Vatican News
The Popes and the Lenten fast: A soul training excercise
The magisterial teaching of modern Popes provides answers to contemporary questions about the traditional penitential discipline of fasting during Lent.
Monk kidnapped by Isis ordained Archbishop of Homs, Syria
Jacques Mourad, a well-known advocate of Muslim-Christian dialogue who was kidnapped by Isis in 2015, is consecrated Archbishop of the Syriac Catholic Diocese of Homs.
Christians and Muslims: migration challenges everyone's conscience
After the tragic shipwreck on the coast of Calabria, in a document entitled "Let's face the reality of migrants together", Christians and Muslims call for joint action to support those who decide to leave their country because it is "a human fact" that "calls on everyone to take responsibility".
Church in Amazonia decries murder of indigenous activist in Ecuador
Catholic leaders in the Amazon denounce the assassination of Eduardo Mendúa, leader of the indigenous Cofan people who fought against oil extraction in the Amazon forest, and call for justice.
Cantalamessa: Following the Spirit means being open to novelty
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher to the Papal Household, delivers his first sermon for Lent 2023, focusing on “renewing the newness” that comes from the Holy Spirit.
African Continental Assembly: Delegates highlight inclusiveness of synodal process
At the continental synod assembly currently taking place Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, delegates express their appreciation for their experience of the synodal process since it started in October 2021.
Somalia: Almost two million children suffering from malnutrition
In Somalia, almost two million children are suffering from malnutrition following the effects of the worst drought in forty years. Save the Children are calling for urgent international funding to provide life-saving aid to the country.
Pope’s March prayer intention: For victims of abuse
In his prayer intention for March 2023, Pope Francis prays for victims of abuse, and says the Church must serve as a model of safeguarding and must offer safe spaces for victims.
DRC: Educating and feeding students at a learning center near Kinshasa
The “Pope Francis College” offers schooling and nutrition to young Congolese students in a suburb of Kinshasa, the capital of the DR Congo, with the financial backing of religious sisters and Italy’s Bishops.
Ethiopia: Synod on Synodality continental assembly now underway
The continental stage of the Synod on Synodality for the Church in Africa is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 1 March 1 to 6 March.
Church leaders in Jerusalem renew appeal for peace in Holy Land
The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem call for de-escalation as spiral of violence and tensions continue in the Holy Land.
Africa: Synod Assembly to follow spiritual conversation method
The continental assembly under the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) started in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where over two hundred delegates are gathered to reflect on the document for the Continental Stage of the Synod on Synodality.
Pope mourns and prays for late LA Bishop David O'Connell
Pope Francis sends condolences for the death of Late Bishop David O'Connell of Los Angeles, sending prayers and praising his witness as a priest close to the people.
Ethiopia: All is set for Africa's continental phase of Synod on Synodality.
About 200 delegates arrived Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the continental phase of the synodal process convened by Pope Francis.
Parish priest assisting shipwreck victims appeals for solidarity
Upon hearing of the shipwreck of migrants off Italy's southern coast of Steccato di Cutro, Italian Fr. Rosario Morrone rushed to the area where 62 bodies have been recovered so far. Witnessing the aftermath of the tragedy, he appeals to our common humanity and compassion to welcome these our brothers and sisters.
Nigerian bishops urge calm and prayer in wake of disputed election
Catholic Bishops in Nigeria are calling for calm and urging citizens to keep to the law and turn to prayer as anger rises following the announcement Bola Tinubu has won the presidential election. The bishops have also questioned the transparency of the voting process.
German Bishops’ Plenary underway on "Synodal Path" and World Synodal Process
German bishops gather in Dresden to discuss the next stage of the national “Synodal Path”, the war in Ukraine, the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon, and abuse in the Church.
Pope sends condolences for deadly train collision in Greece
Pope Francis expresses his sorrow and condolences for a head-on train crash in Greece, which killed at least 36 people and injured over 85 others.
Rescript on the use of properties referring to the Holy See
Given the current economic situation, the Pope has ordered the abrogation of the rules allowing the free or favourable use of real estate owned by Curial Institutions and Bodies referring to the Holy See
Vatican releases logo and motto of Pope Francis' visit to Hungary
"Christ is our future" is the motto that will accompany Pope Francis' 41st Apostolic Journey abroad, which will take him to Budapest, Hungary, from 28 to 30 April.