Vatican News
Study groups present work, goals to Synod
At the first General Congregation of the Synodal Assembly on October 2, members of the ten groups established by the Pope in February to explore theological and canonical aspects of various themes, along with representatives of three other Commissions, explained the work accomplished up to this point and the outlook for the future.
Dominican Republic to deport 'illegal' Haitians
The Dominican Republic announces it`s starting mass deportations of Haitians who are illegally in its country. Authorities say this could involve as many as ten thousand expulsions per week.
Synod Briefing: Assembly fasting and praying for peace on 7 October
The newly-renovated Holy See Press Office hosts a press conference to shed light on the opening of the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality.
Pope to close conference focused on ending inequalities in Rome
On October 25, an initiative that began 50 years ago will conclude in the Basilica of St. John Latern. Originally held from February 12 to 15, 1974, the conference, “The Responsibility of Christians in Response to the Expectations of Charity and Justice in the City of Rome.” was known as one dedicated to the “ills of Rome.”
Holy Land: Education as a crucial tool of hope in the darkest of times
As Israeli bombs continue to strike schools in the Gaza Strip, the General Director of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Palestine and General Secretary of Christian Schools in the region, speaks of the effect of the ongoing war on students and of his commitment to teach peacemaking and conflict resolution through dialogue.
Maronite bishops express sorrow for mass displacement in Lebanon
With the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Maronite bishops discuss how the violence has led to thousands being forced to leave their homes.
Decarbonising churches: How an English diocese is turning theory into reality
The Diocese of Salford, led by Bishop John Arnold, is driving the decarbonization of Church buildings through the "Guardians of Creation" initiative, aligning with Pope Francis' call for urgent environmental stewardship.
UNICEF decries 4 Gaza school strikes in 24 hours
In a post on X, UNICEF calls for an end to escalating Israeli air strikes on schools in the Gaza Strip. The most recent strikes devastated a school for orphans and another sheltering families.
Pope: Prayer allows the Spirit to change our hearts
Pope Francis pens the preface to the book, “As Jesus Taught Us: The Prayer of Pilgrims of Hope” (Edizioni San Paolo), which will be released on Wednesday, October 9. The text is a collection of the Pope's reflections on prayer, some unpublished.
Nepal floods displace thousands, Catholic Church calls for global aid
The Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Nepal has appealed for global aid and solidarity in the wake of devastating floods that have led to one of the country’s worst natural disasters in recent decades.
Catholic schools mourn losses in tragic bus fire in Thailand
Catholic schools have expressed sorrow and offered condolences to the families of the students and teachers who lost their lives in a tragic bus fire on Tuesday in Thailand.
11 years since the Lampedusa tragedy
On October 3rd, 2013, off the coast of Lampedusa—a Sicilian island closer to Africa than mainland Italy—368 migrants lost their lives. Today, just as he did back then, Pope Francis calls for a more welcoming, compassionate, and united world.
Synod: Cardinal Aguiar Retes' opening address - Full text
Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Delegate President of the Synod of Bishops, delivers his opening address at the First General Congregation of the second session of the Synod General Assembly.
Synod: Cardinal Hollerich's opening address - Full text
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, General Relator of the Synod of Bishops, delivers his opening address at the First General Congregation of the second session of the Synod General Assembly.
Cardinal Cupich: Pope Francis on interreligious dialogue
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, offers his thoughts on Pope Francis' words in Singapore about interreligious dialogue and his affirmation that "all religions are paths to God."
Synod: Cardinal Grech's opening address - Full text
Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, delivers his opening address at the First General Congregation of the second session of the Synod General Assembly.
Pope calls for humble and synodal church, led by the Holy Spirit
Pope Francis, at the opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, emphasises the need for a humble and synodal Church guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission of peace and forgiveness in the world.
Pope views a relic of the Chair of Saint Peter
The Fabric of Saint Peter shows Pope Francis a relic of the Chair of Saint Peter before he presides over the opening Mass of the Synod on synodality.
Pope to ecumenical pilgrimage: 'Be credible witnesses of unity and hope'
Addressing an ecumenical group of pilgrims from Saxony, Pope Francis highlights the spiritual significance of pilgrimage, unity in faith, and the role of personal testimony in spreading Christian hope.
Pope opens Synod General Assembly with Mass in St Peter’s Square
In his homily during Mass for the Solemn Inauguration of the Second Session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis emphasizes the need for hearts open to dialogue and the importance of the harmony that comes from the Holy Spirit.
