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.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

Powerful moments from Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV’s first official papal trip from Nov. 27–Dec. 2 to Turkey and Lebanon has just ended.

Vatican authority asks that at Christmas there be “lights on” in confessionals

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, wrote a letter addressed to confessors inviting them to

Pope Francis appoints Victor Fernandez as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Pope Francis Appoints Archbishop Victor Fernandez as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Highlighting a New Direction in Church Teaching
Pope Leo XIV addresses cardinals during the extraordinary consistory on Jan. 7, 2026 in Vatican City. (photo: Vatican Media)

Pope Leo XIV Convenes Second Consistory Amid Continued Concerns Over ‘Synodal’ Structure

ANALYSIS: Increased participation and opportunity to submit contributions to the Holy Father are new elements to the meeting,
Pope Leo XIV speaks aboard the papal plane flying from Algeria to Cameroon on April 15, 2026. | Credit: Patrick Leonard/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Cameroon for second leg of Africa trip

Reflecting on the visit to Algeria, the pope described it as “a wonderful opportunity to continue building bridges

75 Years After Dogma Declaration, Mary’s Assumption Still Lifts the Church

With her bodily glorification in heaven, Mary assumes the role of mother not just with regard to Christ, but towards all those who form part of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com