This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.

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Ceasefire in Gaza 

Pope Francis has thanked the mediators who brokered the latest Gaza ceasefire, effective 19 January. After leading the Angelus prayer with thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, he described the ceasefire as an “important result” for the region, which has endured over a year of conflict since Israel declared war on Hamas on 7 October 2023. 

Family Bonus in Vatican City  

At Pope Francis’ request, the Vatican will now pay a monthly bonus of 300 euros (about $309) per family to employees of the city-state who have three or more children. This is in line with the Holy Fathers  frequent warnings about countries’ low fertility rates.  The Vatican Governorate called the child bonus the pope’s “personal initiative” and said that Francis “supports large families and offers them financial assistance.”  Francis has also determined that the city-state’s three days of paid parental leave for new fathers — whether through birth, adoption, or fostering — be extended to five days. By comparison, the Italian state grants ten days of parental leave. 

Pope Blesses New U.S. President 

Pope Francis has extended his blessings to Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. He prayed for Trump’s wisdom, strength and protection in his duties and bestowed blessings upon the American people. He also reminded the new administration to build a more just society and called plans for repatriating illegal migrants a “disgrace”. 

Vatican Mediated release of Cuban Prisoners  

The Cuban government has announced the release of more than 500 prisoners through mediation by Pope Francis, honoring the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025. President Díaz-Canel answered the call of Pope Francis to release prisoners during the Jubilee Year of Hope, which began on 24 December 2024 at the Vatican.   

Cardinal Pizzaballa Encourages Pilgrimages to Holy Land 

Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa called the recent ceasefire in Gaza a turning point for the Holy Land. “Last year was difficult,” he said. For this year, he said he would hope on the universal Church’s support, prayers, unity and solidarity for the Holy Land. He urged Christians worldwide to come to Jerusalem, emphasising the new safety under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. “Hope originates here at the Holy Sepulchre with Jesus, the Risen Lord,” he said and added: “We are waiting for you.” 

Adapted by Jacob Stein