Vatican News
India: Church organises interreligious events over Christmas period
In response to increasing religious tensions in India, Archdioceses and organizations across the country gather to promote interreligious harmony during Christmas season.
Death toll in Gaza exceeds 45,000 as famine looms in north
The head of the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, reports that more than 14,500 young persons have reportedly been killed in Gaza, as the total death toll passes 45,000 according to Gaza authorities. Humanitarian agencies continue to appeal for a ceasefire to care for the victims and distribute desperately needed food aid.
The situation in Mayotte “apocalyptic’, says Secours Catholique
Speaking to Vatican News Marc Bulteau of the French Secours Catholique says the situation in cyclone-hit Mayotte is “worse than catastrophic” and that it will take at least a decade for the archipelago to recover.
Pope: Faith is not the opium of the people, but encounter and service
To mark his 88th birthday, Pope Francis has released several excerpts from his autobiography “Hope,” which will hit bookshelves in January, recounting his childhood in Buenos Aires and the logistical difficulties of his 2021 visit to Iraq.
Aleppo's Maronite Archbishop on Christians' role in shaping a new Syria
Archbishop Joseph Tobjie says Christians must play a role in building an inclusive and democratic society as Syria faces an uncertain transition.
Pope to students: Each one of you can change the world
Pope Francis sends to a message to young people in Rome, and says that each one of them "brings something new into the world".
Southern Africa: Tropical Cyclone Chido brings heavy rains, strong winds, and devastation
After the unimaginable destruction on the French Island of Mayotte, Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. Most of northern Mozambique and southern Malawi were already bracing themselves for the worst.
Synodal journey ‘critical in rebuilding Nigeria’s Maiduguri Diocese’
The Church’s journey of synodality has reignited the faith and evangelical unity of Catholics in the Nigerian diocese of Maiduguri, according to a local parish priest.
Church groups weave a web of support for refugees in Lebanon
Several Church-run aid groups, including CNEWA-Pontifical Mission and the Little Sisters of Nazareth, have worked for years to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon
Mayotte: Devastated by Cyclone Chido
Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte, leaving widespread destruction, a rising death toll, and urgent calls for aid.
New lighting system to illuminate Saint Peter’s Square for Jubilee
Acea Group and Archbishop Rino Fisichella present the new light architecture in Saint Peter’s Square and water facilities for pilgrims to be inaugurated for the Jubilee Year.
In Syria, the hope for a “plural” future
Fr. Vincent de Beaucoudrey, a Jesuit priest and director of Jesuit Refugee Service in Syria, has been working in the country for several years—first in Homs and now in Damascus. He is a direct witness to the upheaval that the population is currently experiencing.
Pope to Methodists: Reconciliation is a ‘task of the heart’
Pope Francis greets a delegation of the World Methodist Council, and encourages ecumenical efforts ahead of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Pope to bankers: 'Invest in hope not in speculation and war'
Pope Francis addresses Italian Banking Institutes and reminds them of the ethical dimension of banking, challenging the financial sector to invest in development, not exploitation and war.
Pope to Filipino community: We must build a welcoming home
Speaking to members of Spain's Filipino community, Pope Francis highlights the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the Philippines’ first saint.
Pope thanks journalists on return flight from Corsica for their work
Due to the tight schedule of his return flight, Pope Francis did not hold his customary press conference with the journalists accompanying him. But he did wish to express his joy in seeing a large number of parents with children in Ajaccio. Journalists on the plane gave him a surprise cake to celebrate his 88th birthday on Tuesday 17 December.
Pope’s meeting with Macron concludes Corsica visit
A private meeting between Pope Francis and the French President concludes the Holy Father’s one-day apostolic visit to Corsica.
Pope at Mass: Christ is joy, in every time and amid every affliction
Pope Francis presides over Mass in Corsica as the final public event of his one-day 47th Apostolic Journey abroad. In his homily, the Pope calls for spiritual renewal and joyful expectation of Christ's coming, urging the faithful to prepare with humility, hope, and acts of charity amidst the challenges of the world.
Pope Francis pleads for peace in the world
Renewing his urgent appeal for peace in the world, Pope Francis launches his plea from the French island of Corsica.
Pope to priests and religious in Corsica: Forgive everything, forgive always
Addressing bishops, priests, religious consecrated men and women and seminarians in Corsica, Pope Francis reminds them that it is important for them to care for themselves and others, which also means forgiving, always.
