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Bethlehem celebrates 1st Christmas in two years
A 15-metre Christmas tree lights up Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem this year after a two-year pause from all festivities in solidarity with the city’s fellow Palestinians in Gaza.
Christmas, ‘sorrowing humanity,’ and the voice of the popes
For the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we look back at the Christmas reflections of previous popes, which renew hope even in the midst of suffering.
Pope Leo XIV’s first “Christmas of Peace”
Seven months after the beginning of his Pontificate, Pope Leo XIV prepares to preside over the Christmas celebrations for the first time, starting with the Midnight Mass in the evening of December 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Parolin: Christ is born every time you welcome sick children
On Tuesday, December 23, Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, visited the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital and highlighted how Jesus is present every time attention and care is given to sick children and their families.
Pope Leo asks for 24 hours of peace worldwide at Christmas
Pope Leo addresses journalists outside Castel Gandolfo and answers questions on Ukraine and on assisted suicide laws in the United States.
Russian launches missile and drone strikes against Ukraine ahead of Christmas
Officials say massive Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine have killed at least three people, including a four-year-old child, while cutting power to several regions just two days before Christmas, as the country faces bitter winter cold.
Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine: Christians don't lose hope
The Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, comments on the recent arson attack on the Christmas tree of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Jenin, West Bank.
Cardinal You Heung-sik: Pope invites priests to fraternity
In an interview with Vatican Media, the prefect for the Dicastery for Clergy, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, explains that Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter on priestly ministry points out the way to “preserving, proclaiming, and fostering the beauty of a priesthood faithful to Christ, His Word, and the Church.”
Cardinal Parolin: May we not forget the victims of the conflict in Cabo Delgado
The Cardinal Secretary of State has returned from a visit to Mozambique where he met with displaced people fleeing armed Islamist militias.
UN warns against violence ahead of Myanmar elections
Civilians have been threatened by both the military government, which called the elections, and armed groups opposing the current regime, according to the UN’s Human Rights Office.
Nigeria: Kontagora’s Christmas gift – the return of its abducted children
Diocese of Kontagora’s Catholic Bishop, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, on Monday confirmed to Vatican News the release of 130 students and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri on 21 November. The children and staff were part of an original 315 victims forcibly taken by gunmen from the school in the night.
Cardinal Pizzaballa: We will do everything possible for Gaza
Following his second visit in six months to the Gaza Strip—the first since the ceasefire—the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem speaks of a strong desire to return to normal life.
Israel allows 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank
Israel’s security cabinet has approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, deepening the government’s push to expand its presence in the territory.
Christmas joy eases fear for future in West Bank Christian village
The only entirely Christian village of the West Bank is getting ready to celebrate the Lord's coming in an atmosphere halfway between the joy of the festivity and the fear of new attacks by Israeli colonists.
Pope calls for more collegiality in letter on priestly ministry
Marking the sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s decrees on priestly training and on priestly life and ministry, Pope Leo XIV’s new Apostolic Letter aims at a deeper understanding of the ministry and role of priests.
Cardinal Tagle visits the Vicariate of Southern Arabia
At the heart of the visit were the Simbang Gabi celebrations of the Filipino community, the largest in the area. The visiting included a meeting with Bishop Paolo Martinelli and the pastoral council of Saint Mary’s Church in Dubai, considered the largest Catholic parish in the world.
Pope: A more missionary Curia must bear witness to communion in a divided world
Pope Leo XIV meets his closest collaborators for the exchange of traditional Christmas greetings. The Pope recalls his 'beloved predecessor' Francis and his encouragement to be a Church that is 'welcoming to all,' urging them consider the 'major ecclesial, pastoral, and social challenges' and to become a sign of peace for a world marked by conflict.
Pope: may humility and simplicity become the style of the Church
In the traditional Christmas greeting to Vatican employees, Pope Leo invites them to learn simplicity and humility from Jesus’ birth this Christmas, and to ensure that this becomes the style of the Church.
Zanzibar Cup 2026 aims to build on global fraternity and peace
The fifth edition of the international kitesurfing event is set to take place on 7 February 2026 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with the deadline for participation on 6 January. The competition aims to build on social, cultural, and humanitarian dimensions that convey a strong message of peace and fellowship, in addition to good sportsmanship and an exciting race in a stunningly beautiful part of the world.
50 years on, Paul VI’s gesture of reconciliation with the Orthodox Church
On 14 December 1975, on the eve of the conclusion of the Holy Year and ten years after the lifting of the mutual excommunications, Pope Paul VI unexpectedly bent to the ground to pay homage to the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.