Vatican News
Living a renewed commitment to communicating the Gospel of Hope
The Daughters of St Paul in West Africa (Nigeria-Ghana) met in Abuja recently r to evaluate their journey together as consecrated women who are called to be St Paul alive today.
UN halts aid deliveries through major Gaza crossing
The UN agency for Palestine refugees has paused aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing, a main entry point for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
Arms producers increasing profits globally amid conflicts
A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that in 2023 the weapons trade increased profits by 4,2 percent compared to the previous year, driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and heightened global tensions, with companies based in Russia and the Middle East leading the increase.
UN Chief appeals for cessation of hostilities in Syria
As charities in Syria warn of spiralling humanitarian consequences following the recent surge in the Syrian conflict, Qatar said it’s working with Turkey to end hostilities in the region.
Pope’s December prayer intention: ‘For pilgrims of hope’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of December, and invites Christians to pray that each of us may become pilgrims of hope as a result of the 2025 Jubilee.
'War games' and the business of death
Our Editorial Director reflects on the latest report from SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) that details the inexorable rise in arms sales and recalls Pope Francis constant warnings against 'playing at war.'
Massive floods claim lives and devastate parts of Malaysia and Thailand
Relentless rain causes destructive floods across territories of Malaysia and Thailand, claiming at least 27 lives and resulting in extensive displacement
Promoting peace: Thai youth go the “Ektra” mile for religious harmony
Over 200 students from more than 40 schools in Thailand come together at the Sarasas Suvarnabhumi Institute of Technology in Bangkok to present creative solutions for fostering interreligious harmony.
Jubilee: 'Recognitio' ceremony held in St. Peter’s Basilica
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, leads the "recognitio" ceremony to verify the integrity of the Holy Door, which was sealed at the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016.
India’s Bangalore Archdiocese offers safe shelter for migrants
The Archdiocese of Bangalore in India has launched an initiative to provide a safe shelter for migrants with the “Migrants Reception and Short Stay Centre.”
Advent homilies at the Vatican to be dedicated to theme of hope
The Advent homilies will be given in the Paul VI Hall on the three Fridays leading up to Christmas: 6th, 13th, and 20th December by the new Preacher of the Papal Household, Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini.
Pope: May Jubilee offer opportunity for ceasefire on all war fronts
Pope Francis writes the foreword to a book by Italian journalist Francesco Antonio Grana who covers the Vatican, entitled "Jubilee of Hope." The Pope writes: "I hope this time truly becomes an opportunity for conversion and for looking at one's life in the light of the Gospel."
Romania’s pro-EU, pro-NATO forces win parliamentary elections
Romania’s pro-EU and pro-NATO parties appear to be holding off the far right in a parliamentary election held on Sunday, but the strength of the radical vote suggests that an ultranationalist, pro-Russian candidate could still win the presidency this month.
Fr. Patton in Bethlehem: ‘Don’t give up hope despite ongoing war’
At the beginning of Advent the Custos of the Holy Land brings a message of hope to the people of Bethlehem, in the West Bank, amid ongoing hardship and war.
Pope to Nicaraguan faithful: Trust in God even in darkest times
Pope Francis writes a pastoral letter to the faithful in Nicaragua who are celebrating the Novena of the Immaculate Conception, encouraging them to remain firm in their trust in God despite the challenges they face.
Cardinal Zenari: Hope is dying in Syria as people just want to escape
The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, shares the “fear, anxiety, and uncertainty” of the Christian community in Aleppo, which was recently captured by jihadist rebels.
Franciscan Holy Land College bombed in Syrian city of Aleppo
As conflict reignites in Syria, the Franciscan Holy Land College in Aleppo is damaged in a bombing, and the Custody of the Holy Land reports “a growing tension and fear among the civilian population.”
Building community, transforming lives: Sister Luke's mission to help others serve
From building houses in developing countries to assisting residents of tornado-struck US states, Sr. Luke Boiarski, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, has spent the last 54 years of her religious life bringing people together to care for others in new and creative ways.
Jubilee of Hope: Holy Door opens on December 24
Only a few days remain until the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, marking the beginning of the Holy Year 2025.
Sr. Smerilli: Synodality key to Church’s mission in changing world
The Catholic Church must adopt Synodality as a way of life, according to Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, speaking at an event in the Indian city of New Delhi.
