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Churches continue efforts to restore peace in war-torn DRC
As diplomatic efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo amid ongoing fighting and territorial advances of the M23 rebels, Congolese Churches continue to hold high-level meetings to involve all parties in their “Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region”.
First Lenten meditation: Called to remain anchored in Christ
In his first Meditation for Lent 2025, the Preacher of the Papal Household, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap., reflects on the Baptism of Jesus, saying we are called to remain anchored in Christ.
Last, but not least: Advancing the lives of India’s neglected Indigenous peoples
India's Adivasi communities enjoy a deep connection to the forest and their homeland, and the Catholic Church works to support them through education, medical assistance, and community development.
Zambia: Celebrating 120 years of Chikuni Mission: a legacy of faith, education, and community
Zambia’s Monze Diocese has launched a five-year preparatory programme that will lead to the celebration of 125 years of the Chikuni Mission. The mission is one of Zambia’s oldest, established by the French Jesuits led by Fr. Joseph Moreau. Chikuni Mission, a historic Catholic enclave, marks 120 years this year.
Jubilee in French Polynesia: Hope in the Church’s vastest territory
In this remote oceanic land, the Archdiocese of Papeete, led by Archbishop Jean-Pierre Cottanceau, has designated twelve Jubilee parishes, seven of which are on the island of Tahiti. Missionary Father Sandro Lafranconi states: "We began thinking about the Jubilee on Christmas night, when we placed a large anchor in our nativity scenes, symbolizing the hope of Jesus, who never disappoints."
Presidential palace recaptured by Sudanese army after two years of war
The Sudanese army's recapture of the presidential palace marks a turning point in the nearly two-year-long brutal civil war in Sudan, as the country’s armed forces have reclaimed the capital city.
Climb lower: Church's mission of hope to forgotten villages in northern Thailand
For many decades, Catholic missionary priests have abandoned material comfort to bring hope and help to the remote mountain villages of northern Thailand, cut off from even the most basic necessity: opportunity.
Scholas Occurrentes approves five-year plan to expand education mission
The Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes holds its first assembly and confirms the continued leadership of Directors José María del Corral and Enrique Palmeyro, as it seeks to promote Pope Francis' mission to create a culture of encounter through education.
Archbishop Gallagher: Pope still serves Church and humanity in his fragility
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, celebrates Mass for Ambassadors to the Holy See to pray for Pope Francis’ health.
Vatican to host event on ‘Risks and Opportunities of AI for children'
On the 21st and 22nd of March, the Vatican is hosting a conference entitled ‘Risks and Opportunities of AI for Children’, organised by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the World Childhood Foundation and the Pontifical Gregorian University.
New Church statistics reveal growing Catholic population, fewer pastoral workers
The Vatican’s Central Office of Church Statistics releases the 2025 Pontifical Yearbook providing details about the number of Catholics, consecrated religious, priests, and bishops throughout the world.
Bishop Martinelli laments ‘deep pain’ of Yemenis affected by war
The Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, worries about the consequences for civilians in the event of a renewal of “open and large-scale conflict” in Yemen.
Jordan celebrates Silver Jubilee of Pope St. John Paul II's Holy Land pilgrimage
Marking the 25th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Fr Rif’at Bader, a Jordanian priest of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, remembers that pilgrimage and its legacy, including the recent inauguration of the Church at the site of the Baptism of Jesus on the River Jordan.
Cardinal Bo calls for unity to combat division and bloodshed
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, calls for unity amid ongoing bloodshed in the country. Speaking during a sermon for the first-ever episcopal ordination of a Tamil priest in the country, the Cardinal also decried caste systems and divisions.
Catholic school in Indonesia hosts Muslim Iftar to promote interreligious harmony
An Indonesian Catholic school run by the Archdiocese of Semarang has hosted an iftar, a fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, in an expression of interreligious harmony.
Poetry for Peace and Unity
Ahead of World Poetry Day on the 21st of March, we celebrate the poems that mark humanity's yearning for peace.
Pope no longer requires mechanical ventilation
The Holy See Press Office announces that Pope Francis no longer requires mechanical ventilation at night, and has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy during the day. His motor and respiratory physiotheraphy is also making progress.
African ambassadors to Holy See organise Mass for Pope’s health
The Mass, held in the Hungarian Chapel in the Vatican Grottos, will be presided over by Cardinal Peter Turkson, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Bombardment resumes as ceasefire stalls between Israel and Hamas
The United Nations says that two of its workers were killed and others injured after a compound in Gaza was damaged.
Many migrants missing in Mediterranean after dinghy deflates
Italian rescue vessels have recovered six bodies and are searching for up to 40 people reported missing after the shipwreck of a migrant boat off the Italian island of Lampedusa.