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Vatican News
News from the Orient – March 26, 2025
In this week's news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L'Œuvre d'Orient, Christians celebrate the Annunciation, Lebanese Catholics venerate a Maronite saint, and Lent continues with a focus on the Cross.
Holy See calls for united efforts to combat modern slavery
The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States, Archbishop Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, calls for unanimous efforts “to eradicate this scourge” of modern slavery.
Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy bringing 500 priests worldwide
From March 28 to 30, the sixth major Jubilee event will bring together Missionaries of Mercy from all over the world, accompanied by their families and collaborators.
Archbishop of Homs: Syria is key to global peace
During a visit to Rome, the Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Homs reflects on the situation in Syria, following the recent massacres targeting the Alawite community on the western coast.
Pope Francis: Even if we hit rock bottom, God lets us start over with Him
Pope Francis releases his catechesis for the weekly General Audience, which was not held as he recovers from bilateral pneumonia, and recalls that it is never too late to consign everything to God and start anew in our journey.
Indonesian bishops urge ecological conversion and social justice in Lenten message
Several Indonesian Bishops release their 2025 Lenten message and invite the faithful to embrace Pope Francis' call for an ecological conversion and justice for the poor.
‘Dream Big Dream True’: An Indian sister’s book proves that hope is timeless
Over twenty years after Sr. Teresa Joseph, FMA, wrote a book to encourage people to dream big, she has received a literary award, offering a reminder that God cares for every seed sown in hope.
Resurging tensions in Ethiopia’s Tigray raise concerns of a new conflict
While the armed conflict in Tigray may have formally ceased in 2022, political instability continues to threaten the region’s fragile peace, with growing concerns that internal tensions could quickly spiral into a new regional conflict with the direct involvement of Eritrea.
Sudan’s armed forces accused of killing hundreds of civilians
While the exact death toll is not yet clear, the Darfur Initiative for Justice and Peace calls an airstrike on a market the “deadliest single bombing since the beginning of the war.”
Bishops call for free and fair elections in Cote d’Ivoire
As Cote d’Ivoire approaches its presidential election in seven months, the country’s Catholic Bishops have expressed deep concern about the current socio-political climate. In a Pastoral Statement published Monday this week, the prelates urge politicians and citizens to prioritise peace and national cohesion.
Pope concelebrates Mass, continues therapy at Santa Marta
Pope Francis continues with treatment, physical therapy, concelebrates Mass at his residence's private chapel, the Holy See Press Office notes providing updates to journalists on the Holy Father's recovery, while adding he is not currently receiving visitors, and no decisions have been made regarding his schedule for the coming weeks.
Nobel Winner shares three tips for longevity
In an interview with Vatican News, Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Nobel Winner of Chemistry in 2009, reflects on the significance of the Pontifical Academy for Life-organized 'Vatican Longevity Summit' and on simple longevity pointers that can even help the Holy Father during his recovery.
Pope: Protecting minors in the Church involves more than protocols
Pope Francis encourages the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to continue its precious work to ensure that the Church is a safe place for minors and vulnerable people, and emphasizes the critical importance of healing survivors.
Dicastery marks 'Evangelium vitae' anniversary with work to promote life
For the 30th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II's landmark Encyclical 'Evangelium vitae,' the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life publishes a Pastoral Framework, titled 'Life is always a good,' on how to start and advance Church efforts in promoting pastoral care of human life, with the aim of defending, safeguarding, and promoting it worldwide.
Cardinal Gugerotti: Holy Land Christians need our help now
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, has issued an urgent appeal to all Churches worldwide ahead of the Good Friday Collection for the Holy Places, and appeals for dialogue to work toward peace.
Cardinal Parolin: ‘There is no longer any respect for humanitarian law'
The Holy See Secretary of State expresses concern about the “systematic violation of international law”, especially the bombing of civilians and the killing of aid workers. He also comments on Pope Francis' recovery, saying the Pope will continue to work on the most important issues, but needs time to rest.
Egypt proposes new Gaza ceasefire plan as death toll rises
As the death toll continues to rise in Gaza - reaching 700 since the end of the ceasefire, and surpassing 50,000 in total - Egypt puts forward a new ceasefire plan.
Poland honours those who lost their lives to protects Jews in WWII
On the National Day of Remembrance of Poles Who Rescued Jews, the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) organises a memorial day with mass and a press briefing in memory of all those who lost their lives to save those of others.
Progress of talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan spurs hope
Recent substantial progress in peace talks ween Baku and over North Karabakh spur hope for peace in the war-torn South Caucasus region.
Turkey arrests 1,133 amid nationwide protests
The Turkish government has reported that 1,133 people had been arrested during five days of protests across the country.