Vatican News
Germany mourns Catholic football great Franz Beckenbauer
As Germany mourns Franz Beckenbauer, once known as the ‘Kaiser’ of soccer, we recall his 2005 encounter with Pope Benedict XVI and his career as one of the greatest footballers and managers.
Catholics celebrate Mass at Qatar’s first Christian place of worship
The Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, celebrates Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary in Doha, the first official Christian place of worship in Qatar.
Pope confirms Bishop of Assisi as head of Economy of Francesco
Pope Francis sends a letter to Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino confirming the Bishop of Assisi’s role in leading the Economy of Francesco, urging the movement to help interpret the dreams of young people.
The applied philosophy of caring
In Sicily, Paola Gurrieri, together with her brothers, heads La Mediterranea, a leader in the cultivation of chrysanthemums. The company is the first in Italy to adopt water vapor soil sterilization and to have adopted environmental and social sustainability strategies such as free preventative health screenings for employees and providing housing for foreign workers who, like Italians, are hired on an equal-opportunity basis.
Bangladesh PM Hasina wins elections boycotted by the opposition
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wins fourth straight term in controversial parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition which announces more protests ‘to save democracy’.
Bangladesh. Thousands of Rohingya left homeless by fire in Cox's Bazar refugee camp
Fire destroys hundreds of makeshift shelters and over 100 facilities in the world largest refugee camp hosting over a one million Rohingya who continue to flee violence and persecution in Myanmar.
UN: Sudan war has displaced more than 7.3 million people
Children, according to the UN refugee agency, represent about half of the displaced Sudanese population. Since the conflict erupted last year, at least 5,000 people have been killed, more than 7.3 million people displaced.
Colombia: The groups holding people for ransom
Advocating for peace and compassion, Pope Francis calls for the release of all hostages held by armed groups in Colombia.
An overview of the Holy See’s diplomatic relations
184 states currently have full diplomatic relations with the Holy See, of which 89 have missions in Rome. In 2023, new ties were established with Oman, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam.
Humanitarian crisis continues in South Caucasus
Drawing the diplomatic corps' attention to the humanitarian crisis in South Caucasus, Pope Francis appeals for signing of a peace agreement to help mitigate the suffering between Azerbaijan and Armenia, evidenced especially in the migrant crisis the tensions have provoked.
Pope Francis: 'Peace is a responsibility incumbent on all of us'
In his annual “State of the World” address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis reflects on the conflicts and divisions ravaging the world and highlights the responsibility of individuals and nations to foster peace.
Uganda: Archbishop Odama calls for peace and love in the New Year 2024.
Uganda's Archbishop of Gulu, John Baptist Odama, has made a passionate plea for peace and love in 2024.
Russia strikes kill and injure several on Orthodox Christmas day in Ukraine
Ukraine says Orthodox Christmas strikes by Russia have killed more than a dozen people, including children, in the east and south of the country. The attacks came as Vladimir Putin vowed on the eve of Orthodox Christmas to back soldiers who, in his words, "with arms in hands," defend Russia's interests.
UN concern over rise in ethnic-based hate in DRC
The United Nations is alarmed at rising ethnic tension in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Pope prays for flood victims in DRC and appeals for release of Colombia hostsages
Pope Francis appeals for the release of people who have been kidnapped in Colombia. He also expresses his closeness to the population of the Republic of Congo affected by extreme flooding.
Pope at Angelus: Our Baptism made us children of God
During his Sunday Angelus on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis reminds faithful that the day they were baptized, we became children of God forever, and this date of great grace must be remembered and celebrated.
Nicaragua: new priests ordained as UN appeals for missing religious
Cardinal Brenes ordains nine priests in Managua, while the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the Nicaraguan government to disclose the whereabouts of the Bishop of Siuna, Isidoro Mora.
Pope Francis baptises 16 infants in the Sistine Chapel
As is customary on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis baptises 16 infants in the Sistine Chapel, welcoming them into their new life of faith.
