imprisonment

Posted on March 09, 2024 in: Vatican News

The former President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, has been found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and of two weapons offences, and now faces the prospect of life imprisonment. Read all

Pope Francis: Put God’s forgiveness at the centre of the Church

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis presides over a penitential liturgy at Rome's St. Pius V Parish to open the "24 Hours for the Lord" initiative, and says confession puts us back on the path of new life that began at Baptism. Read all

Women leading the way to a brighter future

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

Women and men from around the world gather in Rome to highlight the leadership role women hold in the Church, at a conference entitled “Women Leaders: Towards a brighter future.” Read all

Catholics and Confucians have ‘so much to learn from each other’

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

As scholars gather in New Taipei City to discuss Catholic-Confucian dialogue, Fr. Paulin Batairwa Kubuya, Under-Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, shares his hopes for the conference, and discusses the relationship between these ancient traditions. Read all

Cardinal Cantalamessa’s third Lenten sermon: I am the Good Shepherd

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his third Lenten homily to the Roman Curia, focusing on the parable of the Good Shepherd. Read all

The empowerment of four women struggling for peace

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

The four most recent winners of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity met in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of February and shared their experiences as leaders in different areas of society. They also share with us as women the uniqueness that brings to their work for justice. Read all

Pope: Confession offers ‘unique moment of grace and God’s forgiveness’

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis meets with future priests in an annual course on the internal forum, and invites them to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a focus on “the sweetness of God’s love.” Read all

Cardinal O’Malley: ‘We want children to be safe’

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

Following Pope Francis' audience with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, the Commission's President, says trust is necessary for the Church to succeed in evangelization. Read all

Cardinal Tomasi: Wars with unknown consequences require a new urgent response

Posted on March 08, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a wide-ranging interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi, the former long-serving Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, warns that amid the dramatic global climate with many ongoing conflicts, questions are raised about the right to self-defense. Cardinal Tomasi argues that if two conflicting entities are mutually destructive because of the weapons...

Creativity, courage, tenderness: Women in art of the Vatican Museums

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Pope's Museums join the celebrations for International Women's Day with a special tour dedicated to female genius. According to Sister Emanuela Edwards, the Vatican Museums chose to focus "on the creative vision and that tender heart which Pope Francis has often highlighted as a distinctly female prerogative." Read all

Vatican: 95th anniversary of first female academic employees

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

In 1929, the Vatican Apostolic Library employed a group of young women with doctoral degrees, marking a first for Vatican City State. Their experiences were positive, but the project came to an end twelve years later due to the Second World War. Today, over 50 percent of the staff at the Vatican Library are women, many of whom hold leadership positions. Read all ...

International Womens Day: Ogada - a woman of great courage.

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

The 8 March is International Women's Day. It a day for celebrating the gift of women to humanity. The theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and the official theme for the UN observance of the day is, 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress.' Read all

Pope Francis highlights women's role in Church and society

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis addresses an international conference on women in the Church, and emphasises the importance of recognising women's contributions while calling for unity and education to promote women's rights and dignity. Read all

Pope thanks 'Cadena 100' concert for helping promote peace

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends a video message on the occasion of the solidarity concert 'Cadena 100 for Peace,' organized by the Spanish Bishops' Conference-run Catholic radio, which aims to promote peace and help those who suffer. Read all

Pope Francis: Thomas Aquinas' thought more relevant than ever

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

On the 750th anniversary of Thomas Aquinas’ death, Pope Francis praises the thinker's "fresh and valid insights about our globalised world, dominated by legal positivism and casuistry." Read all

Pope meets with President Milatović of Montenegro

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis holds a private audience with Jakov Milatović, the President of Montenegro. Read all

Pope calls the father of Giulia Cecchettin, an Italian victim of femicide

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

As Gino Cecchettin presented a book dedicated to his 22-year-old daughter, who was murdered in November 2023, he revealed that the Pope called him: “The Pope represents 2 billion people, and when you hear his words, you feel 2 billion people giving you a pat on the back.” Read all

Pope: Church’s efforts to safeguard minors must not wane

Posted on March 07, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis encourages the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to continue helping the Church safeguard minors and vulnerable people by ensuring a climate of listening and respect. Read all

Abdelsalam: Religions must work together for brighter future

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Speaking at a joint Vatican-UN conference in Rome, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders warns that the war in Gaza has severely undermined faith in the international community. Read all

Pope urges respect for 'complementary dignity' ahead of IWD

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends a message of support to an event marking International Women's Day, calling for "respect for the equal and complementary dignity of women and men." Read all

Cardinal Parolin plants tree in Vatican Gardens as a tribute to Ulma family

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin plants a tree to mark the 80th anniversary of the martyrdom of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, and their seven children, who were murdered by Nazis in 1944 for giving refuge to Jewish people. Read all

Christians in Iraq still fear insecurity

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Three years after Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Iraq, Chaldean Archbishop Michael Najeeb of Mosul and Aqra tells Vatican News that the fruits of that historic visit are slowly beginning to show, despite ongoing difficulties for Christians. Read all

