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Church ready to meet Africa’s young people where they are, say AMECEA Bishops
Kenya’s Bishop of Embu Diocese and Vice Chair of the Commission for Youth at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Peter Kemani, says young people in the AMECEA region are seeking answers, inclusion, involvement and want to participate as serious collaborators, including in the Church’s leadership structures.
The murder of Father Jacques Hamel: A tragedy that shook Christians and Muslims
Ten years ago, on 26 July 2016, Father Jacques Hamel, pastor of the parish of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in northern France, was murdered while celebrating Mass. Two terrorists who had pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State slit his throat. One member of the congregation who was attending Mass was also seriously injured.
Pope thanks Italian President for his support of the Church
In a telegram marking the Italian President's 85th birthday, Pope Leo XIV assures Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, of his prayers and entrusts him to the protection of the country's patron saints, Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena.
Civilians continue to bear brunt of Gaza conflict
Intensifying attacks by the Israeli military have killed and injured dozens of Palestinians in the last week.
Venezuelan bishops call for reconstruction free from negligence and corruption
One month after devastating earthquakes struck northern and central Venezuela, the country's bishops call for a reconstruction process free from negligence, corruption and political interests, while urging solidarity with survivors and thanking rescuers, volunteers and Pope Leo XIV for their closeness.
Archbishop Gallagher: Ukraine’s people inspire hope amid suffering
At the end of his six-day mission to Ukraine, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher reflects on the resilience of a people "willing to suffer for freedom and peace." Speaking to Vatican Media, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States recalls those who have "lost everything," reiterates the Holy See's commitment to humanitarian efforts and peace, and says Pope Leo XIV takes seriously the invitation to visit Ukraine when the time and circumstances can be "as fruitful as possible."
Ghana: Amnesty International urges authorities to pass the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill
Amnesty International Regional Office for West and Central Africa has urged Ghanaian authorities to sign the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill into law, passed in July 2023. In a statement, Amnesty International Regional Manager Elise Cannuel said the Bill was a significant step towards protecting victims of witchcraft accusations. Six years ago, on 23 July 2020, 90-year-old Akua Denteh, accused of being a witch, was lynched to death in Ghana.
Mozambique: Missionary sisters bring relief to flood victims in Xai-Xai
Serving the most vulnerable with compassion, the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in Mozambique provide food, shelter, and dignity to hundreds of people displaced by devastating floods in southern Mozambique.
Sisters to reopen doors to learning after Venezuelas earthquake
A month after the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, humanitarian efforts continue to address urgent needs while supporting long-term recovery in the country. The Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (MHSFN), in collaboration with CADIS International, are restoring access to education by reopening their school to serve both existing and displaced students.
UN Report: 645 million people faced hunger in 2025
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report, prepared by five UN agencies, reveals that nearly eight percent of the world's population experienced hunger last year, and that while there have been documented improvements, that the phenomenon still affects nearly 650 million individuals across the globe.
Cardinal Parolin urges renewed Iran talks as Ukraine peace remains elusive
On the sidelines of a book presentation, the Cardinal Secretary of State expresses hope for a return to negotiations and dialogue with Iran, "for the good of the country and of the world," as well as in Gaza. He also reaffirms the importance of the Church's persistent message of peace, and its role to overcome divisions through dialogue, diplomacy and reconciliation.
Laos, the most heavily bombed country in the world
More than fifty years after the end of the Secret War, millions of un-exploded ordinances (UXO) still threaten daily life across Laos. In interviews with Vatican Media, Yeng-Chang Cheung-Wu of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Craig Guwuriro of HALO Trust explain how clearance operations and risk education are helping communities reclaim their land and rebuild their future.
Bishop of Chifeng ordained in China
Appointed by the Pope on 15 June after his candidacy was approved under the terms of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China, Bishop Joseph Chang Yanfeng had served in various roles within the diocese and, since 2021, as its diocesan administrator.
Matteo Bruni: Reports regarding Rupnik entirely unfounded, assessment still underway
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, says that reports circulating in recent days about a decision by the judges handling the case of Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik are “entirely unfounded.” He explains that the assessment of the case is still underway and that the panel is examining documentation from the dioceses involved, the Jesuits, the persons concerned, and media reports.
Pope Leo makes surprise visit to Shrine of the Holy Trinity in Central Italy
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday travelled by car from Castel Gandolfo to a mountain sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
Over 140 people missing after migrant boat drifts off Mauritania
A boat carrying migrants and refugees from The Gambia is rescued after drifting at sea for 25 days, as UNHCR renews its warning over the dangers of the Atlantic route to Spain’s Canary Islands.
Death toll from Venezuela's twin quakes continues to rise
The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes now numbers thousands, but may still rise.
Pope Leo XIV: Community life is a place of sanctification
Pope Leo offers words of faith in a letter sent to the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in the United States of America, celebrating its seventieth anniversary during the 2026 National Assembly, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona. Thanking God for the graces received over the past seven decades, he encourages them "to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ" in the various communities and apostolates where they serve.
Pope: Do not forget those most in need during the summer
In the July/August edition of the Piazza San Pietro magazine, Pope Leo XIV responds to a letter by an Italian man asking how to enrich his faith during the summer season. The Pope highlights the importance of living out the Gospel of peace and mercy and not forgetting those who are suffering.
Indonesia’s Bishops' President urges Asian Church to listen to one another
The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia calls on the Church in Asia to become a listening Church as it opened the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), saying authentic synodality begins by listening to God, one another, and the voices of people on the margins.