Vatican News
Pope mourns former President Sebastián Piñera of Chile
Pope Francis expresses his condolences for the tragic loss of former President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, who died as he piloted a helicopter struck by inclement weather, and remembers him as a man of great faith and intellect.
Haitian bishops call on PM Henry to step aside amid protests
Amid violent protests calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the Catholic Bishops of Haiti urge the government "to take wise decisions for the good of the entire nation,” while urging Haitians not to yield to violence.
Woman and authority as depicted on 4th century Christian sarcophagi
Religious life, both contemplative and active, as we know it today, has evolved over two millennia. In this second of four essays, Christine Schenk describes original research into the archaeological evidence for early Christian women found on late 3rd to early 5th century sarcophagus friezes.
South Africa's Bishops encourage faithful to cast votes in elections
Ahead of the upcoming 2024 General Elections in South Africa, the Catholic Bishops in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini, issue a collective pastoral letter, appealing to the faithful to vote, consult the Bishops' Conference's made-available guidance and resources, and recite their proposed election prayer.
Poland's President Duda visits Rwanda's Kibeho Marian Shrine.
On an official tour of three Eastern African countries, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, has visited Rwanda's Marian Shrine of Kibeho.
Pope: Mama Antula's unshakeable holiness was driven by trust in God
Pope Francis welcomes pilgrims from Argentina for the canonisation of Blessed Maria Antonia of Saint Joseph de Paz y Figueroa, known as Mama Antula, and praises her holiness, faith, and perseverance.
Parolin: The farmers must be listened to; dialogue is needed
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin responds to reporters’ questions on the sidelines of an event for the 40th anniversary of the Agreement amending the Concordat between Italy and the Holy See, and the presentation of a Declaration of Intent concerning the new headquarters of the Bambino Gesù Hospital.
Yemen: The best form of help would be peace
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to cause tensions in the Red Sea and the already suffering nation of Yemen suffers the consequences that exacerbate an already desperate humanitarian crisis.
Cadiz: Three migrants who overcame every adversity
Suffering, personal difficulties, and distance from their families could not break the dreams of Martial and Saleha. These two foreign-born young people have fought tenaciously to build a future in Spain, where, with the help of Catholic Church organizations, they are realizing those dreams.
Pope Francis: Everyone must combat human trafficking, never be complicit
Pope Francis releases his message for the 10th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, and urges society at all levels to combat the scourge and to feel moved by the testimonies of victims, as well as those whose voices remain unheard.
Pope: The liturgy must be for all the people of God
Pope Francis meets with members of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and reminds them that the Church cannot be reformed without a reform of the liturgy, which must be for all the people of God.
Pope Francis applauds holy, faithful service to priesthood
Calling for mercy and tenderness, Pope Francis praises holy priests who faithfully serve their flocks, as he highlights three keys for forming Christ-like clerics, in his address to participants in the Dicastery for the Clergy-sponsored International Conference for the Ongoing Formation of Priests in the Vatican.
Only together can we defeat human trafficking
Over 50 million people worldwide are enslaved and exploited as human traffickers become more sophisticated and lure more and more vulnerable people, including children and migrants, into the trappings of modern slavery. The Catholic Church is increasingly on the frontlines in the battle against the phenomenon that is described by Pope Francis as “an open wound in the side of humanity.”
Council of Cardinals adjourns until April
Pope Francis, with his Council of nine Cardinal advisors, often referred to simply as the 'C9,' adjourn their February session dedicated to listening to the role of women in the Church, synodality, and evangelization, until their next session in April.
Pope Francis: 'Welcome' is at the heart of 'Fiducia supplicans'
Pope Francis has granted an interview to Italian weekly 'Credere,' in which he discusses the recently-issued Vatican document 'Fiducia Supplicans', ecclesial movements, and the role of women in the Church.
Pope: Church has not listened enough to the voice of women
We publish Pope Francis’ Preface to “«Smaschilizzare la Chiesa»? Confronto critico sui «Principi» di H.U. Von Balthasar” (Making the Church Less Masculine? A critical evaluation of the ‘principles’ of Hans Urs von Balthasar), released on Wednesday. The volume is comprised of contributions by theologians Linda Pocher, Lucia Vantini, and Luca Castiglioni, who participated in the recent meeting of the Council of Cardinals that discussed the role of women in the Church.
UN agencies launch new aid plan for war-torn Sudan
According to UNHCR and OCHA $4.1 billion are needed this year to support a total of 17.4 million people in war-torn Sudan and neighbouring countries hosting refugees who have fled the fighting.
France moving towards a Constitution against life
Discussions are underway in France to include the right to abortion in the Constitution. The constitutional amendment has been approved by the National Assembly with 493 votes against 30 and is presently being discussed by the Senate.
EU urged to change policy and engage with Faith-Based Organisations providing education in Africa
The European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Education in Africa, Gyorgy Holvenyi, speaks to Vatican News about the relevance of education and training as tools to empower young Africans to develop their countries.
Chile mourns former President Sebastián Piñera
Chile is mourning the death of former President Sebastián Piñera who was killed in a helicopter crash.