SACRU universities publish paper on Laudato si’ in Lancet Planetary Health

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

The SACRU network headed by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart publishes a scientific paper in the Lancent Planetary Health journal exploring the impact of Laudato si’ on efforts to combat climate change. Read all

Pope to celebrate Mass in Rome’s Rebibbia prison on Holy Thursday

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis will preside over the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Rebibbia women’s prison on Holy Thursday. Read all

Bandits kidnap three nuns from orphanage in Haiti

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Armed bandits storm a Catholic orphanage in Port-au-Prince and abduct three religious sisters of the Saint-Joseph de Cluny Congregation. Read all

Meeting highlights key leadership role women play addressing global challenges

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

In conjunction with International Women's Day, Church leaders, ambassadors, and experts are meeting in Rome for a one-day meeting focusing on "Women leaders: Towards a brighter future". Speakers from around the world are highlighting the critical need for women’s leadership in tackling global challenges. Read all

Pope: ‘Pray for people suffering from horrors of war’

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis invites Christians to pray for all people who suffer from the horrors of war and to invoke peace for our world. Read all

Pope at Audience: Combat pride with humility

Posted on March 06, 2024 in: Vatican News

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis continues his catechetical series on virtues and vices, focusing on the sin of pride and stressing the need to combat it with the 'remedy' of humility. Read all

African refugees arrive from Libya through humanitarian corridor

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

97 women, children, and sick people have arrived in Rome through a humanitarian corridor from Libya via a new protocol Italy approved together with the Community of Sant'Egidio, the Anci association, and the Federation of Evangelical Churches. UNHCR will assist in their resettlement and integration. Read all

As crops fail, Church in Zambia joins the government in appealing for solidarity.

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) President and Archbishop of Kasama Archdiocese, Ignatius Chama, has told Vatican News that the Church in Zambia is appealing to local and international partners for solidarity and is working through Caritas Zambia to support the Government’s efforts. Read all

Haitian Justice and Peace Director: Gang violence in Haiti has gone too far

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

In an interview with Vatican News, Joceline Colas Director of the Haitian Bishops’ Commission for Justice and Peace speaks about he dramatic security situation in Haiti following last weekend’s mass jailbreak in which over 4,000 inmates escaped. Read all

Mexican bishops warn against cartel interference in elections

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

As general elections approach on June 2, when 99 million Mexicans will vote to choose 20,000 officials, the Mexican Bishops’ Conference warns against the possible interference of criminal violence. Read all

Pope highlights ‘gratuitousness’ of Church's humanitarian aid

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis encourages aid organizations operating in Latin America to embrace the Cross and unite themselves to Jesus’ mission of concretely assisting those in need. Read all

Religious sister and healthcare assistant close to suffering

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

Sister Aurélie Allouchéry, a nun of the Congregation of Our Lady of Good Help in Troyes, France, has been active in her community for almost 20 years, dedicating herself to the sick and working as a healthcare assistant. Read all

IMBISA pledges unwavering commitment to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

At the end of a week-long workshop on safeguarding in the Church, representatives from the 9-member countries of the Inter-regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), on Monday, 4 March, released a final statement pledging to prioritise issues of safeguarding. Read all

Patriarch Pizzaballa: Gaza ceasefire more urgent than ever

Posted on March 05, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a new interview with Vatican News, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem repeats his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling on both sides to make compromises. Read all

PAV on French abortion bill: There cannot be a ‘right’ to taking a human life

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Pontifical Academy for Life issues a statement upholding French bishops’ opposition to the amendment that would make abortion a constitutional right. Read all

Newly-ordained priests gather in Rome for course on reconciliation

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Apostolic Penitentiary kicks off its annual Internal Forum on Penitence, a week-long series of lectures and discussions on topics from indulgences to the relationship between Confession and artificial intelligence. Read all

Angola runs the risk of normalising the scandal of poverty, Bishops admonish.

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao Tomé (CEAST) have expressed concern regarding rising poverty. Read all

Holy See urges ethical oversight of lethal autonomous weapons

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

As nations seek to develop lethal autonomous weapons, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero calls for stringent ethical oversight, emphasizing the importance of human beings to remain in control of decision-making. Read all

UNICEF: 'Malnourished babies in Gaza slowly perishing under world’s gaze'

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

In Gaza, one in six children under the age of two is severely malnourished and is dying, warns the humanitarian aid agency UNICEF. Read all

French bishops reiterate opposition to enshrining abortion in constitution

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Bishops’ Conference of France reaffirms its opposition to enshrining the “right” to abortion in the French Constitution, as the Senate and National Assembly prepare to adopt a new bill. Read all

Burkina Faso Bishop: We respond to bloodshed with love

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

Bishop Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré of Dori, the President of Burkina Faso's Bishops' Conference, reflects on gruesome terrorist attacks in the nation that have claimed countless lives, saying "To those who offer us bullets, we extend peace, faith, and hope." Read all

Pope Francis to preside over upcoming '24 Hours for the Lord'

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

As he invites parishes to join his Lenten initiative of prayer and forgiveness, Pope Francis will preside over the opening of the upcoming '24 Hours for the Lord' prayer service on March 8, at the Roman parish of San Pio V. Read all

Violent gangs storm Haitian penitentiary, release prisoners

Posted on March 04, 2024 in: Vatican News

Violence erupts as more than 3000 inmates of Haiti’s National Penitentiary were freed when violent gangs attacked the facility. Read all

Some 170 villagers killed in Burkina Faso

Posted on March 03, 2024 in: Vatican News

Some 170 people are reportedly massacred by insurgents in Burkina Faso. Read all

Russia blames Ukraine for massive drone strike on Crimea

Posted on March 03, 2024 in: Vatican News

Moscow claims that Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula on Sunday, prompting Turkey to call for a ceasefire. Sunday's strike came as Ukrainian authorities said that the bodies of a mother and baby found in the rubble of an apartment block in the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa brought the death toll from a Russian drone attack to 10. ...

