Vatican News
Pope: May Jubilee offer opportunity for ceasefire on all war fronts
Pope Francis writes the foreword to a book by Italian journalist Francesco Antonio Grana who covers the Vatican, entitled "Jubilee of Hope." The Pope writes: "I hope this time truly becomes an opportunity for conversion and for looking at one's life in the light of the Gospel."
Romania’s pro-EU, pro-NATO forces win parliamentary elections
Romania’s pro-EU and pro-NATO parties appear to be holding off the far right in a parliamentary election held on Sunday, but the strength of the radical vote suggests that an ultranationalist, pro-Russian candidate could still win the presidency this month.
Fr. Patton in Bethlehem: ‘Don’t give up hope despite ongoing war’
At the beginning of Advent the Custos of the Holy Land brings a message of hope to the people of Bethlehem, in the West Bank, amid ongoing hardship and war.
Pope to Nicaraguan faithful: Trust in God even in darkest times
Pope Francis writes a pastoral letter to the faithful in Nicaragua who are celebrating the Novena of the Immaculate Conception, encouraging them to remain firm in their trust in God despite the challenges they face.
Cardinal Zenari: Hope is dying in Syria as people just want to escape
The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, shares the “fear, anxiety, and uncertainty” of the Christian community in Aleppo, which was recently captured by jihadist rebels.
Franciscan Holy Land College bombed in Syrian city of Aleppo
As conflict reignites in Syria, the Franciscan Holy Land College in Aleppo is damaged in a bombing, and the Custody of the Holy Land reports “a growing tension and fear among the civilian population.”
Building community, transforming lives: Sister Luke's mission to help others serve
From building houses in developing countries to assisting residents of tornado-struck US states, Sr. Luke Boiarski, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, has spent the last 54 years of her religious life bringing people together to care for others in new and creative ways.
Jubilee of Hope: Holy Door opens on December 24
Only a few days remain until the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, marking the beginning of the Holy Year 2025.
Sr. Smerilli: Synodality key to Church’s mission in changing world
The Catholic Church must adopt Synodality as a way of life, according to Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, speaking at an event in the Indian city of New Delhi.
Catholic school in Indonesia closes amid Mount Lewotobi’s eruption
A 66-year-old Catholic school in East Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia has been forced to shut down due to the continued eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.
Catholic and Buddhist leaders gather in Bangkok to celebrate late Cardinal Ayuso
Several Buddhist and Catholic leaders in Thailand have gathered at a prominent Bangkok Buddhist temple to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
Pope after Angelus: ‘Pursuit of peace is responsibility of all’
Reflecting on the upcoming Christmas season, Pope Francis warned that if “desensitization and indifference to the horrors of war prevail, all of humanity is defeated.”
Pope at Angelus: Be vigilant and turn your gaze to Heaven
At the midday Angelus on the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis encourages us to turn our gaze to heaven and to open our hearts to the Lord who carries our burdens and sustains us on our journey.
December 8 will be a day of prayer for Nicaragua
The bishops of Central America call for a day of prayer to “fraternally join” with the cry of the Church in Nicaragua, “which respectfully hopes to find an answer.”
UK Bishops express disappointment over MP vote in favour of assisted dying
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have expressed disappointment after members of parliament voted on Friday 30 November to back a new bill to legalise assisted dying. 330 lawmakers voted in favour with 275 against the proposed bill which would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, the right to choose to end their lives with medical help.
Syrians stunned as rebels take Aleppo
Pope: 'Christian fraternal dialogue can be a model for today’s world'
In his traditional greetings to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of the feast of Saint Andrew, Pope Francis calls for ongoing efforts and prayers for “the gift of unity” among Christians, remarking that their fraternity and witness can also serve as a model for today’s world "plagued by war and violence”.
Archbishop of Accra calls for Novena Prayers ahead of Ghana's 2024 Elections
The Catholic Archbishop of Ghana's Archdiocese of Accra, John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp is rallying priests, religious and the lay faithful in Accra for a spiritual preparation ahead of the 2024 national elections expected in the West African nation in December
Pope: Hidden Christian sites of Japan are a testament to faith and perseverance
Pope Francis welcomes members of the “Hidden Christians Research Association” to the Vatican, highlighting their significant work in preserving the history and legacy of Japan’s Hidden Christian sites.
Gaza war deaths exceed 44 thousand, over 13 thousand children
The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 44,300 with seventy percent of the victims being women and children. In the following interview, UN human rights lawyer, Chris Sidoti, describes investigative work underway to determine what criminal responsibilities there may be in the conflict that shows no end in sight.
