Vatican News
Pope at Gemelli Hospital, respiratory crisis in the morning
Pope Francis, although in more pain, spent the day sitting in an armchair. Blood transfusions were necessary and prognosis remains guarded.
News from the Orient - February 21, 2025
In this week's News from the Eastern Churches: A new Assyrian Cathedral opens in London, Armenians celebrate St Sargis, and a heritage conference is held in Bethlehem
Pope will not lead Sunday Angelus
The Holy See Press Office said Saturday that the text prepared by Pope Francis for the Angelus will be published at noon, while the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization will read the homily prepared by the Pope for the Jubilee of Deacons.
UN calls for immediate Ceasefire in DRC amid M23 rebel advances
The UN Security Council has unanimously called on anti-government militants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from all the areas they now control.
Cardinal Czerny meets with Syrian refugees in Kfardlakos, northern Lebanon
Cardinal Czerny spends time during his mission in Lebanon to visit a refugee camp in Kfardlakos, Tripoli. The strip of land has tents and small structures giving minimal shelter to Syrian refugees Caritas serves with humanitarian aid as well as with a mobile health clinic.
Outpouring of good wishes and prayers for Pope Francis
Messages of support and prayers for Pope Francis' health pour in, as he continues to be hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
Cardinal Parolin: 'Unfounded speculation' on Pope’s resignation
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Vatican Secretary of State says the only matters of concern are the Pope’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican. The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith also says news of calls for the Pope to resign is unfounded.
Pope Francis had a restful night
The Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis had a restful night the morning after the Pope's doctors held a press conference at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia, noting "he is responding to therapy" but "not out of danger."
Doctors: Pope responding to treatment but not yet out of danger
At a press conference in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, members of the Pope’s medical team say that he is not yet out of danger, and will be in hospital at least another week - but they note that he is joking as much as usual, and has even begun working again.
Israeli Defense Minister orders escalation of West Bank raids
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered an escalation of military raids in refugee camps across the occupied West Bank.
Vatican and Columbia University launch Commission on sovereign debt
A joint initiative between the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) and Columbia University’s Initiative for Policy Dialogue (IPD) has led to the creation of a commission aimed at proposing reforms and solutions for sustainable economic, social, and environmental growth.
Zambia’s Pontifical Mission Societies embrace the Jubilee theme of Hope
The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Zambia’s National and Diocesan Directors Council Meeting, which commenced on 18 February and concluded on 21 February 2025, was held under the universal Jubilee Year 2025 theme - “Pilgrims of Hope.”
6,000 pilgrims arrive in Rome for Jubilee of Deacons
The fourth major event of the Jubilee of Hope is dedicated to deacons: from February 21 to 23, 4,000 of them will be in Rome to pass through the Holy Door and participate in a series of meetings. The Jubilee will conclude with Mass presided over by the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, on Sunday February 23 in St Peter’s Basilica.
Ukraine. Three years of unwavering Church relief efforts amid war
While the ongoing war waged by Russia against Ukraine continues displace and endanger millions, the unwavering efforts of Church organizations like Caritas and Aid to the Church in Need continue to provide a lifeline to those in need.
British Judge on Sloane Avenue: Mincione did not act in good faith
The High Court of England and Wales publishes its ruling on the legal proceedings initiated by the Italian financier in 2020 against the Secretariat of State in an attempt to halt the investigation launched by the Vatican's Promoter of Justice.
Ghanaian Bishops: Holistic education for responsible, productive citizens
The Catholic Bishops of Ghana have asked the government to collaborate with the Church and build the country’s brighter future through holistic education that nurtures not just knowledge but also character.
Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and WCC reaffirm common commitment
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Council of Churches release a joint statement in which they reaffirm their commitment to dialogue as a means of fostering peace and understanding.
Project in Lebanon helps youth transform politics to platform for good
The Leadership Academy for Peace, led by Bishop Jules Boutros, trains young people in Lebanon to bring the values of Catholic Social Teaching into politics.
Pastor Munther Isaac: West Bank is becoming 'a series of open-air prisons'
The pastor of Bethlehem's Lutheran Church tells Vatican News that the West Bank is currently experiencing one of its “darkest moments”. “We see what’s happening in Gaza”, he says, “and we ask: Will this be our fate too?”.
Italian bishops renew opposition to assisted-suicide law
The Bishops of Italy have expressed deep concern over a new regional law that allows medically-assisted suicide in Tuscany, stressing respect for life and calling for a legal framework that enhances care and support for the terminally ill.
