Thousands of Palestinians rally across several West Bank cities, protesting Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and restrictions on aid deliveries that have fuelled widespread hunger in the enclave.
A vigil was held on Sunday 4 August in Beirut in an area adjacent to the site of the port explosion tragedy exactly five years ago on 4 August 2020. A message from Pope Leo XIV read during the vigil expressed his closeness with the people. Apostolic Nunzio, Archbishop Borgia says, “the families of the victims need justice and truth about what happened. These are deaths that still have no explanation, and this weighs heavily on the whole country.”
Following Pope Leo's annoucement of the dates for World Youth Day in 2027, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life extends an invitation to bishops and youth ministry offices worldwide to start their journeys towards the global event.
The 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly, held in Kigali, Rwanda, concluded on Sunday at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho. The newly re-elected President of SECAM, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, assured pilgrims that Africa has every reason to be optimistic about its future. He emphasised that this future lies in the hands of young people, who continue to embrace the faith.
Authorities say Russia launched a massive missile attack on Kyiv early Sunday, shortly after what is believed to be Moscow’s deadliest airstrike of the year on the Ukrainian capital killed at least 31 people, including five children, and wounded more than 150. The attacks prompted deadly retaliatory strikes by Ukraine on key Russian targets.
At least 150,000 people have been killed in Sudan’s civil conflict, and about 12 million have fled their homes, leading to what the United Nations and other aid organisations describe as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The Palestinian government on Sunday called on the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to fully reopen border crossings into Gaza, citing worsening humanitarian conditions.
At the conclusion of the closing Mass for the Jubilee of Youth, Pope Leo remembers young people suffering "the most serious evils" caused by other human beings, mentioning specifically war-torn Gaza, Ukraine, and "every land bloodied by war."
During the Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo XIV reminds the young people that Jesus is our hope, and urges them to "adventure with the Lord toward eternity" as the Lord is "gently knocking" at the window of their soul.
Pope Leo XIV sends a message to the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), praying their deliberations on the theme of 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace' will highlight "the importance of fostering an intense experience of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ..."
An estimated million young people gather in the outskirts of Rome for the Jubilee of Youth prayer vigil. Three of them ask him questions: about friendship, life choices, and encountering Jesus.
An important alliance has been signed to promote the conservation of cultural heritage and sustainable development in African countries. The innovative project will offer new opportunities for young local artisans and artists, helping to build stronger and more prosperous communities.
In this letter from Gaza, a young woman, displaced by Israeli bombings, who has found shelter in the compound of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, reflects on how, despite the pain and fear her community is subjected to every day, their faith in God remains the only light that illuminates our dark paths.
Three young pilgrims of hope offer powerful testimonies of faith, rediscovery, and love at the pre-vigil of the Jubilee of Youth in Tor Vergata, Rome. Their stories, different in language and life experience, converge in a shared desire to respond to God’s love with their own lives.
Amid continuing Israeli attacks on Gazan civilians U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff meets with families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in the Strip.
A delegation from the Vatican Museums presents to Pope Leo XIV a restored painting of St. Augustine, the work of an anonymous Roman artist of the 18th century which was restored by the Laboratory for the Restoration of Paintings and Wooden Materials. Among those present were the Director of the Museums, Barbara Jatta, and the President of the Governatorate, Sister Raffaella Petrini.
During their ongoing Plenary Assembly at the Kigali Conference Centre, Bishops from across Africa convened under the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace” for the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly. The second day’s discussions focused on unpacking this central theme and exploring the continent’s long-term vision.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens by the day, a UNICEF official warns that children are dying at unprecedented rates, famine poses a grave risk, and a disease outbreak may be looming.
Pope Leo expresses his deep sorrow upon receiving news of the sudden death of an 18-year old Egyptian youth, Pascale Rafic, who was traveling to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Youth.
Pope Leo XIV welcomes artists ahead of their animating the Jubilee Youth Vigil at Tor Vergata on Saturday evening, and invites them to remind young people that it is the Lord in whom they find true joy and happiness.