Vatican News
Synod Briefing - Day 5: Embracing pain of people suffering from war
The press briefing on day 5 of the Synod General Assembly reveals that participants marked the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace with a special moment dedicated to the first anniversary of Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and the subsequent escalation, highlighted the role of women in the Church, and focused on building bridges.
7th October: Catholic community worldwide prays and fasts for peace
In response to the Pope’s appeal, Catholics worldwide mark a day of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for peace in the Middle East.
Rabbi David Meyer: 'October 7 revealed Jews' great solitude'
Franco-Israeli Rabbi and author David Meyer, a leading figure of the liberal Jewish movement in France, shares his reflections with Vatican News on the past year of war in Israel, recalling that beyond the differences within Judaism, the attacks waged by Hamas have an existential dimension for the Jewish people.
Cardinal Hollerich at Synod: We must become peacemakers in service of humanity
In his address on the second module of the Synod’s Instrumentum Laboris dedicated to "Relations," the General Relator, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, reflects on the moment of prayer in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Sunday evening saying "May the prayer for peace help us place our work today in the right perspective".
Cardinal-elect Koovakad is first serving organizer of papal visits to be created Cardinal
After Pope Francis announced he would create Indian-born Fr. George Koovakad a Cardinal on December 8, our Editorial Director recalls that there have been two previous appointments as Cardinals for organizers of papal visits, though both were conferred after they were no longer in the role.
7 October: One year of pleas and prayers for peace in the Middle East
We look back over a year of violent conflict between Israel and Hamas; a year of death and destruction, and a year of cries for peace.
Cardinal-elect Acerbi: My appointment a recognition for all diplomats
Pope Francis’ announcement of a Consistory on December 8 will see the creation of 21 new cardinals from all four continents. 99-year-old former Apostolic Nuncio, Angelo Acerbi, will become the oldest cardinal ever created.
The humanitarian situation in Haiti "is desperate"
According to Archbishop Launay Saturné of Cap-Haïtien the arrival of UN backed foreign police forces has not improved the security situation and the humanitarian crisis is worsening.
Religious sister stays in southern Lebanon to assist war-torn villages
Amid intense airstrikes near the Israeli border, a religious sister has remained in the monastery of St. Joseph in Ain Ebel, determined to support the local Christian community despite the mounting dangers.
‘I am close to you,’ says Pope to martyred flock in the Holy Land
Marking one year from the Hamas attacks on Israel that plunged the Holy Land into all-out war, Pope Francis addresses a letter to the Catholics of the region decrying the “shameful inability of the international community and powerful countries to put an end to the war” and expressing his closeness to those who "suffer the devastation which the powerful impose on others."
Cardinal-elect Kikuchi: A surprising and confusing Sunday
Cardinal-elect Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, Japan, shares his thoughts on his personal blog about how he heard the news on Sunday that Pope Francis will create him a Cardinal on December 8.
October 7: 'A cry to Heaven to implore peace'
As people of goodwill pray and fast on October 7 to implore God's gift of peace for the world, our Editorial Director reflects on the first anniversary of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel and the military escalation that has followed throughout the Middle East.
Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel unite with Pope in prayer for peace
Israeli and Hebrew-speaking Catholics have joined Pope Francis and the universal Church in prayer, fasting, and penance for peace on October, according to the Patriarchal Vicar of St. James.
On the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, heeding Pope Francis’ call to pray for peace
The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated annually on 7 October. This year, Catholics worldwide are encouraged to take to heart Pope Francis’ call to pray the Rosary for peace in our troubled world and for wars to end
Pope Francis leads Rosary prayer for peace for ‘world in danger’
Pope Francis leads the recitation of a Rosary for peace at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and prays that violence and hatred may be extinguished from human hearts.
Israel continues bombardment of Beirut
As the Church prepares to join Pope Francis in praying for world peace, large explosions have again shaken the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Pope Francis announces Consistory for creation of 21 new Cardinals
Pope Francis announces a consistory for the creation of 21 new Cardinals from around the world to be held in the Vatican on 8 December 2024.
Pope Francis renews appeal for ceasefire in Middle East
At the conclusion of his midday Angelus prayer, Pope Francis appeals for a ceasefire in the Middle East, a release of hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid to those in need.
Pope at Angelus: Children are God's greatest blessing
During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis encourages Christian couples to persevere in love, marriage, and welcoming the beautiful gift of life, which he acknowledges is demanding, but well worth it.
Pope to young people: 'Let the Lord fill you with joy'
In a video message to participants in the "Madrid Live Meeting 2024," Pope Francis urges young people to let the Lord fill them with joy and to always welcome the wisdom of the elderly.
