Vatican News
Pope commends 'Christmas Contest' for transmitting Christ's peace and joy
In his remarks addressed to the annual 'Christmas Contest,' the Holy Father reiterates how the Christ Child gives meaning to our loves and how Jesus 'speaks to them' in their annual Vatican-organized endeavor leading up to Christmas Day.
Pope Francis cancels day’s audiences due to mild flu
Pope Francis has canceled his audiences scheduled for Monday due to a mild flu as a precautionary measure ahead of his upcoming visit to Luxembourg and Belgium.
France's new government marks decisive shift to the right
Over two months after the parliamentary elections, France has a new government. Prime Minister Michel Barnier officially announced the names of the new ministers of what observers describe as “the most right-wing government” since that of François Fillon, under then-president Nicolas Sarkozy.
UN concern as Israel-Lebanon situation worsens
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, with rockets and drones being fires from both sides of the border.
Cardinal Zenari: In Syria, the bomb of poverty is killing hope
Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Syria delivers a homily in which he shares the suffering of the Syrian people.
Pope prays for peace and appeals for rights of prisoners
Pope Francis appeals for continued prayers for those who suffer in countries at war and upholds the rights of prison inmates.
Pope mourns killing of environmental activist in Honduras
Pope Francis expresses grief for the murder of Juan Antonio Lopez, a “founding member of the integral ecology pastoral care in Honduras”, and says he stands close to those responding to the cry of the poor and the earth.
Pope at Angelus: True greatness can be found in caring for the weakest
At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis explains the Lord’s words on how true power and greatness do not lie in the dominion of the strongest, but in care for the weakest.
Pope Francis: Migrants ask us to cultivate ‘dream of fraternity’
We publish the preface by Pope Francis to the book by Father Mattia Ferrari entitled, ‘Saved by migrants. Tale of a way of life'. In the book, published in the past days, by Edizioni Dehoniane Bologna (EDB), the chaplain of the APS Mediterranea Saving Humans describes his experience at sea in the work of rescuing migrants fleeing their countries in search of a better future
Voters in Sri Lanka elections pin hopes on better economy
Voters in Sri Lanka head to the polls to elect a new president with results expected on Sunday 22 September. All are hoping whoever wins can improve the economy and lead the country to a prosperous future.
Tens of thousands of soldiers dead in Russia/Ukraine war
Investigators say over 70,000 Russian soldiers have been confirmed killed in Ukraine since the Kremlin launched its invasion more than two and a half years ago. The news came amid reports of more fighting and attempts by the Ukrainian president to meet his U.S. counterpart and the presidential candidates.
31 people killed, including children, in Israeli strike on Beirut
Lebanese authorities say around 31 people were killed by Friday’s Israeli airstrike on Beirut.
Cardinal Parolin in New York for 79th UN General Assembly
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin travels to the U.S. from 22 to 30 September, to participate in events for High-Level Week 2024, including a Mass for the 60th anniversary of the Holy See at the UN.
Newly ordained Bishops participate in Vatican formation course
Bishops ordained in the past 12 months from across the globe are in the Vatican for a comprehensive formation course. The event, which also includes newly consecrated bishops from the Eastern Churches, is organized by the Dicastery for Bishops, the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, and the Dicastery for Evangelization.
Pope commends Italian Financial Police on their 250th anniversary
Pope Francis welcomes members of the “Guardia di Finanza” as they celebrate their 250th anniversary and thanks them for the institution’s historical and ongoing commitment to Italy’s economic and financial security.
Ethiopians celebrate new Bishop heading Vicariate of Soddo
The episcopal consecration of the new Bishop of Ethiopia’s Vicariate of Soddo took place on 15th September 2024 following his appointment by Pope Francis in July. Bishop-elect Dejene Hidoto was consecrated in a grand ceremony at Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral in Soddo, southern Ethiopia.
Pakistan: Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy
According to the judges, Shagufta Kiran shared an offensive message against Islam on WhatsApp. The woman, currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi, was sentenced to death at the end of a three-year trial.
Pope to Popular Movements: Fight for social and economic justice
Pope Francis meets with representatives of Popular Movements marking the 10th anniversary of their first encounter at the Vatican, and encourages the fight against social injustices, reiterating his proposal for a Universal Basic Income and higher taxes for billionaires.
News from the Orient – September 20, 2024
In this week's news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L'Œuvre d'Orient, Christians celebrate the feast of St. Matthew in Iraq and Eastern-rite bishops in Europe hold their annual meeting.
Pope’s Global Alliance for helping children launched
The Vatican announces the launch of Pope Francis' Global Alliance for Children to enable one million treatments over three years, through a new initiative that connects top hospitals worldwide, including the Vatican's Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome.
