This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
Countries Need God’s ‘Gift of Peace’
Pope Francis invites faithful to pray for God’s “gift of peace”. He named Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Israel and Palestine as countries that particularly need this gift. While undergoing medical treatment at Gemelli Hospital, the Holy Father continues to make regular calls to the Holy Family Church in Gaza. 600 people are still seeking shelter in the parish.
Ramadan: Solidarity with Muslims
The Vatican has expressed its solidarity with Muslims participating in the Ramadan fast. In its message the Vatican’s office for interreligious dialogue noted that Catholics also fast and do penance during the season of Lent. This could be a start for greater dialogue and friendship between people of the two religions. In 2025, Ramadan runs from Feb. 28 to March 29.
Pope Speaks about Temptations
Defeats are not definitive for those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust in God’s love and forgiveness. In his pre-prepared homily for the first Sunday of Lent, the Holy Father said difficulties and trials do not “end in failure” for Christians who embrace their relationship with God. Defeat is not “definitive”, underlined the Holy Father.
NASA Scientist for Pontifical Academy of Sciences
A NASA geophysicist, a Harvard genetics professor, and a Chinese embryonic development researcher are amongst five new members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The new appointees include Maria Zuber, an American planetary scientist involved in multiple NASA missions and Meng Anming, a Chinese developmental biologist specializing in embryonic research. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences brings together leading international experts to promote scientific progress and interdisciplinary research.
Forgiveness Stronger than Violent Words
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said that forgiveness is stronger than violent words. In his Lenten message Pizzaballa recalled that the “overbearing rhetoric of conflict and recrimination” can never prevent God from carrying out reconciliation in Jesus. The cardinal invited families to pray together and to go to confession in an “authentic, devout and frequent” way.
