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DDF head blesses statue of Mary, Mystical Rose
The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith blesses a statue of Mary, “Mystical Rose” – following the decision last summer by the Dicastery saying there is no objection to devotion to Our Lady under that title.
Churches celebrate special Way of the Cross for POWs and peace in Kyiv
Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, speaks to Vatican News about the deep meaning of a special ecumenical Way of the Cross he presided over in Kiyv on April 11 ahead of the Holy Week with the participation of former prisoners and war amputees.
Bloody Palm Sunday. Archbishop Kulbokas: 'May God have mercy on us’
As Ukraine mourns the victims of the brutal missile attack in Sumy on Palm Sunday, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine says there’s nothing left to do but to turn to God, because no human force seems capable to stop the carnage and bring peace in the war-torn nation.
Cardinal Pizzaballa on Palm Sunday: ‘Love is stronger than fear’
In his Palm Sunday message from Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith amid ongoing hardships and to respond to hatred with peace, to division with unity.
Brutal Sudan conflict nears second anniversary
As Pope Francis appeals for an end to the war in Siudan, over 100 civilians, including at least 20 children and a medical team, lose their lives in a wave of attacks in Sudan's western Darfur region.
New Decree clarifies discipline on Mass Intentions and collective offerings
The Dicastery for the Clergy issues a Decree, approved by Pope Francis, updating the norms on Mass intentions. Effective Easter Sunday 2025.
Christians in Iraqi Kurdistan gather for ecumenical Palm Sunday procession
In a shared witness of faith and unity, the Christian community of Ankawa, Erbil, gathered on the eve of Palm Sunday for the 14th annual Ecumenical Palm Sunday Procession under the theme, “Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Pope Francis greets pilgrims on Palm Sunday in Saint Peter's Square
Pope Francis wishes pilgrims a "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week" in person during a surprise visit to Saint Peter's Square at the conclusion of the Mass presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on his behalf.
Pope gives thanks for prayers of closeness and prays for those who suffer
On Palm Sunday Pope Francis reflects on the account of the Lord’s Passion and encourages believers to nurture faith, and like Jesus, feel enveloped by the providential and merciful embrace of the Father.
Pope appeals for end to war in Sudan
On the eve of Holy Week, Pope Francis renews his call for dialogue in war-torn Sudan and asks the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered population. He does not neglect to also to pray for Lebanon and other countries wracked by conflict and violence across the globe.
Pope on Palm Sunday: God's mercy calls us to compassion
In his homily read out during the celebration in Saint Peter's Square marking Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Pope Francis calls on us to reflect on the Lord's compassion that knows no limits, "how we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week", and help others "all around us" who bear the cross of suffering.
U.S. bishops back Religious Workforce Protection Act
In a letter addressed to legislators, the U.S. Bishops' Conference (USCCB) calls for Congress to pass a bill that introduces more flexibility for foreign religious workers serving in the United States, saying it will further the free exercise of religion in the country for the benefit of all Americans.
Israeli army cuts Rafah off from rest of Gaza Strip
Amid a mounting humanitarian catastrophe, the Israeli army completely encircles Rafah, in southern Gaza.
Pope prays at St Mary Major ahead of Holy Week
Pope Francis goes to the Basilica of St Mary Major to pay homage to the Salus Populi Romani ahead of the start of Holy Week.
Talks on Iran's nuclear program underway
Iran and the United States begin high-level talks in Oman on Saturday, aiming to revive negotiations over Tehran's advancing nuclear program.
Lord's Day Reflection: Love in the Shape of a Cross
As the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, Abbot Marion Nguyen offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings, reflecting on the theme: "Love in the Shape of a Cross".
Ecuadorians head to polls on Sunday for a presidential runoff election
Sunday's vote is a repeat of the October one as crime and unemployment remain major issues to be tackled in Ecuador's runoff election.
Pope encourages Opus Dei students to persevere in hope
In a message to participants in the UNIV 2025 International Congress, Pope Francis urges them to bring the Gospel of Jesus into the world “as a message of hope that does not disappoint.”
Academics gather in Rome to discuss migration and rule of law
‘Global Migration and the Rule of Law’ is the title of a conference currently taking place in Rome, inspired by the biblical admonition that ‘You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him’.
Airstrikes destroy another Catholic church in Myanmar
As fighting between the military junta and resistance forces continues despite the recent earthquake, the regular army bombs the Church of Christ the King in the town of Falam, Chin State.