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Christian Syrians joyful, cautious about possible end of sanctions
On Tuesday 13 May, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, a measure repeatedly called for by local churches and NGOs, and by the Syrian people. However, Syrian Christians remain cautious and want to continue to ensure that the right of every community 'to live in dignity' is respected, according to Fr Georges Sabé, a Marist priest in Aleppo.
Pope to Lasallian Brothers: Inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness
Recalling the saying of St. John Baptist de La Salle "Your altar is the classroom," Pope Leo XIV commends the educational efforts of the De La Salle Brothers, and encourages them to continue "inspiring joyful and fruitful paths of holiness."
Church in Myanmar appeals for solidarity and aid
In the wake of the devastating earthquake in March, the Church in Myanmar expresses joy for the election of Pope Leo XIV and makes an appeal to the world for assistance with the dire humanitarian situation.
Cardinal Parolin: We hope talks in Istanbul open paths to peace
On the sidelines of an event on Ukraine at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin speaks about the direct negotiations starting Thursday in Türkiye, saying, “We hope this is a serious starting point to end the war."
UNRWA makes urgent appeal for immediate end to Gaza siege
Juliette Touma, UNRWA's Director of Communications highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urges the international community to do “everything possible” to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of aid.
Holy See reaffirms commitment and support to stop child labor
In his address during the interactive dialogue entitled “On Childhood With Dignity”, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, cited Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical "Rerum Novarum" in reaffirming every child’s right to grow through education and opportunities “to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Ghana Bishops’ Conference builds partnerships to confront spill-over terrorism
In a bid to strengthen national and regional efforts against violent extremism and instability, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), through its Directorate of Governance, Justice and Peace, has begun forging new partnerships with key government stakeholders.
Pope Leo XIV meets with tennis champion Jannik Sinner
As the 2025 Italian Open is underway in Rome, Pope Leo XIV receives professional tennis player Jannik Sinner in the Vatican, along with his family and the president of the Italian Tennis Federation.
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms blends Marian and Augustinian elements
The coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV evokes his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and inspiration drawn from St. Augustine, according to the Holy See Press Office.
DRC: South Kivu's capital of Bukavu abandoned to hunger and neglect
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the South Kivu province's capital of Bukavu, is being abandoned to hunger and neglect, amid a humanitarian emergency where violations against children are surging, essential services have collapsed, and the population sees no way out.
Pope Leo XIV to Eastern Catholics: The Church needs you
Pope Leo XIV welcomes Eastern Catholics to the Vatican for the Jubilee of Eastern Churches, and highlights the need to preserve their traditions and pray for true peace, “which is reconciliation, forgiveness, and the courage to turn the page and start anew."
Jubilee of Eastern Churches: Divine Liturgy in the East Syriac Rite
On the eve of the Jubilee of Eastern Church's encounter with Pope Leo XIV, a Divine Liturgy in the East Syriac rite is celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica on the occasion of the Jubilee.
Leo XIII’s times and our own
History professor Donald Prudlo talks with Vatican News about Pope Leo XIV’s choice of names, focusing on the similarities between the challenges facing Leo XIII in the 19th century and the world we find ourselves in today.
Ten years of Laudato Si’ as 200 universities gather in Rio for COP30
The goal of the gathering is to promote a synodal proposal that encourages listening, collective discernment, and concrete action in response to the socio-environmental crisis.
Pope Leo XIV makes a surprise visit to his Augustinian brothers in Rome
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in the community chapel of the General Curia of the Augustinians, before joining the brothers for lunch — just as he used to when he was a Cardinal.
Pope Leo XIV publishes first post on papal social media accounts
Pope Leo XIV has published his first post on the papal social media accounts, which were employed to great effect by his predecessors, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on Pope Leo XIV
After participating in the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV as the successor of Peter, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu describes this election as a choice of the Holy Spirit, made by the Cardinals. The Archbishop of Kinshasa (DRC) and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SCEAM) has since called on the faithful to pray for the new Pope so that he may succeed in his mission.
Caritas DRC calls for environmental care after devastating floods
The Director of Communications for Caritas Butembo-Beni encourages the country’s authorities to “actively engage in responsible urban planning” to prevent disasters, such as the flood, in the future.
General Secretariat of Synod welcomes election of Pope Leo XIV
In a letter addressed to the new Pope, the General Secretariat of the Synod says it “looks with confidence” to the directions Pope Leo XIV will provide to help the Church grow as “a home and family of God open to all.”
Church in Seoul hosts major youth festival as preview to World Youth Day 2027
More than 30,000 people took part in the “Hee Hee Hee” Youth Festival in Seoul, South Korea, from May 9 to 11, a large-scale, youth-led celebration organized by the Archdiocese of Seoul and the Local Organizing Committee for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027.