Vatican News
Pope at Mass: Let us entrust the New Year to the Mother of God
In his homily at the New Year's Day Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Pope Francis calls on us to "entrust this coming year to the Mother of God" and consecrate our lives to her. With her "tender love...she will lead us to Jesus." On this day the Church also marks the World Day of Peace.
Pope's prayer for peace in our war-torn world
As the Church celebrates the World Day of Peace and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, we explore the visual and existential contrasts between war and peace, accompanied by Pope Francis' prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pope at Te Deum: May our hearts be filled with gratitude and hope
Pope Francis presides over the traditional end of the year celebration of First Vespers on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the singing of the Te Deum, the Church’s solemn hymn of Thanksgiving for the past year, taking place in Saint Peter's Basilica on New Year's Eve.
Scores killed as Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine
Ukraine was preparing for an unhappy New Year Sunday after coming under massive Russian air strikes that killed scores of people. The attacks come as the president of Ukraine struggles to maintain the gigantic Western support needed to stand up against Russia's military, which invaded his country in February 2022.
Netanyahu: Gaza offensive will last many months
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his country’s offensive in Gaza will last many months.
Six more priests arrested in Nicaragua
The crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua continues with six more priests arrested in the night between December 29 and 30. In recent days, a total of 11 priests and Bishop Isidoro Mora of Siuna have been imprisoned.
Pope Francis: 'May Benedict XVI bless us and accompany us'
In his greetings during the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis recalled our affection, gratitude, and admiration for Benedict XVI who died one year ago, praying that he may bless us and accompany us from Heaven.
Pope: May those with a stake in conflicts listen to their consciences
Pope Francis prays for the thousands of lives, shattered by violence and war in 2023 across the globe and appeals to those who have a "stake“ in armed conflicts to listen to the voice of their conscience.
Pope at Angelus: Holy Family shows God is with us in times of trial
Pope Francis celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family reflecting on how we must never lose the capacity to marvel at our own story of love, even when it seems that the negative parts prevail.
Fr. Lombardi: Pope Benedict XVI was ‘a master and witness of faith’
One year on from Pope Benedict XVI’s death, Fr. Federico Lombardi, his former papal spokesman, reflects on the legacy and witness of faith of the late Pope.
Fr. Zheplinsky (UGCC): Russian missile attacks have targeted civilians
The chief editor of the Communication Department of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, speaks to Vatican News about the latest wave of Russian missile attacks on the main cities in the country, and says that Christmas remains a source of hope and strength for Ukrainians.
Three more priests arrested in Nicaragua
Nicaraguan authorities have reportedly arrested three more priests in Managua in the wake of a public prayer for Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison earlier this year.
20 Catholic missionaries killed in 2023
Fides News Agency releases its annual list of Catholic missionaries who were killed bearing witness to their faith in 2023, with Africa again recording the highest number of victims.
Pope Francis: Singing can touch hearts and deepen prayer
Pope Francis meets with young singers of the Pueri Cantores Federation, and praises choral singing as a joyful accompaniment to the prayer of the Church community.
Pope Francis meets with editorial staff of Osservatore di Strada
Pope Francis meets with the editorial staff of the "Osservatore di Strada", a monthly publication of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, which offers a platform for people living on the margins of society.
Myanmar Christians observe silent Christmas as rebel offensive continues
The Christian community in war-torn Myanmar have celebrated a subdued Christmas this year, to show solidarity with those displaced by the internal conflict between the military junta and the rebels.
Mexico and US take measures against migrant smugglers
Mexico and the United States announce they will crack down on migrant smugglers in order to stem the growth of illegal crossings over their shared Border.
Pope appoints Archbishop-elect Turturro as Apostolic Nuncio to Paraguay
Pope Francis has named Archbishop-elect Vincenzo Turturro, currently serving in the Secretariat of State, as Apostolic Nuncio to Paraguay, succeeding Archbishop Eliseo Antonio Ariotti, who retired after reaching the age limit.
Nicaragua: Two more priests arrested
Police in Nicaragua have reportedly arrested two more Catholic priests, a total of six over the past week, following a public prayer for detained Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa.
Christmas 2023: Christ’s vulnerable heart can bring peace to all
The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2023, Vatican Radio has asked religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations for their reflections on the theme, “The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace.” Today’s message comes from Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.