Skip to content

Vatican: St. John Paul II and Modern-Day Turkey

From letters to the Pope and reflections on Saint John Paul II, to the Church's response to aging and stories of faith from Turkey and the Andes, this week's roundup explores the enduring global reach and resilience of Catholic witness.

Have you sent a letter to Pope Francis? He has received an extra 150 kg of correspondence each day, mostly hand-written letters from young children from around the world, a touching reminder of the universal reach of his ministry.

As we approach April 2, we mark the 20th anniversary of Saint John Paul II’s passing. His profound legacy continues to inspire millions. 

Meanwhile, the Vatican is turning its attention to the challenges of longevity. By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. Pope Francis has continually urged society to cherish the wisdom and contributions of the elderly. 

History and faith remain intertwined in the lands of modern-day Turkey, a nation that welcomes 50 million visitors each year. Though only about 0.2% of its population is baptized Christian today, traces as the land of ecumenical councils endure. 

Finally, we revisit a harrowing yet inspiring moment. On October 13, 1972, a Uruguayan plane crashed in the Andes, leaving 16 survivors, sustained by their faith. In an exclusive interview, one survivor recounts their story. 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope appoints Catholic Harvard professor to Vatican social sciences academy

Tyler J. VanderWeele, a Catholic, is an epidemiologist and director of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University.

Pope Francis in Hungary: What is the situation of the Catholic Church?

The Vatican has unveiled the logo and slogan for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Hungary, where he will

60 Years of Pope Paul VI: A Legacy of Holiness and Reform

Join us as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the election of St. Pope Paul VI, a pontiff

On this day, Saint John XXIII Entrusted Vatican Council II to Saint Joseph

On March 19, 1961, Pope Saint John XXIII, affectionately known as the 'Good Pope,' announced through L’Osservatore Romano—the Vatican's daily newspaper—the publication of an apostolic letter dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Here’s what’s happening during the last week of the Synod on Synodality

After two and a half weeks, the last of two assemblies for the Synod on Synodality is about to enter its final stretch before officially concluding on Oct. 27.

Pope Francis to Star in New Disney Documentary on Hulu

Pope Francis will soon be the star of a Disney documentary. The broadcast, called “The Pope: Answers” is

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com