Pope Francis: ‘Disarmament is a moral obligation’

Posted on March 03, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis marks the upcoming International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness challenging our family of nations to be bold and work for disarmament. Read all

Pope Francis: Let‘s all say ‘Enough!’ Stop the war in the Middle East

Posted on March 03, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis issues a heartfelt appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, so that the Israeli hostages may be freed and the Palestinian population may receive urgently needed aid. Read all

Pope encourages us to "build our home" with God

Posted on March 03, 2024 in: Vatican News

At the Sunday Angelus appointment, Pope Francis says our Lenten journey beacons us to build a greater sense of home with God by strengthening our relationship through prayer, trust, and intimacy, while also building fellowship and fraternity with our brothers and sisters. Read all

Lord's Day Reflection: 'Consumed by zeal for God'

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

As the Church marks the Third Sunday of Lent, Fr. Marion Nguyen, OSB, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings reflecting on wicked zeal and on good zeal that leads to God and everlasting life. Read all

Kenya's offer to send peacekeepers to Haiti faces opposition

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Kenya signs an agreement with Haiti, offering the beleaguered Caribbean nation a peacekeeping force, but opposition politicians are already seeking to block the move. Read all

Leaders of Jerusalem Churches strongly condemn deadly attack in Gaza

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

In a statement posted on Friday 1 March, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem condemn the "wanton attack against innocent civilians" by the Israeli army the previous day in Gaza during a distribution of emergency food aid. They call for a "immediate and lengthy ceasefire." Read all

Pope Francis meets with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis meets with the Chancellor of Germany, discussing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the refugee crisis. Read all

Pope opens Vatican judicial year: Doing justice requires the virtue of courage

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Addressing officials of the Tribunal of Vatican City State at the inauguration of its 95th judicial year, Pope Francis reminds them that the administration of justice requires the virtue of courage and humility in pursuing the truth and even in facing criticism. Read all

Pope encourages bereaved parents to find comfort in prayer

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis offers words of closeness and comfort to a group of parents who are mourning the loss of a child and suggests prayer can bring solace to the heart. Read all

Pope to children: Changing the world starts with ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis sends a message to all the children of the world ahead of the first “World Children’s Day” to encourage them to be united and listen to advice from grown-ups because, he says, their “pleases" and “thank yous" are the first step towards a better world. Read all

Pope appoints new Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari from Pescara, Italy, as Apostolic Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia. Read all

Pope makes minor changes to proper law of Apostolic Signatura

Posted on March 02, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis makes some technical-lexical changes to the rules governing the Holy See's Supreme Tribunal. The changes are aimed at conforming the rules to the Pope's 2022 reform of the Roman Curia. Read all

Russia: Hundreds gather outside church for Navalny’s funeral

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

Opposition activist Alexei Navalny, whose death remains unexplained, is buried in an Orthodox funeral service in Moscow. Read all

Vatican launches social media campaign to rediscover ‘Christus vivit’

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is promoting a social media campaign aimed at helping people rediscover the relevance of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation for Young People and keeping the experience of World Youth Day alive. Read all

IMBISA Bishops and representatives attend formation on safeguarding.

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

Southern African Catholic Bishops under IMBISA, a regional association of Bishops, have met in Pretoria, South Africa, for a week of safeguarding formation conducted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Read all

Epilogue: Made in God’s image and called to proclaim Christ

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

Religious life as we know it today, both contemplative and active, has evolved over two millennia. In this final of four articles, Christine Schenk provides an analysis regarding what may have led early Christian women to be active contributors to the building of the church. Read all

Pope: Embrace your vulnerabilities!

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

Pope Francis addresses a conference on vulnerability and community and invites all the participants to embrace their vulnerabilities and accept those who are vulnerable, just as Jesus did. Read all

Call for probe into Gaza aid truck incident

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

International pressure is growing for a full and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths of dozens of Palestinians seeking aid from a convoy in northern Gaza. Read all

Pope Francis: Gender ideology is the ugliest danger of our time

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

Addressing participants in the international Symposium "Man-Woman: Image of God.” Pope Francis describes so-called gender ideology as the "ugliest danger" of our time, because it cancels out all differences that make humanity unique. Read all

Cardinal Cantalamessa gives second Lenten sermon

Posted on March 01, 2024 in: Vatican News

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his second sermon for Lent 2024 to Roman Curia, reflecting on Jesus as the light of the world. Read all

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